سهراب ضیا

Chinese has become increasingly attractive to young people in Tajikistan as China’s economic, commercial and strategic presence in Central Asia expands. Students and workers view the language as a pathway to jobs with Chinese companies, trade opportunities, translation work, study in China and improved living standards. Tajikistan now offers Chinese instruction at universities and private centers, while thousands of Tajik students study in China and dozens of Chinese teachers work in local institutions. The trend reflects both expanding educational opportunities and China’s growing influence: China has invested billions of dollars in Tajikistan, operates through hundreds of Chinese-funded companies, and is the country’s largest foreign creditor.