Where to study Chinese?
There are several
methods for learning Chinese in France. The most popular ones are listed
below.
The Department of Chinese Studies at Lyon III University
One of the best
places to learn Mandarin. The dynamics of this institute are different
from the others since the training is relatively long and allows to discover
all the intricacies of Chinese culture for a more complete learning. Among
other things, the institute offers two courses that issue national diplomas and
are recognized internationally.
Link to the official website: http://facdeslangues.univ-lyon3.fr/les-etudes-chinoises-904267.kjsp?RH=LAN-ACCUEIL_FR
You can find
Chinese learning courses at many other universities.
INALCO
The
reference. The National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations)
is a reputable institution that can train people at all levels of the doctor's
license. This institute also offers a wide catalogue of training courses
with the possibility of continuous training over more than a year, and
intensive training to acquire the basics of Chinese.
See the page on Chinese
studies at INALCO.
What to avoid: Confucius Institutes
These institutes, under the direct responsibility of the
Chinese government through embassies, are regularly suspected of illegal
activities. According to the media, there are propaganda,aid
for espionage,or employment contracts contrary to human
rights (which caused the closure of at least one centre). These facts led
the Canadian Association of University Teachers to ask for the closure of the
Confucius Institutes, as did the American Association. TheUniversity
of Lyon has closed its Confucius Institute due to problems of "scientific and institutional independence of
the structure".
Their bad
reputation does not make it the best way to get to know China or to grasp its
diversity.
