A Study On Construction Of Soft Power Of Chinese Culture In The Localization Of Confucius Institutes In Africa

Since 2007,Chinese government has placed increasing emphasis on national cultural soft power.In order to satisfy the need of people all over the world to learn Chinese language and strengthen their understanding of Chinese language and culture,the Confucius Institutes are established all over the world as well as in many African countries to support the construction of culture soft power.However,owing to the uniqueness of African religions,traditions,customs,language and education level,the localization process must be constantly improved and the teaching model of Chinese language must be adjusted based on the actual situation so as to enhance the soft power of Chinese culture.The Confucius Institutes program is of great significance in the spread of Chinese culture and the enhancement of the soft power of Chinese culture in Africa and the world over..This thesis regards the construction of culture soft power as its aim and the Confucius Institutes as its research subject.By conducting researches over teachers and students from seven Confucius Institutes in Africa,this thesis investigates and analyzes the teaching mode of the Confucius Institutes and summarizes its main features in the perspective of o learners,teaching goals,teaching arrangements,teaching methods,textbooks,teacher resources,and evaluation and feedback.Based on investigation,this thesis finds that the Confucius Institutes in Africa are simple in teaching arrangement.Their lessons focus on single-skill training;that is,they concentrate on the training of spoken English instead of written one.In term of teaching method,the teachers conduct teaching practice by using target language and "situation-theme" teaching mode.It is simple,but it can combine language learning and culture experience.In terms of faculty resource,the teachers are always in constant change,and the evaluation management is deficient.In terms of textbooks,there is a great demand for the textbooks with African characteristics.At the same time,this thesis offers suggestions regarding the textbooks,lessons,teaching methods,and faculty resource based on the standard of five elements in the construction of culture soft power to unify cultural cohesion,enhance cultural spread,provide cultural production,ensure cultural guarantee and intensify cultural attraction.To sum up,based on the objective to strengthen culture soft power,the teaching mode should be adjusted to facilitate Confucius Institutes' development and perfection.