A Study On Chinese Language Education In Australia In The 21^st Century

Chinese is the largest minority language spoken in Australia.Chinese language education has been thriving in Australia for nearly 60 years and has produced remarkable outcomes.Two dominant factors have largely influenced the historical development of Chinese in Australia:first,the country’s policy on foreign languages;and second,the immigrants and overseas students from Chinese-speaking countries and regions.Chinese language has been a key subject of promotion among the Australian government’s official language programs since the 1980s.The rapid economic growth of China following the reform and opening up has boosted commercial and cultural ties between China and Australia.People from all walks of life in Australia have fully recognized the significance of learning Chinese language.Entering the 21^stcentury,there has been an ever increasing demand for Chinese literacy in Australia.Confucius Institutes were introduced into the country with the goal of advancing the teaching and learning of Chinese language by offering a range of language programs and cultural events.However,China-Australia relations underwent a sharp decline from 2017.Some anti-China forces including media outlets,think tanks and political figures have been hyping up the“China Threat”theory,slandering that the Confucius Institutes jeopardize academic freedom and exert political influence in Australia.Chinese language education has been somewhat impacted by the politicization and stigmatization of the language.This thesis first provides a historical context for understanding Chinese language education in Australia in the new century by reviewing the evolution of it before the 21^stcentury.The features and driving factors of each stage are analyzed in chronological order.Then,this thesis examines the status quo of Chinese language instruction in Australian primary and secondary schools,universities,and community schools,as well as support for Chinese language education from other institutions.Thirdly,it studies the role of Confucius Institutes in promoting Chinese language learning among Australian people.The challenges that Confucius Institutes are currently facing as the bilateral relations between China and Australia deteriorate are discussed and suggestions for potential solutions are put forward.Finally,this thesis addresses the changes in Australia’s strategic positioning for Chinese language education,as well as the main difficulties faced by Chinese language education in Australia at a time when China-Australia relationship is in a critical stage of changes.