ABSTRACT

Since the establishment of Department of Arabic Language in Peking University in 1946, Arabic has been part of curriculum in many Chinese institutions of higher education. This chapter presents the history of Arabic language education in Chinese universities, analyzing its characteristics in different historical periods. Derived from Arabic language training in madrasas and in modernized “new schools,” Arabic language education was first established in China due to the efforts of a number of prominent Muslim scholars. The launch of the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) had a damaging effect on Arabic education for several years, but language programs continued and made some achievements in spite of the difficult time. Later, the implementation of the Reform and Opening-up Policy took Arabic education in higher education institutions to a new level through various approaches to substantially improve teaching quality. Entering the 21st century, Arabic education in Chinese universities has gone through a new round of reform and self-renewal and has set goals to further serve the expansion of international exchange.