CHINESE COURSE FOR BEGINNERS WITH THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE

The choice of Chinese as the second language in the curriculum for the Pascal Linguistic High School has been a key aspect of the program's commitment to providing students with an education that extends beyond Europe. The Confucius Institute of the University of Turin will partner with the Pascal High School in this new curriculum.

While English is the most widespread language, Chinese is undoubtedly the most widely spoken (15% of the world's population), taking first place as the world's first language by number of native speakers.

Furthermore, recent studies have shown that learning a language like Chinese stimulates the cognitive development of young students, improving problem-solving skills, creativity, and mental flexibility.

Studying Chinese will allow students to experience a culture that is thousands of years old, fostering open-mindedness, an understanding of cultural differences, and an appreciation for diversity.

Learning a foreign language is a valuable experience for any child, but studying Chinese can offer unique and significant benefits.
In an increasingly globalized world, knowing Chinese can open many doors and offer unprecedented opportunities.

First, China is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world.

International trade with China is steadily increasing, and many Italian companies have business relationships with the Asian country. Knowledge of the Chinese language can therefore represent a competitive advantage in the future world of work: being able to communicate with Chinese business partners, for example, can facilitate negotiating agreements and build relationships of trust.

China is also one of the world's top tourist destinations. Knowledge of the Chinese language can make the travel experience richer and more rewarding: Chinese-speaking children can interact with locals, discover the country's culture and history more deeply, and fully appreciate the wonders China has to offer.

Studying the Chinese language can also stimulate children's cognitive development, as it is very different from European languages, featuring a character-based writing system and tonal pronunciation. These characteristics require a different approach to learning and can help children develop cognitive skills such as memory, concentration, and mental flexibility.

Furthermore, learning Chinese can promote intercultural understanding. Chinese culture is rich in traditions, history, and unique values. Studying the language can help children better understand the Chinese mindset and perspectives, fostering tolerance and open-mindedness. This cultural awareness can be a valuable skill in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.

Finally, learning Chinese can be a fun and rewarding experience for children, as it can be an exciting way to explore new sounds, words, and ways of communicating. Children can become enthusiastic about learning Chinese characters, singing Chinese songs, and participating in cultural activities such as calligraphy or traditional Chinese dance.

In conclusion, studying Chinese can offer numerous benefits for an Italian child. In addition to professional and tourism opportunities, learning Chinese can stimulate cognitive development, promote intercultural understanding, and offer a fun and rewarding experience. Investing in our children's futures through learning Chinese can be an opportunity we shouldn't miss.

by Monica Ferri