On May 7, 2024, the Confucius Institute for Northern at Ulster University (CINIUU), UK, jointly operated by Hubei Normal University and Ulster University, celebrated a significant milestone. The CINIUU’S  Chinese Director, Dr. Liu Xingchi were invited to attend the graduation ceremony of the Irish Language Basic Chinese Class at the local radio station, Failte Radio. Dr. Liu Xingchi delivered a speech and presented awards to some of the graduating students.

 

Learning Chinese through the Irish language represents an innovative approach in the field of international Chinese language education. Chinese teacher Liu Bo, a local from Northern Ireland with eight years of study and work experience in China, returned home and was employed by Failte Radio. Determined to contribute to the cause of Chinese language education, Liu Bo decided to integrate the ancient language of Irish with the teaching of Chinese. After two months of study, nine local Northern Irish students learned Chinese using the Irish language and completed the beginner course, earning their certificates. The students expressed their delight in learning Chinese through Irish and are looking forward to more Irish-taught Chinese classes to further their studies.

Failte Radio is a China-friendly station in Northern Ireland that has had a friendly collaboration with the Confucius Institute for Northern Ireland at Ulster University for over three years.