Saudi Schools Embrace Mandarin Amid Strengthening Ties with China
Saudi Arabia has introduced Mandarin as a compulsory foreign language in its schools, signifying stronger ties with China. This initiative aligns with the kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Students like Yasser al-Shaalan are learning Mandarin, taught by Chinese teachers, as the country strives to enhance its global partnerships and economic communication.
In Saudi Arabia, a growing number of schoolchildren, including 14-year-old Yasser al-Shaalan, are learning Mandarin. This development represents an increase in the ties between Saudi Arabia and China, as the Gulf kingdom seeks to diversify its economy and global partnerships. Shaalan noted, “I know Arabic, English, and Chinese, which is a great asset for my future.”
As of August, Mandarin became a mandatory second foreign language in public schools across six of the kingdom’s 13 regions. Shaalan and his peers participate in three Mandarin lessons each week, conducted by Ma Shuaib, a Chinese educator fluent in Arabic. The incorporation of technology in classrooms includes the use of an electronic whiteboard for teaching Chinese characters.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman initiated the plan for Mandarin education after visiting China in 2019, highlighting China’s growing economic influence. Many Saudi universities have since developed Chinese language programs, including the establishment of the kingdom’s first Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh.
Despite concerns in other countries regarding Chinese language programs, there have been no similar apprehensions in Saudi Arabia. Educators like Ma utilize interactive teaching methods to facilitate learning, and while grades for Mandarin do not affect overall performance, the curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ communication skills.
The director of the Yazeed bin Abi Othman School, Sattam al-Otaibi, remarked on the economic significance of Mandarin, claiming, “Chinese is the language of the future for economic communication.” As China accounts for a significant portion of Saudi oil exports, the economic relationship between the two nations continues to thrive, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion in 2023.
Amidst fluctuating US-Saudi relations, the kingdom has turned to strengthen partnerships with China and Russia, particularly as China enhances its influence in the Middle East. Umer Karim, a foreign policy expert at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of Saudi-China relations, noting that, “For Saudi Arabia, the relationship with China has become one of the most important.”
The promising future of this relationship is depicted through recent agreements and investments, including a Sino-Arab Investment Forum that secured over $10 billion in investments. The promotion of Mandarin education aligns with the global economic shift, positioning Saudi youth to engage with the growing Chinese economy effectively.
The introduction of Mandarin in Saudi schools marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen ties with China. With a focus on economic diversification and enhancing communication skills, the Saudi educational system embraces a new global economic landscape. As both nations consolidate their partnership, Saudi Arabia positions its youth to benefit from the increasing importance of the Chinese language in international economics and diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.mykxlg.com
