Gen Z Russian teacher decodes China for his students using AI short drama

(ECNS) -- For Vitaly, a Chinese language teacher at Russia’s Higher School of Economics, textbooks tell only part of the story.

Born in 2002, Vitaly has found a creative way to engage his students with the language: AI-generated short dramas and Chinese pop culture.

“I watch Chinese AI short dramas to improve my own language skills, and I bring that same creative approach into the classroom,” Vitaly said.

By drawing on the fast-paced and engaging format of short videos, he helps students understand grammar and vocabulary in a more accessible and memorable way.

This summer, Vitaly led more than 80 Russian translation students to Changchun, Jilin Province, for a month-long study program at Jilin International Studies University.

Beyond the classroom, he encourages students to immerse themselves in contemporary Chinese youth culture, from collecting popular blind boxes to sampling local food at night markets.

Fluent in Chinese and familiar with everything from idioms and classical prose to the latest internet slang and memes, Vitaly believes that experiencing China firsthand is one of the best ways to understand the country. 

By combining classroom learning with digital trends and everyday cultural experiences, he hopes to inspire a new generation of translators and help strengthen cultural exchanges between China and Russia.

(By Helen Mo, intern Lin Qiaochu)