As Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a state visit to France, both nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. This milestone underscores the deepening cultural and educational ties that have been building for decades.
Nicolas Idier, inspector-general of Chinese language education at the French Ministry of National Education, shared insights with The Hub in Paris. He revealed that approximately 40,000 young French schoolchildren are currently studying Mandarin as a foreign language.
\"It's not a fad,\" Idier emphasized, \"it's truly rooted in French culture.\" This surge in Mandarin learning reflects a long-standing tradition of cultural exchange between France and the Chinese mainland, dating back centuries.
The increasing interest in Mandarin aligns with global trends where young global citizens recognize the importance of bilingualism and the economic and cultural opportunities that come with mastering a language as influential as Chinese.
With initiatives like these, France is positioning itself as a hub for language and cultural education, fostering a generation of multilingual individuals ready to engage in a globally connected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
