At the recent World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, Oman’s Ministry of Education director Salim Mohammed Abdullah Al Kharousi shared exciting news: Chinese has officially entered Oman’s secondary curriculum for Grade 11. This move marks the first time students at this level can pick up Mandarin as an elective.
📚 Even though classes only kicked off a few weeks ago, enthusiasm is already sky-high. Many teens see Chinese as more than just a language; it’s a ticket to future tech roles, manufacturing jobs and international projects. Imagine teaming up with AI startups in Shenzhen or collaborating on renewable energy solutions—Mandarin could be your passport!
Al Kharousi pointed out that Oman is part of a broader regional trend. Across the Middle East and beyond, young people are racing to master Chinese, fueling a global competition to learn one of the world’s most spoken languages. With over a billion speakers, Mandarin opens doors to new industries and cross-border innovation.
He also thanked the Chinese mainland for supporting Oman’s new Chinese program and expressed hope that the initiative will grow in the coming years. Plans are already in the works to expand offerings to more grades and integrate digital learning tools—think mobile apps and AI-driven tutors! 🤖📱
For Omani youth, picking up Chinese is more than a school subject—it’s a way to stay ahead in a fast-paced world, connect with global peers and tap into booming markets. So if you’re in Grade 11, get ready to add some 汉字 (hàn zì) to your study list! 😉
Reference(s):
Omani education official: Chinese is becoming a key skill for youth
cgtn.com
