DAR ES SALAAM, June 18 (Xinhua) -- In a lecture room at the University of Dodoma's Confucius Institute in Tanzania, Tausi Iddi Nzimano, known by her Chinese name as Lin Shi, switches effortlessly between Mandarin and Swahili as she guides students through pronunciation, tones, and cultural expressions.
For her, Chinese language learning is not only an academic pursuit but a pathway that has reshaped her career, identity, and outlook on the world.
Nzimano, an assistant lecturer at the university's School of Engineering and a Chinese language teacher at the Confucius Institute, has worked at the institution for nearly six years. She began teaching Chinese in 2022, but her journey with the language started much earlier, in middle school.
"I have always been interested in languages," she said. "Before Chinese, I studied Swahili, English, and French. When I first saw Chinese teachers teaching at Zanaki Girls Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, I thought this was my chance to learn a new language."
The early years were challenging. With limited opportunities to practice speaking outside the classroom, she turned to self-learning at home, watching Chinese films, listening to music, and singing Chinese songs to improve her fluency.
"At that time, very few people were learning Chinese," she said. "Now more students are studying it because they see it as a subject that opens doors to jobs and careers."
Her commitment eventually took her to China, where she spent a year studying linguistics at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics. It was during this period that she had her first encounter with traditional Chinese opera, a moment that would leave a lasting impression.
Zheng Xueyu, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dodoma, arranged for her to travel to Luoyang City to study Yuju, a traditional opera form that originated in central China's Henan Province.
"When I first saw the performance, I was amazed," she recalled. "The singing was powerful and artistic."
Encouraged by her passion for singing, she decided to take on the challenge of learning the art form. Yuju is known for its strong vocal delivery, clear articulation, and expressive rhythmic melodies, and is one of China's most prominent regional opera traditions.
For Nzimano, mastering it was both demanding and rewarding. The costumes, makeup, gestures, and vocal techniques required discipline and dedication, but also deepened her appreciation of Chinese culture.
"Everything about it was fascinating," she said. "Even some Chinese people told me they could not easily learn it themselves, so they were surprised that I could do it in a short time."
Her experience in China, she added, changed the trajectory of her life.
"Learning Chinese gave me a job. Without it, I would not have the career I have today," she said. "It also gave me the opportunity to study abroad and experience a different world. Now I see myself as a bridge between Tanzania and China."
Her story reflects a broader trend at the Confucius Institute, where an increasing number of Tanzanian students are embracing Chinese language studies for both cultural understanding and career opportunities.
Among them is 22-year-old Loyce Johansen Mashurubu, a second-year Chinese language student known by her Chinese name as Li Yue.
"I chose this major because learning Chinese is very interesting," she said. "I also want to study abroad in China."
Through her studies, Mashurubu has gained exposure not only to the language but also to Chinese culture, festivals, and cuisine.
"I now know about the Spring Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival," she said. "I have also learned about foods like dumplings and steamed buns. It is very exciting."
"There are more and more Chinese people and companies in our country," she said. "Learning Chinese creates many opportunities, especially for employment. In the future, we will become better translators."
Behind the growing student interest is a structured institutional effort led by the Confucius Institute and its Chinese and Tanzanian educators.
Chinese teacher Zheng Xueyu has been engaged in Mandarin education in Tanzania since 2013. She has served in multiple roles, including overseeing secondary school language programs, and returned in 2024 to continue leading the institute.
Currently, the institute offers undergraduate Chinese language programs with nearly 350 students enrolled. It also has 14 local teachers, 11 at the University of Dodoma and three at a satellite classroom at the Muslim University of Morogoro.
"We focus strongly on training local teachers," Zheng said. "Every year we provide training in lesson planning, classroom design, teaching methods, and classroom management. We also guide teachers in understanding Chinese culture and etiquette."
She highlighted Nzimano as an example of successful capacity building and cultural exchange. After graduating from the institute, she joined as a local teacher and later participated in advanced training in China, including exposure to traditional opera arts.
"Nzimano showed strong interest in Chinese traditional culture and performing arts," she said. "After further training in Luoyang, she performed very well and even sang at a graduation gala at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, which impressed many people."
A key focus, Zheng added, is linking Chinese language learning with vocational skills to better meet labor market needs.
According to Zheng, the undergraduate Chinese program at the University of Dodoma remains the only one of its kind in Tanzania. Graduates are increasingly in demand, particularly from Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
"By their third year, most students are already recruited," she said. "Many do not attend job fairs because they already have employment opportunities or plan to continue studies abroad."
For both educators and students, the impact of Chinese language education extends beyond classrooms and careers, fostering cultural understanding and a long-term partnership between Tanzania and China.
As Nzimano reflected: "The Chinese language has changed my life. It has given me opportunities, experiences, and a new identity. Now I help others discover the same path."
