In this Islamabad school, Mandarin lessons are compulsory

In a bid to promote cross cultural communication between Chinese and Pakistanis, a school in Islamabad is teaching its students the Chinese Mandarin language.

Roots International School has started the programme "keeping in view the significance and influence of Chinese Mandarin," according to the school's website.

Roots has introduced a separate department called the Roots Chinese Languages Department (RCLD). RCLD's mission is described as "[promoting] the diversity of world cultures and languages by providing innovative interdisciplinary learning opportunities."



Labeling Chinese Mandarin the language of the future, Roots aims to lead their students to "a world of creativity and innovation." "The investment in learning how to read and write Chinese characters can clearly pay dividends – not just for one's bank account, but also for one's brain," the school stated.

RCLD also has a Chinese Language Club. The language club, which comprises students learning the Chinese language carries out a number of activities to embrace cultural diversity. Students explore Chinese culture and are also engaged in performing arts and rhythmic expressions of China. The school has also hosted annual celebrations for Chinese New Years' and celebrates different Chinese festivals throughout the year.

Students celebrate Chinese Spring Festival. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Humaira Shaheen the Foreign Languages Programme Head at Roots International stated they have received a positive response from both students and parents. "While the language is complicated, we use different activities to make learning interesting. These include games, Chinese language movies and mobile applications in Chinese to help students learn the language," Shaheen said.

Roots students visit Chinese Embassy. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

The language was introduced into the curriculum almost eight years back, and for students of kindergarten to grade 5, it's compulsory to learn. Grade 5 to A Levels, students have the choice between learning German or Mandarin. The school employs both native Chinese teachers and Pakistanis who have learned the language as teachers.



In the four campuses where Mandarin is offered, Shaheen says almost 1,500 to 2,000 students are learning the language.

Metropolitan International University College (MIUC) which comes under Roots also offers Chinese Mandarin to undergraduate students.

When speaking about the impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and influx of Chinese nationals into Pakistan, Shaheen said the students, especially those in the higher-level classes and university are more interested. Learning the language opens up employment and educational opportunities in China.

Celebration of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

"If they know the language, they know they will be able to overcome the language barrier and avail these opportunities. With the advent of CPEC they also know that knowing the language will be an asset in the future," said Shaheen.



With students fluent in Mandarin, Roots hopes it would enhance their potential to adjust in a diverse society and provide the younger generation the skills they need to meet future demands in a multi-cultural world.