Chinese Language Instruction Introduced in Saudi Schools
In a move to enhance linguistic skills and cultural appreciation among young Saudis, Chinese language instruction has officially commenced in the country’s schools. The program targets primary and middle school students, with 175 educators currently teaching Mandarin in Saudi Arabia as part of an education agreement signed between the two nations last year.
The Saudi Ministry of Education aims to provide students with valuable language skills that could improve their job prospects and open doors to prestigious Chinese universities.
Positive Reactions to the Initiative
Hanan Alharbi, a Saudi mother from Riyadh, expressed her support for the new language program, highlighting its role in promoting global culture and equipping students with practical language skills, especially with Chinese teachers leading the instruction.
Chinese mother Taotao Wang sees the initiative as a positive step towards sharing the rich cultural heritage of China with the world, while also facilitating effective communication and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Mutual Benefits and Cultural Exchange
Alice Xiong, a teacher from Guangdong province in China, views the introduction of the Chinese language in Saudi schools as a “win-win” situation. She believes that fostering direct communication between young people from both countries will enhance cultural and commercial exchanges in the long run.
On the other hand, Arabic language courses are now being offered in Chinese universities, demonstrating a mutual interest in language learning and cultural understanding between Saudi Arabia and China.
Future Plans and Evaluation
The Saudi Ministry of Education has selected several schools to pilot the language program, with plans to expand the curriculum up to the third secondary grade by 2029. This phased approach will allow for evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and necessary adjustments to be made along the way.
Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan emphasized the government’s significant investment in the education sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of education and skills development in the Kingdom.