Initiative spurs language learning

Self-development considered

Experts are also calling for students' professional and self-development to be taken into consideration.

"Traditionally, the disadvantage of majoring in a less commonly used language is the restriction of the region. In other words, we, as professionals of a less commonly used language, would deal with this region for our whole lives," said Mi Liang, professor from the School of Asian and African Studies.

"However, if China has less or even no communication or connection with the country for decades for some reason, students of the language may face unemployment. ... The solution is to nurture interdisciplinary talent," Mi said.

Sun Xiaomeng, the school's dean, said, "We are not only providing certain programs solely to cater to the country's needs, but also consider students' development and interests."

Wu Shu, a sophomore at BFSU's International Business School, selected Mongolian this semester, and is studying the language to reconnect with her ancestry.

A student of Mongolian descent, Wu is not able to speak Mongolian because she was born and raised in a Han-dominant environment.

"It is a shame to be a Mongolian but not be able to speak the mother tongue," the 21-year-old said, adding that she cherished the opportunity at university and "could not wait to start".

Beyond academia

Wang from the Center of China and Globalization, said that think tanks also contribute to development.

"Globalization and international relations will always be a hot topic as China continues to go out," Wang said.

The center recently launched a Belt and Road Initiative Research Institute, conducting practical research and aiming to provide solutions to enterprises.

Regarding the talent shortage, Wang said it is important to nurture more understanding of China among foreign students.

"For instance, China should welcome and provide more assistance to foreign students from the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing them to study in China," Wang said.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn