By Li Xirui, Yang Shilong

PHILADELPHIA, the United States, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Educators and students gathered here on Saturday at Saint Joseph's University to share experiences in Chinese-language teaching and learning.

One major focus of discussion at the Pennsylvania Chinese Language Conference was the disparate nature of Chinese language learning across the state. Teachers from different systems have different problems, and "that is why we need to sit together," said Julie Yu, assistant provost of China Programs at Saint Joseph's University. "Pennsylvania is not short of dedication; what it has lacked is a platform where all systems can see one another, support one another, and connect with one another."

At the conference, organizers announced the formation of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Chinese Language Education, a new statewide platform intended to bring together K-12, community-school, and higher-education educators. Yu is one of the founders.

"We have -- one educator who came from a public school district, another from a community-based Chinese school, and a third from a university -- discussed together that Chinese education in Pennsylvania has never lacked light," Yu said. "It's just that the light has fallen in different places."

She added that Chinese-language educators stand on the "frontline" of international education and cultural connection. The hope is that learning Chinese will inspire students to develop a deeper interest in the language, naturally grow curious about Chinese culture, and eventually explore China.

The gathering also brought together participants from across the international Chinese-language community to exchange experiences in teaching Chinese in the United States, discuss challenges and best practices, and explore how AI can enhance students' language learning.

"In a complex and interdependent world, language educators play a uniquely consequential role. You sustain dialogue, open windows between cultures, and prepare the next generation of global citizens," said Joshua Power, associate provost and dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Saint Joseph's University.

"This conference demonstrates what becomes possible when schools, universities, community programs and cultural organizations come together. It reflects an educational ecosystem built on collaboration and shared purpose," he added.

Saint Joseph's University runs a long-established Chinese-language program and maintains an exchange partnership with Hunan Normal University in Hunan province, China.

"Over the past 20 years, we have celebrated and sustained the rapid growth of Chinese language learning across universities and schools," said Yu Yougen, education counselor at the Chinese Consulate General in New York. Yu said the development of a more systematic Chinese-language education ecosystem in the United States has been made possible mainly by international educators who have played a crucial role in promoting and supporting Chinese teaching.

Niara Urquhart, a master's student in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied Chinese since high school. She recently traveled to Beijing through a study-abroad program, living on the campus of Beijing Normal University. During the program, she committed herself to using only Chinese in her daily life and coursework.

Speaking Chinese allowed her to have deeper, more meaningful interactions with people.

"It shows a deeper appreciation," she said, adding some Americans have prejudice against China, and there are misguided impressions about Americans as well.

The role of language and being able to communicate in social exchange is to correct some of those perceptions, she said.

"There are people who want to learn, and there are people who want to do more. And if anyone wants to go to China, I say go for it. One hundred percent go for it," Urquhart said. Enditem