More than 40 people attended an industry lunch on Saturday to raise awareness of Chinese language learning and discuss the social, cultural and economic benefits the language presented to Tasmania.
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The event was attended by Chinese language teachers from Hobart and Launceston and academics from the University of Tasmania, as well as students from Scotch Oakburn College, Launceston Church Grammar School, and Launceston College.
Launceston acting mayor Danny Gibson was also a special guest.
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The event was organised by Launceston College Mandarin Chinese teacher Louise Ives who said the event aimed to foster collaboration between educators in the North and South to bolster the number of students interested in learning Chinese.
Ms Ives said enrolment numbers had dropped over the past 18 months due to negative associations with the language, but explained with China being Australia and Tasmania's number one trading partner, it was imperative more people spoke the language.
"Despite the current tensions in the Sino-Australian relationship, China is still Australia's number one trading partner," she said.
"China is Tasmanians number one trading partner and it is the trade number one trading partner of all individual states.
"Economically, there are jobs out there for young Australians who can speak Chinese, even just some Chinese."
Ms Ives said before travel restrictions, Tasmania received more tourists from China than any other country.
She said with the state's dependency on tourism to support the economy, the ability to communicate with Chinese tourists would be a benefit to any business in the hospitality and tourism sector.
"Prior to COVID, there were just so many jobs in Tasmania, especially in tourism and hospitality, that wanted to hire somebody with some Mandarin," she said.
Chinese Language Teachers Association of Tasmania president Bing Xu said with one-fifth of the global population speaking Chinese, students who spoke the language would experience better employment outcomes.
"If students can speak Chinese it will be very beneficial for their future career pathway and planning," she said.
"When they are trying to find a job, this definitely will be an advantage for them."
Ms Ives said a greater uptake in people learning the language would benefit Tasmania on an economic, social and cultural level.
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
