Authors: Wang Hui, Chen Kaiyi

Publisher: College of Chinese Language and Culture  

Date: October 6, 2024

A research team from the School of Chinese Literature at Jinan University visited Honghe, Yunnan, from September 24 to 27 to promote Mandarin and assist in rural revitalization initiatives. This visit aligns with the national objective of enhancing the use of common languages and scripts throughout China.

(At the meeting to promote and cooperate the national common language and script)

The team began their visit at the Honghe County Education and Sports Bureau, where members engaged in a symposium with local education officials, staff, and teacher representatives. This meeting facilitated an in-depth exchange regarding the current state of Mandarin promotion, basic education, and future collaborative efforts.

Li Sifa, Deputy Director of the Education and Sports Bureau in Honghe County, emphasized that fostering Mandarin usage is vital for improving educational quality and facilitating communication across diverse ethnic groups. He noted that although Honghe County boasts 288 schools and 3,457 teachers, the promotion of Mandarin remains insufficient in its remote and minority communities. Li expressed hope for substantial progress in Mandarin promotion, teacher training, and resource sharing through collaboration with Jinan University, aiming to revitalize local education and enhance ethnic unity.

Xie Xuan, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Chinese Literature at Jinan University, acknowledged Honghe County's strengths regarding ethnic diversity and cultural heritage. He stressed the university’s commitment to promoting the national common language and script as part of its social responsibility. Xie highlighted the intention to collaborate with local partners to explore innovative educational pathways that support rural revitalization and cultural integration, ultimately strengthening the national community spirit.

Yang Wanbing, Vice Dean of the School of Chinese at Jinan University, presented a three-level training model designed to bolster local teachers' Mandarin proficiency. This approach encompasses raising awareness through large lectures, reinforcing knowledge with mid-level training, and enhancing skills through small group tutoring. Yang highlighted that improving Mandarin skills would not only elevate educational standards but also encourage urban-rural exchange and stimulate rural economic growth.

(The research team engaged in discussions with faculty representatives.)

The research team proposed tailored strategies to address specific challenges in promoting Mandarin in Honghe County. Recommendations included developing teaching software and textbooks utilizing modern technology to better serve ethnic minority areas, alongside efforts to preserve minority languages and cultures through bilingual education.

During the symposium, participants agreed that promoting Mandarin and protecting minority languages and cultures are complementary goals. Enhancing Mandarin proficiency can foster communication among various ethnic groups while preserving cultural heritage allows for a shared national identity.

Both parties established a commitment to collaborate further, with Jinan University pledging to provide teacher training and educational resources, while the Honghe County Education and Sports Bureau agreed to actively support these initiatives. Participants recognized the symposium as a meaningful exchange of ideas that would invigorate educational revitalization efforts in ethnic border regions.

On the following day, the research team visited several township schools, including Jiayin Middle School and Baohua Town Central Primary School, to assess the local education landscape and the promotion of Mandarin. At Jiayin, school leaders acknowledged the importance of Mandarin instruction but noted that resources and staff training need enhancement. The research team shared valuable teaching methods and expressed willingness to assist in improving educational quality.

At Baohua Town Central Primary School, teachers underscored their commitment to preserving ethnic language and culture while primarily using Mandarin in instruction. They expressed a desire for further training to enhance their teaching effectiveness.

Throughout their visit, the team was impressed by the educators' dedication and the significant challenges they faced in promoting Mandarin. The research team pledged continuous support to local teachers, aspiring to elevate educational opportunities for students in Honghe County.

Moving forward, the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Jinan University will refine training programs to empower educators in Honghe County. The goal is to enhance the local use of Mandarin, foster a sense of ethnic unity, and contribute to the overall socioeconomic advancement of the region, thus reinforcing the shared community of the Chinese nation and supporting the broader vision of modernization.