The “Going Global” series of books of “Chinese for Industries”, featuring Chinese for vocational skills, was published recently.
The books aim to help people working for Chinese enterprises in the "Belt and Road" initiative, and to support the development of industries including railways, electricity and aviation, while enhancing the competitiveness of “Manufactured in China”.
China's Ministry of Education approved the China Nonferrous-metals Industry Association pilot project, “Bringing Vocational Education in the Nonferrous-metals Industry to Global Communities”, in late December 2015. Relying on a branch company of the China Nonferrous-metal Mining Group in Zambia, the project was designed to explore the development of occupational education compatible with the "going global" strategy of Chinese enterprises and products, and to serve the "Belt and Road" initiative and international cooperation. The project was implemented by the National Nonferrous-metal Vocational Education and Teaching Steering Committee, while the Talent Centre of the Nonferrous-metals Industry and the Open University of China (OUC)jointly initiated the compilation of the series. Staff from the Harbin Vocational and Technical College, Beijing Polytechnic College, Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology, and other vocational colleges participated. The first series includes Chinese for Industries - Mechatronics Technology (Basic), Chinese for Industries - Industrial Transmission and Control Technology (Basic), Chinese for Industries - Electrical Automation Technology (Basic), Chinese for Industries - Machining Technology (Basic), and Chinese for Industries - Welding Technology and Automation (Basic).
The series has the following characteristics.
First, it is professional and practical. Based on surveys and local job requirements, the writers determined about 100 high-frequency words (mainly nouns and verbs) for each position in a given industry, then grouped them into common phrases and short sentences in Pinyin, Chinese characters, and English in order to facilitate understanding.
Second, the layout and design are attractive, with vivid pictures and texts. The books present short words, phrases and sentences, followed by two texts for intensive and extensive reading, in line with the rules of language learning and reflecting the characteristics of vocational education. The pictures illustrate the objects being studied, making the names associated with them easy to learn.
Third, it integrates elements of Chinese culture. "Amity and mutual understanding are key to sound relations among states." The series showcases the beautiful mountains and rivers of China through large and exquisite pictures on the chapter and section pages. Meanwhile, proverbs, quotes and aphorisms are provided to familiarise readers with traditional Chinese culture and its long history.
China's Belt and Road Initiative has made great achievements since its introduction. With more Chinese enterprises and products going international, foreign workers who understand both Chinese language and business management are required. The publication of this series will help Chinese vocational education go global, and export it to countries along the Belt and Road, helping students there understand the Chinese system and enhancing its international influence.
The second set of volumes in the series will be published soon in order to continue helping Chinese enterprises go global.
By You Lina, OUC