An unprecedented upsurge of learning Chinese and Chinese culture has emerged in the world along with China's booming economy, WTO entry and successful bidding for 2008 Olympics.
Statistics show that nearly 25 million foreigners are learning Chinese abroad and over 2,100 universities in 85 countries are teaching Chinese language courses. The test of Chinese as a foreign language has been carried out for over ten years and many special Chinese tests will be launched according to sources from an international forum Monday held in Beijing Language and Culture University.
The Chinese government has paid great attention to the spread of Chinese in the world. Chinese language education for foreigners has developed for 50 years. Departments concerned have input enough money and outstanding experts for compiling Chinese textbooks for major foreign languages in two years.
As reported, besides universities, more and more overseas middle and primary schools have opened Chinese language courses. China is actively developing Chinese language education on Internet, with many foreigners from 114 countries have registered for Chinese study through Internet.
Descending at the 10-day 2002 International Forum on Chinese Language Educational Development are delegates from 34 universities of 15 countries.
(People's Daily July 24, 2002)
