Dr. Mahdi Zolfaghari, the Director of the Iran Language Institute and a member of the Language Teaching in Schools panel at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, delivered a speech in English on the language teaching process in Iran, stating, “The ILI is ready to take the next steps – in cooperation with Chinese institutions – to create a strong and forward-looking framework for bilateral language teaching.”
According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the ILI, Zolfaghari, one of the keynote speakers at this conference, addressed the language education process in Iran and stated, “Language is the first and most effective bridge between nations, enabling communication, trust, and sustainable cooperation. For Iran and China — two civilizations that have long been linked by knowledge and wisdom — language learning is not just an academic subject, but an essential element for mutual understanding in the modern era.”
The Director of the ILI said, “Since China plays a vital role in today's global perspective - economically, culturally, and diplomatically - interest in learning Chinese has been steadily increasing around the world, and Iran is no exception. However, to translate this interest into long-term capability, there is a clear need for structured institutional partnerships, shared resources, and the training of capable teachers.”
Regarding Iran's experience in teaching the Chinese language, he said, referring to the Iran Language Institute model, “Iran has so far taken important steps towards establishing cooperation in the field of language education. The Iran Language Institute, as the country's oldest and most prestigious language training center, introduced Chinese as its ninth official language in 2020. Since then, more than 2,000 learners have completed various levels in physical and online courses.”
In defining forward-looking language teaching and its importance, he stated, “Forward-looking language teaching means combining modern technology, learner-centered methods, and intercultural understanding. For Chinese language learning to thrive in Iran and beyond, we must adopt flexible and innovative approaches that reflect the changing needs of language learners in an integrated and interconnected world. This vision guides the current efforts and future proposals of the Iran Language Institute. The institute's approach is based on active learner participation, phonics-based and personality-centered instruction, and balanced assessment of both written and oral skills.”
Referring to the production of localized educational content in this institute, the Director of the ILI continued, “Although localized materials have been developed, there is still a need for jointly produced resources that are appropriate for the age of the audience, and that are designed jointly with Chinese partners.”
Zolfaghari described the establishment of the HSK International Chinese Proficiency Test Center at the ILI as one of the key goals of this institute in the future, adding, “After the ILI’s successfully conducting the IELTS, DELF, and DELE exams, the establishment of the International Chinese Proficiency Test Center will allow Iranian language learners to receive internationally recognized certificates within their own country. This experience shows that Chinese language education in Iran is no longer symbolic, but a serious institutional effort aimed at sustainable and high-quality education.”
Joint training and teacher exchange programs, collaborative development of educational materials, scholarships and study opportunities, setting up an HSK test center at the ILI, and joint research in applied linguistics were among the proposals put forward by the Director of the Iran Language Institute to strengthen bilateral cooperation at this conference.
Referring to the development of Persian language programs for Chinese learners, Dr. Zolfaghari considered balanced cooperation to require opportunities in both directions and stated, “Today, many Iranians are learning Chinese, and on the other hand, the demand for Persian language education in China is also increasing. Based on this, the ILI is ready to play an active role in this field. With its long-standing expertise in teaching foreign languages, this institute can cooperate with Chinese universities in establishing Persian language courses in China, training Chinese Persian language teachers, developing joint Persian-Chinese educational content, and launching online Persian language courses. Such initiatives will strengthen bilateral and sustainable language cooperation and academic ties, ensuring that language exchange is equally beneficial for both parties.”
In the final part of his speech at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, he noted, “Language education is the sustainable foundation of international cooperation. By investing in Chinese and Persian language education equally, Iran and China can open new paths for academic exchange, business cooperation, and mutual understanding. Although this talk focuses on Iran-China cooperation, the model we propose—based on innovation, mutual respect, and practical cooperation—could inspire similar partnerships worldwide. By sharing resources, research, and technology, we can help make Chinese language education more inclusive, accessible, and forward-looking for learners in many countries, and together, through continuous improvement and shared commitment, turn these small steps into a sustainable and fruitful journey of collaboration.”
You can read the text of the speech delivered by Dr. Zolfaghari, the Director of the ILI, at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference here.