Confucius Institute announces spring Chinese language classes and activities

8:12 a.m., Jan. 12, 2016--Each semester, the Confucius Institute (CI) at the University of Delaware offers a calendar of courses and programs designed to introduce the campus and greater Delaware community to Chinese language and culture. 

This spring, in addition to regularly offered Chinese language classes for UD faculty, staff and students, the institute will offer its first family Chinese course for the general public. The class is designed for parents who want to keep up with their children’s Chinese curriculum, or any family interested in learning the language together. 

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The family course will be offered on Tuesday evenings from Feb. 16 to May 10 and seats only 20 individuals.  

Also new to this semester’s schedule is a Chinese calligraphy course, meant to give participants an introduction to the art of this ancient writing style. Calligraphy courses will take place on Thursdays from Feb. 18 to May 12. 

Registration for all classes is open online and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The campus community and general public are also invited to attend the institute’s Chinese Corner, a weekly conversation program that will take place from 5:15-6:15 p.m. beginning Monday, Feb. 15. Participants will join Chinese native speakers in directed conversations meant to enhance their language skills.

For film aficionados, CI will also offer its Chinese Movie Club, which will meet every other Thursday from 5-7 p.m. The club will view films that, while not popular in mainstream Western culture, are influential in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other parts of East Asia.

To register to attend Chinese Corner or Chinese Movie Club meetings, email confucius@udel.edu. 

All courses and activities are free and take place at the Confucius Institute, 121 E. Delaware Ave., or as specified on the calendar.

Community members are also reminded to mark their calendars for the annual Confucius Institute Chinese New Year Celebration, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Mitchell Hall. 

For a full schedule of spring semester programs for faculty, staff, students and the general public, visit the Confucius Institute website or email confucius@udel.edu  with questions.  

Article by Nikki Laws