China Using Internet to Promote Language, Culture

The Chinese government recently launched a new website to promote the study and use of the Chinese language. The site offers many different sections to help foster the use of the language by foreigners both in China and abroad.  Along with language help, the site also has content devoted to Chinese news and events, teacher training, experiencing China, blogs and a discussion forum. 

The language training is useful, but the more appealing parts about this website for me were the sections on Experiencing China and Blogs.  Experiencing China covers many sub-topics, such as culture, an expatriate’s view, travel and everyday life.  Here, foreigners can share personal experiences, both good and bad, with fellow students, teachers, or people just curious about China.  The everyday life section shows people’s recommendations and information about different issues that affect people’s lives in China.
 
The Blog section of the website is especially interesting because it gives people, both in China and abroad, the opportunity to put their blog in a high-traffic area.  Although most of the blogs are in Chinese, this offers a student of the Chinese language a nice challenge and opportunity to practice reading skills.

The website is great for someone who is interested in China and its culture, but for the serious Chinese language student, I would recommend other websites like Mandarin Tools or ChinesePod. The new website could still use some improvement, but it is a good start for anyone wanting more information about or exposure to Chinese language and culture.

There is more info on the new site here, but make sure you use the link I provide in the lead above. The link in the CNET story is faulty.