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'Chinese Puzzle:' Why and how Amercians learn Chinese

Xu Wei City News Service 2023-02-21


It is estimated that about 200 million people outside China have learned Chinese. By the end of last year, 81 countries and regions had incorporated Chinese language into their education systems.
A 95-minute documentary "Chinese Puzzle," which focuses on 40 or so Americans learning Chinese or helping promote Chinese language education programs aired on Dragon TV on February 5, the traditional Lantern Festival.
People can watch the three episodes of "Chinese Puzzle" on Knews app or website (www.kankanews.com/detail/djQKDL9P0wO).


It took the crew of Shanghai Media Group's SMG News over half a year to travel more than 100,000 kilometers across over 20 cities in the United States to talk with local people and get first-hand material on camera.


Chinese language and culture have seen increasing popularity in the US since the formal establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1979. The documentary also provides insights into how Americans learn Chinese and build emotional connections with Chinese culture and arts.


Tatum Howell (second from left) is one of the top 50 International Chinese Bridge Competition finalists. The 9-year-old girl, whose Chinese name is Hao Tiantian, can speak fluent Chinese.





According to the US-China Strong Foundation, more than 200,000 schools and kindergartens in the US have set up Chinese language courses in their curriculum. Around 400,000 Americans are learning Chinese now. In fact, Ohio State University has fostered 25 PhD graduates and 100 postgraduates to boost Chinese language education.


Among the interviewees are students who amazed audiences at the International Chinese Bridge Competition with their high level of Chinese, deaf-mute children who are rebuilding their confidence through learning Chinese sign language, as well as a college teacher, an academy executive director and a former Utah senator who are all dedicated to the spread of immersion programs for more Americans to learn Chinese.


Additionally, the crew also interviewed an American entrepreneur who is devoted to bilateral cultural exchanges, and a singer who uses various social platforms to try to eliminate some people's prejudices and false stereotypes about China.


Top: Susan Burg (center) is the executive director of the Yinghua Academy, the first public charter Chinese immersion school in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Above: Former Utah senator Howard Stephenson has pushed the legislation for the Utah Dual Language Immersion Program.





Producers noted that while sharing their own stories related to China, most of the interviewees expressed their sincere wishes for stable and healthy Sino-US relations. They also hoped to visit China and talk with local people to know about the real China in the future.


Top: Kendall Kracke, whose Chinese name is Li Xiaoyu, is a graduate student from Portland State University. She was the champion at the 20th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students.

Above: Eddie Conger, superintendent of International Leadership of Texas, is engaged in the spread of dual language immersion education.




Tao Qiushi, deputy director of SMG News, said that it took them around two years to prepare for the shooting of the documentary. In the future, they also plan to introduce the documentary to a wider global audience on streaming platforms and channels.



China's growing appeal and influence have also fueled foreigners' enthusiasm for learning Chinese.

— Tao Qiushi

Deputy director of SMG News



-End-


Click the pictures to read past stories ↓




Editor: Su Yanxian
Designer: Shi JingyunWriter: Xu WeiPhoto: Ti Gong



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