Dr Minjie Xing is passionate about promoting research-informed approaches to language teaching and fostering the development of learning communities. She is recognised across the UK, Europe and China for her expertise in multimodal interactive learning pedagogy, language for specific purposes and intercultural communication. 

Minjie was previously a professor of Applied Linguistics at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China. She was also a guest professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University. After pursuing her PhD in Multimedia Language Learning in the UK under a full scholarship fund, she started teaching Chinese at the University of Nottingham before joining the team at Manchester. 

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Minjie has made an outstanding impact at the University. Her focus on ‘real-life’ language learning promotes connections between native and non-native speakers, helping build intercultural understanding through friendships. 

Minjie said: “It is a great honour for a language tutor to be awarded National Teaching Fellow, which could be an inspiration for colleagues in teaching to make more contributions to enrich our students' learning experience.” 

Manchester is one of a few British universities with a significant and popular offering in Chinese Studies that caters to all levels—in no small part due to Minjie’s high standards and strong professional networks. She is also incredibly active in outreach activities, bringing the joy of language learning to schools, colleges, and the local community. 

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said: “We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity.” 

The 2024 National Teaching Fellowship awards ceremony will be held in Edinburgh on Thursday, 3 October.