Mandarin for money or the joy of learning

Photo Provided to China Daily

Zanello hopes she can continue to improve her Chinese and expects she and her teammates will deliver even better performances in the final.

Since China Bridge's inception in 2002, it has become an annual competition for the Chinese government to encourage the study of the language globally and an important platform for young non-Chinese to learn about the country and its culture. In France this year, 33 contestants qualified for the preliminary round. They demonstrated their Chinese proficiency and skills thorough speeches and talent shows such as singing, reciting poetry, calligraphy, traditional Chinese dancing and crosstalk.

Solange Cruveille, a Chinese professor at Paul Valery University Montpellier III, says learning Chinese is good for young people in France as it gives them confidence and hope for the future.

"The biggest change in the students is that they have become more open and positive about their future. They tend to complain about the economy and job market in France, but learning Chinese has made them much more optimistic."

Chinese is now the fifth-most popular foreign language taught in French schools, after English, Spanish, German and Italian, and Mandarin classes are now offered in all French academic districts.