英語翻譯
Mandarin craze spreads in West
(China Daily) Updated:2005-05-26 11:43
The current craze of foreigners learning Chinese is because of China's peaceful development and the unique charm of its culture,says an article in People's Daily.An excerpt follows:
A few days ago,a Confucius college opened in Stockholm University in Sweden,offering Chinese language and culture courses.It is the third such school outside China,and as reported,there will soon be around 100 such schools around the world to facilitate Chinese language teaching.
These schools are being established to meet the needs of more than 30 million foreigners who want to learn Chinese.In South Korea,for example,many universities have introduced China or Chinese language studies into the school curriculum.In Europe,where the Chinese language used to be regarded as a mystery,more and more college students are taking Chinese.
The world is witnessing a 45 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of people who take the HSK test,a standardized test at State level that measures foreigners' proficiency in Chinese.
The increase in learning Chinese reflects the fact that China is recognized by the world as a promising economy and a lucrative market.Many countries have a strong desire to conduct economic and technological co-operation and exchanges with China.
The so-called "Chinese craze" is also the result of China's growing influence in the international arena.China is building up an image as a big nation which shoulders its responsibilities and cares for the international community.
Foreigners who learn Chinese are also very interested in Chinese culture.Since China adopted the opening-up policy in late 1970s,many foreigners have flooded into the country to have a taste of its fabulous cultural heritage,such as Peking Opera,Chinese martial arts and traditional Chinese cuisine.
Some of them are so fascinated with the culture that they have decided to learn more about the country by studying its language and culture.