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Keyword: language

2012: The Year Mandarin Chinese Becomes a 'Commonly Taught Language'?

A student at Aiton Elementary School in Washington, D.C., practices Chinese. (Grace Norman)
Education

U.S. schools are beginning to see the value in teaching the world's most commonly spoken language. And hopefully the reasons are not just economic, writes Chris Livaccari.

December 22nd by Chris Livaccari | Comments

Does it Matter if Jon Huntsman is 'Fluent' in Mandarin Chinese?

Jon Huntsman (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)
Policy

Jon Huntsman, former Utah Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China — and current Republican candidate for president — is at the center of a discussion that reveals our assumptions about language perhaps better than any other: the idea of “fluency.”

November 2nd by Chris Livaccari | Comments

Huntsman Woos Colbert in Mandarin, But 'Delivery' Joke Falls Flat

Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman (L) talks to Stephen Colbert on the 'Colbert Report' October 24, 2011.
Policy

Republican presidential hopeful and former U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman spoke Mandarin on Comedy Central's Colbert Report last night, but most media outlets reported on his would-be attempt at humor.

October 25th by Dan Washburn | Comments

In Sweden, a Bold Step in Language Education — But Will it Last?

The Swedish furniture giant IKEA's Beijing store (pictured) is its second-largest in the world. (xiaming/Flickr)
Education

In bold if not surprising news, last week Swedish Education Minister Jan Björklund called for Chinese language to be taught in all primary and secondary schools, which would make Sweden a leader in Europe.

July 13th by Eleise Jones | Comments

Ni Howdy! China Lassoes a Rodeo

Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping sports a cowboy hat during a Texas rodeo in 1979. (File)
Lifestyle

Beijing's Bird Nest playing host to Rodeo China October 3-10, 2011. We get you started with a quick lesson in Chinese rodeo vocabulary.

April 26th by Eleise Jones | Comments

Infographic: Should Young Americans Learn Chinese?

Education

English is the most used language in the world, but are Americans at a linguistic disadvantage?

April 22nd by Grace Norman | Comments

Expert: Australian Students in Dark as China Century Dawns

Ready or not? (torres21/flickr)
Education

Is the next generation receiving an adequate education?

April 13th by Grace Norman | Comments

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