Dealing with ‘Chinese Fever’: The Challenge of Chinese Teaching in the Australian Classroom

Abstract

‘Chinese fever’ (中文热 zhōngwénrè) is a term commonly used in the media to describe the increasing interest in learning Chinese that has coincided with China’s growth as a global economic power. China’s remarkable rise, and developments in Asia more generally, have resulted in a review of Australia’s position in regard to Asia, outlined in the Australia in the Asian century white paper (Australia in the Asian Century Taskforce 2012) and an ongoing call for improved ‘Asia Literacy’ in our classrooms. This chapter explores issues of language learning in the ‘Asian Century’ from the perspective of the Australian language classroom, with a focus on ‘Chinese fever’ in particular. The chapter reviews the Australian context for ‘Chinese fever’ and China’s role in promoting and supporting Chinese language learning internationally through the Hanban organisation, including the curriculum and resources they make available for learning Chinese in Australian schools. The role of Chinese in school language learning in ensuring the future success of ‘Chinese fever’ and Asia Literacy more generally in Australian classroom contexts is discussed.