Chinese Linguist Improves Kurdish in Erbil Ahead of Teaching Career

Chinese Linguist Improves Kurdish in Erbil Ahead of Teaching Career

A Chinese linguist has been studying Kurdish in Erbil for the past two months as part of her preparation to teach the language to students in China.

Xueqing Zhang, a lecturer at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), is currently improving her Kurdish language skills at Salahaddin University in Erbil. Zhang has adopted the Kurdish name Shirin, meaning “sweet,” during her studies.

“I came here to learn the Kurdish language. I had previously studied Kurdish in France and the UK, but there weren’t many Kurds there, so I came here to properly learn the language,” Zhang told Rudaw.

Kurdish Language Studies in China

Beijing Foreign Studies University offers Kurdish language courses as part of its foreign language programs. Zhang explained that the selection process for students in China is highly competitive.

“In the third year of high school, all Chinese students take an exam. Afterward, students choose a university and a university program, and then, based on their scores, the university decides on selecting the students,” she said.

Students admitted to the Kurdish language department study for four years before earning a bachelor’s degree.

Academic Exchange with Kurdistan Region

As part of the program, students are required to complete an exchange period in the Kurdistan Region before graduation.

“Before graduating, students will study at a university in the Kurdistan Region for between six months and one year,” Zhang explained.

The exchange aims to strengthen language proficiency and cultural understanding, providing students with direct exposure to Kurdish society and academic life.