An international school in Shanghai is using Chinese lunar new year as an occasion to highlight to its multicultural student body the importance of learning Putonghua.

According to the school, it is crucial in today's globalized society for every international student, regardless of their nationality, to become fluent in the common language of this rising superpower.

Throughout the world, whether in fashion, technology, business or politics, China is showing its vast impact, and international schools in Shanghai want their graduates to be at the center of this global phenomenon.

"China is becoming an economic and social leader in the world, so learning and understanding the Chinese language and culture is crucial for success in almost every future career," explained Helena Hicks, director of Chinese Studies at Wellington College International Shanghai.

Hicks added that her school is committed to an extensive Chinese curriculum, which includes culture-to-culture events such as its annual Chinese lunar new year show. Students and parents living in the exclusive Pudong New Area community are invited to take part in the festivities, which showcased 500 costumes representing numerous Chinese ethnicities, styles and eras.

With many similar celebrations taking place right now at almost every international school in Shanghai, it is clear that these elite institutions hope that, despite their isolated locations, they can impart an understanding of local culture to their respective student bodies.

"It is exciting for our pupils to see their British school turn Chinese for the holiday," said Hicks.

John Edwards, the British consul general in Shanghai, attended the celebrations at Wellington and was happy to see foreign students exposed to Chinese culture. "I know just how much Wellington College puts into the community; an event like this really shows that involvement," Edwards said.

Annie Wang, assistant director of Chinese Studies at Wellington, said that Wellingtonians are enthusiastic learners of Putonghua and that they also understand the global importance of China. "They are very curious to know more. Celebrations like Chinese New Year motivates them to practice their language skills," Wang said.

Global Times



 

Students and teachers perform at the Chinese New Year celebrations. Photos: Courtesy of Wellington College International Shanghai

 
Newspaper headline: The globalization of Putonghua