An increased interest in China, its people and culture has resulted in a heightened demand for knowledge of the Chinese language.
Chinese director of the Confucius Centre at the University of the West Indies, Professor Lu Shaogang (left) shares a moment with Director of the Institute Dr Courtney Hogarth. (PHOTOS: BRYAN CUMMINGS)
Lu and Hogarth agree that the greatest advantage in learning the Chinese language is how it widens your horizons.
The fostering of this curiosity falls squarely in the ambit of the Confucius Institute, located on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.
The institute, which has a similar set-up in a number of countries across the globe, was established in Jamaica back in 2009, and is run by Jamaican Dr Courtney Hogarth, who spent a number of years studying in China.
While the teaching of the Chinese language is the priority of the institute, Hogarth notes that other aspects of Chinese culture are undertaken by the facility.
"We also conduct classes in the martial arts disciple Tai Chi, we have a Film of the Month series, conduct classes in Chinese calligraphy as well as observe the major traditional festivals."
The institute's Chinese language courses are divided into two — the community course and the for-credit course of the university students.
Hogarth explained that the community course in preliminary Chinese is usually taken up by representatives from various government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jampro, Jamaican employees of the construction firm China Harbour, high school students who have an interest in the language, as well as Jamaicans of Chinese heritage.
"The university course for three credits is currently an elective, but there are plans to establish a major and minor in the language," Hogarth explained.
University students who pass this course should be able to conduct basic conversation including answering basic questions and delivering greetings.
Chinese director at the Confucius Institute Professor Lu Shaogang explained that especially for university students, the major attraction to learning Chinese is economic gains and the possibility of study and travel in China.
"However, the biggest advantage is that it widens your horizons, gives you the tools to communicate, and teaches tolerance."
Persons studying in China will need to take a Chinese language course which usually lasts anywhere from one semester to an academic year, before commencing their course of study.
Chinese director of the Confucius Centre at the University of the West Indies, Professor Lu Shaogang (left) shares a moment with Director of the Institute Dr Courtney Hogarth. (PHOTOS: BRYAN CUMMINGS)
Lu and Hogarth agree that the greatest advantage in learning the Chinese language is how it widens your horizons.
     Lu and Hogarth agree that the greatest advantage in learning the Chinese language is how it widens your horizons. #slideshowtoggler, #slideshowtoggler a, #slideshowtoggler img {filter:none !important;zoom:normal !important}  3/3  |
The institute, which has a similar set-up in a number of countries across the globe, was established in Jamaica back in 2009, and is run by Jamaican Dr Courtney Hogarth, who spent a number of years studying in China.
While the teaching of the Chinese language is the priority of the institute, Hogarth notes that other aspects of Chinese culture are undertaken by the facility.
"We also conduct classes in the martial arts disciple Tai Chi, we have a Film of the Month series, conduct classes in Chinese calligraphy as well as observe the major traditional festivals."
The institute's Chinese language courses are divided into two — the community course and the for-credit course of the university students.
Hogarth explained that the community course in preliminary Chinese is usually taken up by representatives from various government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jampro, Jamaican employees of the construction firm China Harbour, high school students who have an interest in the language, as well as Jamaicans of Chinese heritage.
"The university course for three credits is currently an elective, but there are plans to establish a major and minor in the language," Hogarth explained.
University students who pass this course should be able to conduct basic conversation including answering basic questions and delivering greetings.
Chinese director at the Confucius Institute Professor Lu Shaogang explained that especially for university students, the major attraction to learning Chinese is economic gains and the possibility of study and travel in China.
"However, the biggest advantage is that it widens your horizons, gives you the tools to communicate, and teaches tolerance."
Persons studying in China will need to take a Chinese language course which usually lasts anywhere from one semester to an academic year, before commencing their course of study.