VIENTIANE, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Benefits of learning Chinese language are talked about at the opinion column on local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday.
Learning Chinese has become popular, especially among young people in Laos. During the Visit Laos-China Year 2019, many activities are taking place to promote exchange of the two countries' cultures and tourism opportunities. Accordingly, the Lao daily asked some local students and administrators at the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos in capital Vientiane for their thoughts on the benefits of learning Chinese.
Novice Tai Somthavong, a Year 2 student, said that learning Chinese will help the Lao people find a job more easily.
"Many Chinese are now running a business in Laos and there are many development projects being carried out by Chinese companies," he said. He also believed that leaning Chinese is a good chance for the Lao people to introduce their country and culture to China.
"As well as the language we also learn about Chinese culture," he added. He said that he will continue to improve his language skills, hoping he will have the chance to study in China.
Souksavath Thapphavong, a Year 3 student, said that Chinese language is important for him because nowadays Laos has increasingly strong connections with China. The friendship and overall relationship between Laos and China and the peoples of two countries are broader and closer than ever before.
"Chinese language will be useful in our daily life or in business and knowing the language will enable us to connect more closely," he said.
Nanthiya Phansodsay, a Year 2 student, said that learning foreign languages is important because it will enable her to communicate with foreigners and it benefits the development of the country. She also said that Chinese language is useful and important for connecting the Lao and Chinese peoples.
"Chinese language is very useful because it serves as a bridge to connect the Lao and Chinese peoples. It's also important for explaining Lao culture to Chinese people as well as for cultural exchanges." she said knowing Chinese gives her a good chance to find a job with Chinese companies, where she can also learn other skills that will contribute to the development of the country.
Koungking Sengmounty, a Year 3 student, said that she decided to learn Chinese language because she is interested in Chinese characters and art.
"I like the written characters, which I find beautiful and neat. I also like Chinese arts. So I decided to learn Chinese."
She said Chinese language has taken on greater importance in the daily life, and learning Chinese will boost her chances of getting a job.
"Some job vacancy notices ask for people who can speak Chinese and give preference to those who are fluent in Chinese language," she added.
She also said that it's good to have many Chinese language training centres in Laos.
Khamhoung Chanthavong, the deputy director of the Confucius Institute of the National University of Laos said that the institute was established in 2010, and there are many students who want to learn Chinese every year.
"Each year there are more than 1,000 students in each term who want to learn Chinese. It's growing well under the supervision of the leaders of our two countries," he said. After completing the course, students will receive a certificate so that they can apply for a scholarship to study in China.
Khamhoung also told local daily that the institute is a stage for the exchange of culture between the Lao and Chinese peoples.
"More Lao people are learning Chinese now thanks to cooperation between our two parties and states and the growing ties between Laos and China," he added.
