The study of the Chinese language by foreigners as part of linguistic tourism in the universities of China

Abstract

In this article, the authors consider the problems of the growing popularity of learning the Chinese language which is nowadays becoming more and more demanded and actual in the spheres of world trading businesses, culture and science. For successful and effective mastering Chinese, it is recommended to learn it, as well as other foreign languages by using the method of immersion in the native speakers’ country. Thus, for people willing to learn Chinese there are two alternative variants. In the first case, one studies it as a part of linguistic tourism combining recreation and education and this kind of programs is focused on tastes and financial possibilities of tourists. In the second case, the studies are organized in the state universities and colleges of PRC and considered as education. Even if the specialty chosen is not connected with linguistics, preparation for major subject studies is the Chinese language course lasting for 1-2 years. The authors point out that it is possible for state university and college students’ to win scholarships and grants in case of a successful school performance which can cover partially or completely their education-related costs in PRC. For realizing these possibilities, the state organizations established by the Chinese government take such actions as founding the Confucius Institutes, intended for popularization of the Chinese language worldwide, and special information agencies and consortiums, providing guidance to high-school graduates in their choice of Chinese universities and colleges for getting education.