TITLE:
Achievements and Challenges of Chinese Language Teaching in Nigeria: Study of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, 2008-2023
AUTHORS:
Zhangbao Yu, Anas Elochukwu, Jiawen Zhang, Le Zhang
KEYWORDS:
Confucius Institute, Chinese Teaching, HSK, Chinese Bridge, Achievements, Challenges
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Linguistics,
Vol.14 No.3,
June
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: Africa is considered the region with the best performance by the Confucius Institutes, and the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria (hereafter referred to as CI at NAU or the Institute) is an outstanding exemplar among Africa’s Confucius Institutes. It has provided Chinese language training to more than 50,000 Nigerians and supplied about 30,000-strong Chinese-proficient manpower to different enterprises in Nigeria and beyond. In terms of efficiency in Chinese language teaching and multiple data indicators of the HSK exam, the Institute has set several records. Since 2018, in the “Chinese Bridge” competition, the Institute has produced 3 continental (African) champions, 2 “First Prize” winners, and 4 “Third Prize” winners in the world. Despite these achievements, the Institute faces the challenge of a severe shortage of teaching resources. This paper argues that, only by increasing support for Chinese language education, can the difficulties in Chinese language teaching in Nigeria be resolved.