Promoting localization

Ru Yi, from Hungary, was the first non-chinese teacher hired by a Confucius Institute in Europe. Her interest in Chinese language and culture goes back to her childhood and led her to participate twice in the “Chinese Bridge” competition organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters.

Nowadays, Confucius Institutes are more and more relying on local teachers around the world. Only in Cameroon, there are more than 100 local teachers proficient in Chinese working in the field of Chinese language teaching. “Enhancing the development of local teachers is important to promote mutual understanding among different cultures,” Yu said.

Li Qingjun, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at University of Zambia, said that localization of textbooks is another important aspect of their successful integration.

“The Confucius Institute Headquarters encourage countries to publish Chinese teaching textbooks adapted to local conditions. For example, Zambia is known for its famous Victoria Falls, and so we are compiling a Chinese textbook on tourism in Zambia which will include the Victoria Falls,” Li said.

In view of Londoners’ interest in Chinese Kunqu Opera - one of China’s most popular operas - the Confucius Institute in London held Kunqu Opera performances and related lectures throughout October 2015. The institute invited the famous opera performer Wang Fang and an English expert who had worked in the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Academy to explain Kunqu culture. This kind of activities made it easier for Londoners to understand Kunqu culture.

Preliminary rounds of the “Chinese Bridge” competition are held around the world, like here in Zambia