Chinese language to empower Omani students
Published: 05:04 PM,Apr 10,2025 | EDITED : 09:04 PM,Apr 10,2025
MUSCAT, APRIL 10
To enhance the skills of students in Oman, the Chinese language has been introduced into the curricula for the upcoming academic year 2025/2026.
This subject is an elective that will be implemented in the governorates of Muscat and Al Dakhiliyah for grades 11 and 12.
The Ministry of Education mentioned that the objectives of teaching the Chinese language include: providing students with basic language skills in terms of speaking and writing, preparing students for the requirements of the global labour market, enabling students to learn a new global language that enhances their academic and professional opportunities and broadening students' horizons in the fields of Chinese culture, history and arts.
The methods and means of teaching this language include textbooks consisting of the first level (AI1) and the second level (AI2), which include references for learning the Chinese language, in addition to educational tools including printed and non-printed enrichment educational tools; and the use of modern technologies to support language learning.
Abdullah bin Ali al Balushi, from the Department of Curriculum Development for Humanities in the General Directorate, stated that the subject will be taught by specialists in teaching the Chinese language to non-native speakers, who speak English in addition to the Chinese language; in addition to providing a simplified curriculum in line with the Omani cultural context; to achieve the goals set by the ministry on the one hand and the approved linguistic framework for levels in the Chinese language on the other hand.
In recent years, the Gulf countries have witnessed an increasing demand for learning the Chinese language and the economic importance of learning Chinese is at the top of the list of reasons for all this demand, as these countries have strong trade and investment relations with China.
According to a study conducted by Harvard University in 2023, the number of students enrolled in Chinese language education programmes in the Gulf countries reached about 100,000 students, an increase of 20 per cent over 2022.
Regarding the reasons for the demand for learning the Chinese language globally and in the Arab world, Dr Jeffrey Gill of Flinders University in Australia explained in his book 'The Rise of the Chinese Language' in 2021 that some countries are accepting the teaching of the Chinese language in order to strengthen economic relations with Beijing and communicate better with businessmen there.
Also, it could be inferred that learning Chinese opens the door to opportunities for study and research in Chinese universities and institutes, as China follows a policy of expanding scientific research and higher education.
To enhance the skills of students in Oman, the Chinese language has been introduced into the curricula for the upcoming academic year 2025/2026.
This subject is an elective that will be implemented in the governorates of Muscat and Al Dakhiliyah for grades 11 and 12.
The Ministry of Education mentioned that the objectives of teaching the Chinese language include: providing students with basic language skills in terms of speaking and writing, preparing students for the requirements of the global labour market, enabling students to learn a new global language that enhances their academic and professional opportunities and broadening students' horizons in the fields of Chinese culture, history and arts.
The methods and means of teaching this language include textbooks consisting of the first level (AI1) and the second level (AI2), which include references for learning the Chinese language, in addition to educational tools including printed and non-printed enrichment educational tools; and the use of modern technologies to support language learning.
Abdullah bin Ali al Balushi, from the Department of Curriculum Development for Humanities in the General Directorate, stated that the subject will be taught by specialists in teaching the Chinese language to non-native speakers, who speak English in addition to the Chinese language; in addition to providing a simplified curriculum in line with the Omani cultural context; to achieve the goals set by the ministry on the one hand and the approved linguistic framework for levels in the Chinese language on the other hand.
In recent years, the Gulf countries have witnessed an increasing demand for learning the Chinese language and the economic importance of learning Chinese is at the top of the list of reasons for all this demand, as these countries have strong trade and investment relations with China.
According to a study conducted by Harvard University in 2023, the number of students enrolled in Chinese language education programmes in the Gulf countries reached about 100,000 students, an increase of 20 per cent over 2022.
Regarding the reasons for the demand for learning the Chinese language globally and in the Arab world, Dr Jeffrey Gill of Flinders University in Australia explained in his book 'The Rise of the Chinese Language' in 2021 that some countries are accepting the teaching of the Chinese language in order to strengthen economic relations with Beijing and communicate better with businessmen there.
Also, it could be inferred that learning Chinese opens the door to opportunities for study and research in Chinese universities and institutes, as China follows a policy of expanding scientific research and higher education.