Teaching Chinese in the Anglophone World

Book excerpt: This volume offers a comprehensive overview of Chinese language teaching in New Zealand, in light of the declining interest in foreign language learning in Anglophone countries. While existing scholarly works have discussed Chinese language education in other Anglophone countries, this book is the first to provide an in-depth examination of the landscape of Chinese language teaching in contemporary, multicultural New Zealand, featuring insights from leading experts. The book consists of 21 chapters written by 29 contributors, including research students, experienced teachers, and leading scholars in every educational sector, from preschool to university and from mainstream education to community schools. As the first volume to focus on this subject, the book provides both historical perspectives and multilevel analyses of critical milestones, based on the latest data, policy changes, and politico-economic conditions shaping the future direction of Chinese language education in New Zealand. Its purpose is to offer insights and an overview of the New Zealand case that can help policymakers, programme leaders, researchers, teachers, and learners in the Anglophone world and beyond, to better respond to the rapidly changing and challenging environments they face. In addition to the Foreword by Patricia Duff and the Epilogue, the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Chinese language education in New Zealand, and serves as a catalyst for further discussion and research on this topic.