Skip to main content

Language learning in demand as ties grow


Language learning in demand as ties grow

A group of Northern Ireland schoolchildren warmed the hearts of Chinese guests on a cold
December day when they performed Chinese songs. The children had rehearsed for six weeks, with the help of Mandarin teachers from the University of Ulster's Confucius Institute.
The performance on Friday, inside Belfast's elegant and historic Parliament Buildings, preceded a welcome dinner ahead of the third UK-China Regional Leaders Meeting on Saturday that was attended by more than 100 provincial and municipal leaders from China. As trade relations between China and Northern Ireland grow, Mandarin has become more popular in the province. Friday's performance was given by children from Millburn Primary School and Grosvenor Grammar School, which both offer Mandarin lessons, thanks to the local Confucius Institute that was established in 2012. From its start five years ago, which saw two Mandarin teachers support 169 students, the University of Ulster's Confucius Institute has grown to comprise 51 teachers and 19,000 registered students. A quarter of the institute's 161 partner primary and secondary schools have made Mandarin learning compulsory for certain age groups. And students also gain exposure to Chinese culture, including calligraphy and music.
"Our Confucius Institute was established partly in response to existing demand from schools," said Liu Yan, director of the University of Ulster's Confucius Institute. While preparing to open the institute, her team sent out a survey to 1,241 primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Around 500 responded by saying they would like to off er Mandarin lessons.
The Chinese government launched the Confucius Institute concept in 2004 as a way of promoting the Chinese language and culture abroad. Confucius Institutes are nonprofi t organizations and are affiliated with Western academic institutions, including secondary schools and universities. So far, 516 Confucius Institutes have been established in 142 countries and regions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coronavirus: 'The worst bit is the uncontrollable coughing'

"The worst bit is the uncontrollable coughing," says Andrew O'Dwyer, who is recovering after being infected with the new coronavirus following a skiing trip to Italy in late February. "I've had worse flu, without a doubt - but I wouldn't want to catch it again," he says during his self-isolation at home in south-west London. Despite having type 1 diabetes, Andrew says having the virus "isn't anything to worry about for me personally". He adds that the fever he experienced is "no different to normal flu-type symptoms". "I've not been concerned," he says. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among people. Those who are older and have pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are more likely to become severely ill and can need hospital treatment. There have been 10 coronavirus-related deaths so far in the UK. Andrew was told the virus wasn't circulating in the resort ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Babajide made a Stunning Revelation about the Forthcoming Governorship Election in Edo State

Babajide a veteran journalist, while speaking on the popular program “Journalist Hangout” on TVC news Friday August 7, made a stunning revelation about the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state, says all political parties should shown violence because election is not a do or die affair. Babajide while reacting said “ I have to say I have my fears about these forthcoming election, and I hope my fears does not come past. As we can see the shenanigans in Edo state it is now visible that it is no more Oshiomole against Obaseki, it is now PDP against APC which could be devastating in the light of the politics going on now. Obaseki himself divided the APC, because all the lawmakers in Edo state belong to the APC but he divided them by inaugurating some lawmakers, and refusing to inaugurate others. Right now as it stands 17 lawmakers have decided to align with the APC and just 7 lawmakers is with the Governor. For me I think Obaseki should have averted these problem by just issuing a...
Post a Comment
Read more

7 Ways to boost your brain

When it comes to mental endurance, there are a few ways to ensure a sharp mind and excellent concentration. Peter Jordan, Principal Officer of Fedhealth, explains that nutritionists emphasise the importance of healthy eating habits at such a particularly stressful time. “They advise that the right food and drink can energise your system, improve your alertness and sustain you through the long exam hours. On the other hand making the wrong dietary choices could leave you feeling jittery, sluggish or burned-out.” 1. Don’t skip meals For one, it’s important to make sure to eat. Even if you’re feeling nervous or nauseous, your brain needs the energy from food to work efficiently and stave off fatigue. However it is important to ensure it’s a light meal so you don’t feel too full. If you eat a big breakfast or lunch before an exam, you could feel drowsy and heavy, because your body’s energy is being channelled to the digestive system rath...
Post a Comment
Read more