Saudi Arabia is incorporating Mandarin as a mandatory second language in schools, highlighting its growing relations with China. This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy and enhance international partnerships. Students, such as Yasser al-Shaalan, are gaining valuable skills in Mandarin, facilitated by modern teaching methods. The initiative aligns with China’s prominence in the global economy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.
In a notable development, 14-year-old Yasser al-Shaalan engages with a Chinese textbook in his classroom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His school is among the many across the kingdom where students are now mandated to learn Mandarin, signifying deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and China as the country seeks to diversify its economy and international partnerships. Shaalan remarked on the advantage of being proficient in Arabic, English, and Chinese, highlighting its value for his future prospects.
In August, Saudi Arabia declared Mandarin a compulsory second foreign language in six of the thirteen administrative regions. Students like Shaalan benefit from three weekly lessons taught by Ma Shuaib, a Chinese national fluent in Arabic. In their lessons, children learn Chinese characters interactively and through modern teaching methods, making the language more accessible and engaging for them.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative to integrate Mandarin into education stems from a 2019 visit to China. Following this, numerous Saudi universities initiated Chinese programs, including the establishment of the kingdom’s first Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University. Amidst rising global interest in Mandarin, especially given China’s economic significance, no concerns regarding political implications of language instruction have arisen in Saudi Arabia.
Ma Shuaib employs digital tools and interactive games to simplify the complexities of the language. Although Mandarin instruction does not contribute to students’ overall grades, the focus is heavily on listening and speaking before progressing to writing. According to Sattam al-Otaibi, the school’s director, proficiency in Chinese is increasingly vital for future economic communication, given the significant role of China in global industries.
China has emerged as Saudi Arabia’s key trade partner, with two-way trade surpassing $100 billion in 2023. This strengthening relationship aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification. Whereas U.S.-Saudi relations have varied, Saudi ties with China have become increasingly robust, underscored by diplomatic engagements, including recent agreements totaling over $10 billion in investments.
The introduction of Mandarin instruction is reflective of the global shift towards recognizing China as an economic powerhouse. Umer Karim, a foreign policy expert, emphasizes that teaching children Chinese aligns with the evolving global dynamics of economic influence, showcasing the importance of equipping Saudi youths with necessary language skills to thrive in a changing world.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic decision to incorporate Mandarin into school curricula demonstrates a significant shift towards stronger relations with China. This initiative not only enhances the linguistic abilities of Saudi youths but also positions the kingdom favorably in the global economic landscape. With a clear commitment to diversifying its economic partnerships, Saudi Arabia is poised to strengthen its role in international trade and diplomacy, reflecting the ongoing transformation in global power dynamics.
Original Source: www.mykxlg.com
