From TikTok Controversy to the Chinese Language Trend: Why More People Are Choosing Online Chinese Courses

From TikTok Controversy to the Chinese Language Trend: Why More People Are Choosing Online Chinese Courses

In recent years, as the controversy surrounding TikTok continues to heat up in the U.S., many users have begun to turn to other social platforms, such as rednote (Little Red Book) or Bilibili. Most of the content on these platforms is in Chinese, which has made many people realize that learning Chinese is becoming a necessary skill to connect with global culture. So, why has Chinese language learning become so popular? And what can online Chinese courses offer learners?

Why Are More People Learning Chinese?

  1. Cultural and Social Connections
    With the potential ban of TikTok, some users have shifted to Chinese-dominant platforms like rednote. To better understand the content and integrate into Chinese social circles, many people have turned to Chinese courses to communicate seamlessly with Chinese users.

  2. Career Development
    As one of the most widely spoken languages globally, Chinese is an important tool for entering international markets. Whether in international trade, technological development, or cultural exchange, proficiency in Chinese can significantly enhance personal competitiveness.

  3. Government Support and Financial Assistance
    The U.S. government and many organizations have also recognized the importance of Chinese and have launched several learning programs, such as:

  • The Language Flagship Program: Offers tuition subsidies to help students undergo intensive language training.
  • The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y): Provides full scholarships and overseas exchange opportunities for high school and college students.
  • Confucius Institutes and Other Language Centers: Offer publicly funded Chinese courses and cultural activities.

These programs not only reduce the financial burden but also encourage more people to engage with Chinese culture.

What Do Online Chinese Courses Offer?

Online Chinese courses have become popular because they are flexible, efficient, and meet various needs. For learners over 40, participating in online Chinese courses can not only improve personal skills but also provide multiple benefits. Here are some typical course offerings:

  • Basic Chinese: Starting with pinyin and basic conversation, learners quickly grasp practical sentence structures. This is especially beneficial for older learners who want to build a solid language foundation and easily integrate into Chinese social circles.
  • Business Chinese: Designed for professionals, this includes business terms and cross-cultural communication skills, helping learners broaden their career horizons and improve their competitiveness.
  • Cultural Immersion: By learning about Chinese holidays, idioms, and colloquialisms, learners can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. For older learners, this is an effective way to expand their perspectives and increase cross-cultural understanding.
  • Interactive Learning: Most courses offer one-on-one tutoring or even organize language exchange activities, providing students with opportunities to interact with Chinese speakers. For older learners, such interactions not only improve language skills but also enrich their social life. They can make new friends, participate in cultural events like Chinese New Year celebrations, and enhance their sense of cultural connection.

These programs also make Chinese learning more accessible and affordable. Platforms like USA Learns and Coursera offer online Chinese courses tailored to different needs. For example, USA Learns, through a U.S. government program, provides courses covering Chinese pronunciation, grammar, listening comprehension, and more. Similarly, Coursera features Chinese courses from multiple universities, catering to various learning levels and helping students enhance their Chinese proficiency for both professional and personal communication.

These online courses, combined with government and institutional support, encourage older adults to embrace flexible online learning. They not only improve their language skills but also gain more life experiences through cultural exchanges, which can contribute to their mental well-being and even improve brain function, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

How to Apply for an Online Chinese Course?

Applying for an online Chinese course is straightforward for older learners, with various support options available to help them get started. Here are the specific steps and potential support policies:

  1. Choose the Right Course
    Online Chinese courses come in many varieties, and learners can select one based on their needs. Some platforms even offer courses specifically designed for older learners, with content focused on practical applications and cultural exchanges. For those with career demands, business Chinese courses may be ideal. For those interested in Chinese culture, immersion courses are a great option.

  2. Submit an Application
    Fill out an application form on the online education platform, usually requiring basic personal information, contact details, and learning goals. Many platforms provide dedicated service channels for older learners, making the application process more convenient.

  3. Explore Support and Financial Assistance
    To encourage older adults to learn Chinese, some organizations and government programs offer financial assistance or discounts. For example:

  • Senior Education Programs: Some online platforms and non-profit organizations provide scholarships or subsidies specifically for older learners to reduce learning costs.
  • The Language Flagship Program and Confucius Institutes: Some programs provide non-profit Chinese courses for eligible older learners, particularly those aiming to learn Chinese through cultural exchange.
  • Local Community Support: Many community organizations collaborate with online platforms to offer non-profit Chinese courses for seniors.

  1. Provide Required Documentation
    If a course offers financial assistance, older learners may need to submit documents such as age verification, income proof, or retirement certificates. Some platforms also allow learners to choose course fees based on their financial situation.

  2. Wait for Approval
    Most platforms will review applications and notify applicants within a week. During this time, older learners can directly contact customer support for more details about the application process and available support.

  3. Begin Your Learning Journey
    Once accepted, learners will receive course schedules and login details. Online Chinese courses offer flexible learning schedules, allowing students to study at their own pace. The interactive elements of the course also provide opportunities for socializing, practicing Chinese, and making international friends.

A Real-Life Learning Case: From TikTok to rednote

Francelia Moraga is a Mexican-American mother from the U.S. whose child has autism. To improve her child's diet, she searched for many recipe videos on TikTok. However, after TikTok was banned in the U.S., she turned to rednote to find more Chinese recipes suitable for her child.

Through rednote, Francelia connected with Chinese users who shared many traditional Chinese nutritious recipes. She found that these recipes not only suited her child’s tastes but also had significant health benefits. However, due to the language barrier, she struggled to understand the details of the recipes.

So, Francelia decided to enroll in an online Chinese course. Through the course, she learned basic Chinese, focusing on food-related vocabulary and expressions, enabling her to communicate more effectively with Chinese users and receive more accurate recipes. By learning Chinese, Francelia was able to discuss recipes with Chinese speakers and share her experiences from the U.S., promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

“By learning Chinese, I’m not only able to cook more healthy Chinese meals for my child, but I’ve also made many Chinese friends. I feel like this is a cultural bridge that has connected me more deeply with China,” Francelia said.

Conclusion: Seize Financial Support and Start Your Chinese Journey!

Whether you are learning Chinese for career development, cultural interest, or to better use new platforms, learning Chinese opens up many possibilities. With support and subsidies from governments and institutions, learning Chinese has become more accessible, economical, and efficient.

Take action now! Apply for an online Chinese course using the steps outlined above, and not only will you learn a new language, but you’ll also connect with the world!

Relevant Links:

  • The Language Flagship Program: This program provides intensive language training for U.S. undergraduate students and aims to transform the way Americans learn languages. (thelanguageflagship.org)

  • The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y): Offers scholarships for U.S. high school students to study critical languages and participate in cultural exchange programs. (nsliforyouth.org)

  • Confucius Institutes: Non-profit educational organizations funded by the Chinese government, dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture. (ci.cn)

  • USA Learns Chinese Courses: (USA Learns)

  • Coursera Chinese Courses: (Coursera)