Why Learn Chinese Language and Culture?
- Mauritius is a multilingual and multicultural society with a participative Chinese diaspora; Mandarin and other Chinese languages are important elements of this multiculturalism.
- Mauritius and China have a long and multifaceted relationship.
- Mandarin is a major world language and becoming an increasingly global language.
- Mauritius has a very strong economic, business and social ties with China. Language is key to the extension of networks.
- There are a number of scholarships on offer to study in China. Chinese literacy is an advantage.
- There are a number of work opportunities in Chinese organizations worldwide where the mastery of Mandarin language is essential.
Number of Classes
As of April 2018, there are seven (7) classes with a total of around students learning Mandarin language. There are about 50 staff and about 150 students of UoM studying the Mandarin language. The classes are held at the CI-UoM classroom, University of Mauritius from Monday to Sunday every week. The duration of the classes varies between one to two hours per session. The students of CI-UoM started at the beginner’s level and have now achieved different levels of literacy of the Mandarin language. Some of the students are contemplating taking the HSK tests anytime soon!!
Chinese Module
A Chinese module has been developed by the CI-UoM and is now on offer at the Department of History and Political Science, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, University of Mauritius.
The module ‘Chinese Language and Culture’ (LANG 1203) – is an elective module common to three programmes of study namely:
- BSc (Hons) Political Science;
- BA (Hons) Politics with Public Administration, and;
- BA (Hons) Politics, Human Rights and International Relations.
This module carries 3 credits and is of 45 hours duration and is run once per week (1½ hrs session) for15 weeks (one semester).
Intermediate and advanced elective modules in ‘Chinese Language and Culture’ may be offered in year 2 and 3 of the programmes of study, depending on the students’ interest.