Demand for knowledge of Chinese on the up
View(s):The demand to learn Chinese is on the increase in Sri Lanka with more opportunities for the use of foreign languages.
According to those teaching the language, the reason is the increase in Chinese projects in the country, creating employment opportunities for those able to communicate in Chinese.
U.P.S.S. Pathirana, who has been teaching Chinese at Kelaniya University, witnesses an increase in the demand for the language, even among students within the university as well.
“We had around 30-35 students in one class. As it was important to have classes teaching foreign languages, only a limited number was enrolled per class,” he said, adding that, the age group that shows interest in the language is 25-35 years.
“This is because of the employment opportunities now available in our country. There is a demand for interpreters and other workers such as chefs who can communicate in Chinese,” he said.
Mr. Pathirana said that currently only Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa universities offer the language.
According to another teacher, Dr Chammika Mallawarachchi from Kaduwela, who has been teaching Chinese here for the past six months, enrollment for Chinese language classes has evidently increased.
“As most of the projects in Sri Lanka are now handled by Chinese companies, the need for the language has also increased. This is especially so as the Chinese encourage their employees to communicate in Chinese, than in any other language,” he said.
Dr Chammika, who is heavily scheduled in the coming months, said that, regretfully, Sri Lanka lacks teachers to teach Chinese. “We have a high interest for the language, but not enough teachers to meet the demand. There are many opportunities for those who know the language, than those who don’t,” he said.
Interest shown at the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination for the Chinese language is also on the increase.
Commissioner General of Examinations, W.M.N.L. Pushpakumara, said that A/L candidates are also interested in the language. In 2011 and 2012, only three students sat for the Chinese language paper, while the number increased to 14 for this year’s examination which is in progress.
-Aanya Wipulasena
| This is because of the employment opportunities now available in our country. There is a demand for interpreters and other workers such as chefs who can communicate in Chinese |
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