HARTFORD, Conn. -- A language that's thousands of years old is new again as an increasing number of people in Connecticut are learning Mandarin Chinese.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Irene O'Connor reported the classes are not just for adults. The number of kids enrolled in Chinese language classes has increased from 300 to 3,000 over the last three academic years.

With songs and pictures, Pei-Pei Champion teaches the ancient dialect at the Champion Chinese Language Institute in Hartford.

"One sixth of the world speaks Chinese, and I really want to be able to enhance my communication skills with people," said Diana Brasell, a physical therapist.

China has surpassed Canada to become the second biggest trade partner for the United States. In the past two years, trade between the United States and China has soared by nearly 50 percent.

"This is definitely a language to learn ... The economy there right now is going higher and higher," said Carol Yip, a computer technician. "I'm planning to go and visit soon, so this will help."

China's growing economic influence is creating a buzz and a push to teach Americans everything Chinese.

"This language, traditional language, is the only surviving ancient language besides Hebrew," Champion said.

Champion teaches the traditional method, using characters that give visual clues about meanings.

"When you look at a picture, you know what it is about, you know the story," Champion said.