Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has launched a new initiative to teach Mandarin in its schools, aiming to equip students with valuable linguistic skills and foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. This program, targeting primary and middle school students, is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with China, a key global economic power and major trading partner of the Kingdom.
The introduction of Mandarin reflects Saudi Arabia's recognition of China’s growing influence in the global economy and the importance of fostering cultural and economic connections between the two nations.
Phased Implementation and Vision 2023
According to Arab News, 175 educators have been assigned across Saudi Arabia to teach Mandarin, following an education agreement signed between the Kingdom and China last year.
The Saudi Ministry of Education has selected several schools to pilot the program, with plans to gradually expand the curriculum to include instruction up to the third secondary grade by 2029.
The phased rollout of the Mandarin program will enable the Saudi Ministry of Education to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments
Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan recently underscored the government's commitment to investing in the education sector as part of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance international cooperation.
Cultural and economic benefits
The introduction of Mandarin is expected to enhance students' job prospects and academic opportunities, particularly for those aiming to study at prestigious Chinese universities.
A Riyadh resident and mother, as reported by Arab News, expressed her support for the initiative, viewing it as a significant step towards promoting global culture and providing students with valuable new language skills. She praised the inclusion of Chinese teachers, noting the importance of cultural immersion in language learning.
Chinese perspectives on the development were equally positive. A mother from Tianjin, emphasized the mutual benefits of the program, noting that it helps bridge communication gaps and fosters cultural exchange. “This cultural exchange is about finding beauty in our differences and growing together,” she remarked.
As mentioned by Arab News, Alice Xiong, a teacher from Guangdong province, described the initiative as a "win-win" situation. She highlighted that increasing Mandarin instruction would facilitate smoother communication between Saudi and Chinese young people, especially given the rising number of Chinese nationals engaging in business and travel in Saudi Arabia. Xiong also noted that Arabic courses are increasingly available in Chinese universities and international schools, underscoring the bidirectional nature of this cultural exchange.
This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, with long-term benefits anticipated for both countries in terms of cultural exchange and economic collaboration.