Over the past several decades China has become an immense market for American goods and services, and a vital supplier to American manufacturers and consumers. According to the Asia Society, U.S. trade with China exceeded $245 billion in 2004. China’s economic, political and social realities will generate opportunities and challenges for U.S. businesses, creating a greater demand for proficiency in Chinese language and culture in the U.S.
UNH Manchester and the Confucius Institute at UNH (CI-UNH) see the growth in China’s influence as an opportunity to provide cultural and educational programs for the community. This fall the college will offer free cultural arts programs, including a Moon Festival and Chinese films. There will also be courses in both conversational and elementary Chinese.
The Chinese Moon Festival celebrates and honors Chang’e, Moon Goddess of Immortality, who stole the elixir of immortality and fled to the moon. Today, the popular lunar harvest festival is celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese families. The event is scheduled on September 27 at 6:00 p.m. at UNH Manchester. Chinese films will be offered on October 29 and November 5 at 3:00 p.m.
People interested in learning more about Chinese language and culture may also want to consider taking either conversational or elementary Chinese courses this fall. Conversational Chinese (CHN400) is for those with no previous training in Chinese. Students will learn about Chinese culture in addition to basic language skills. Elementary Chinese (CHN401) classes are focused on the study of basic communicative Chinese language skills at a beginner level. The course also teaches students about Chinese culture and building cultural competence. Both courses are offered on Wednesdays from August 29-December 12 and are taught by Yang bei, professor with UNH’s Confucius Institute.
CI-UNH is a partnership between the University of New Hampshire and Chengdu University in China that engages the life of the University with the larger community, both locally and globally. The institute offers a full curriculum in Chinese language and culture. CI-UNH also provides opportunities for cultural learning and exchange for regional schools—primary through post-secondary. For more information, contact Professor Yang bei, bei.yang@unh.edu, or Mr Xu Yuexing, co-director of CI-UNH, greenland7@163.com.
Originally published by:
Kim Wall, Media Contact, UNH Manchester
