Chinese language courses gain popularity

NEW YORK - The National Chinese Language Conference will meet in Washington DC thursday, bringing together more than 800 educators, policymakers and language advocates for a three-day meeting to discuss key issues in language instruction and research in a field that is currently experiencing dynamic growth.

"There has been tremendous growth and interest in learning Chinese among schools and students in recent years," said Selena Cantor, the director of the Chinese Language and Culture Initiative program at College Board, which is co-sponsoring the event with the Asia Society.

Much of the push for more Chinese language courses has come from the students and their families, said Chris Livaccari, the associate director of education and Chinese language initiatives for the Asia Society.