The Center for the South Pacific Languages and Cultures

The Center for the South Pacific Languages and Cultures of the School of English was established in 2016. Its main mission is to develop eight less commonly taught languages from South Pacific island countries in phases, including Te Reo Māori, Cook Islands Māori, Samoan, Fijian, Tok Pisin, Tongan, Niuean, and Bislama. These languages are respectively one of the official languages of eight South Pacific island countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, namely New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Niue, and Vanuatu.

Currently, the Center has 11 full-time teachers. In addition, there is one long-term foreign teacher each for Samoan and Tongan, and 1-2 short-term experts respectively for Tok Pisin, Te Reo Māori, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori, and Fijian. In early 2018, all eight languages were approved for development by the Ministry of Education. The Center is committed to the discipline construction of the eight languages, with overall progress made in curriculum development, teacher training, textbook compilation, and international cooperation, achieving multiple breakthroughs from scratch. At present, apart from Bislama, the other seven languages have offered several rounds of optional courses, with over 100 students enrolled.

In the future, the Center will use its multilingual advantages to deepen research on the politics, economy, and culture of Pacific island countries, strengthen international academic exchanges and cooperation, and produce more high-quality research outcomes. It will provide strong intellectual support for China’s diplomatic, economic, and trade cooperation in the South Pacific region and cultivate more interdisciplinary talents with both linguistic expertise and regional research capabilities.

Members

Major Publications and Research Projects (Past Five Years):

● High-Impact journal articles: 10+

● Textbooks: 9

● Funded Projects (University level) : 7