Chinese Bridge: Strategies to Improve the Competitiveness of the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Abstract

China entered the 21st century as a major power. Its new status is the major reason for the exponential increase in the number of foreigners learning Chinese, its only official language. To meet the demand for the language, it has initiated different programs. One such program is Chinese Bridge (汉语桥), a yearly language proficiency competition organized by CLEC—the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (formerly Hanban)—for non-native speakers of the Chinese language. This competition, all of which finals have been held in China since its inception, is now the premier showcase for the Confucius Institutes from different countries. Since its maiden outing in the senior category of the competition 8 years ago, the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (hereafter referred to as “CI at NAU” or “the Institute”) has represented Nigeria 10 times in the finals. (The corollary is that the Institute has won the national championship 9 times), produced 3 continental (African) champions, won the “First Prize” award twice and the “Third Prize” award 4 times. Three of its alumni emerged as world champions during their studies in China. It has also narrowly missed the opportunity to compete in the grand final of the competition twice, owing to internet glitch. Using SWOT, this paper evaluates the Institute’s experience in the competition, suggesting ways the Institute can enhance its competitiveness in future.