Taiwan conducts its first Mandarin test TOCFL at IIT-Ropar, Jammu
Demand for Mandarin in India has witnessed a surge as the global supply chain starts to shift to India, and more and more job opportunities occur in companies owned by India-based Taiwanese companies
NEW DELHI: Responding to the demand for Mandarin Chinese language test from students of Chandigarh University, IIT Ropar and IIT Jammu, Taiwan conducted the very first Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) separately in Punjab and Jammu in the middle of May. Demand for Mandarin in India has witnessed a surge as the global supply chain starts to shift to India, and more and more job opportunities occur in companies owned by India-based Taiwanese companies. These companies require Indian talents who can speak Mandarin Chinese to work at the management level. Therefore, more students start to prepare for Mandarin language skills.
Hosted by the Education Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, Chandigarh University and Indian Institute of Technology Ropar conducted the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) together in India for the first time on May 13th, 2023, and 15 Indian students who took the test, among the students, 8 were from Chandigarh University and the other 7 were from Indian Institute of Technology Ropar.
Education Division at Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC), Director Peters Chen visited IIT Ropar, where the test venue was located, on May 13th to meet the students. Mandarin teacher of Chandigarh University Ms. Hsiao said,” a total of 15 students appeared to give the test today, I believe this test provided a good opportunity for self-assessment of the level of learning Mandarin, students enjoyed great learning experience not only to Mandarin courses but different cultural events. It is a small number but it is definitely a good starting point.”
Education Director of TECC, Peters Chen also visited IIT Jammu and said, “The MOE Taiwan started TOCFL from 2006, which is a set of standardized language proficiency tests developed for non-native speakers of Chinese. The levels of the TOCFL correspond to levels used by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment) and the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).”
“Thus, it provides a common basis for recognizing Mandarin language qualifications across borders. Students who passed level 3 can apply to all degree programmes of Taiwan’s universities and scholarships. TOCFL certificate is also beneficial for anyone who wants to study, work, or do business in Chinese-speaking countries, Peters added.
