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Issue: 1068 Date: 2/10/2011
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Confucius Institute Teaches Chinese Language, Culture
Webster University's partnership with Chinese Ministry of Education yields local opportunities
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by Fran Mannino
This week marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, a time of celebration and reunion for those of Chinese descent. It is a holiday that has captured the imagination of many in the U.S., from its colorful celebrations to its spotlight on the Chinese Zodiac.
With the possibility of a Midwest-China airport cargo hub coming to St. Louis comes an increased interest in all things Chinese. But to be wellversed in Chinese culture requires more than just knowing that 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.
A wealth of information about China is available to St. Louisans through the Confucius Institute at Webster University, housed in the historic Old Post Office Building in downtown St. Louis.
Confucius Institutes are in 66 different countries. They work in partnership with the Beijing Language and Culture University and The Office of Chinese Language Council International of the Chinese Ministry of Education (HANBAN). The Webster University institute was founded in 2008 through the efforts of former Missouri Governor Bob Holden. It is the only one of its kind in Missouri.
The Confucius Institute uses outreach programs to help educate St. Louisans about China and Chinese culture. It offers teacher training workshops, language classes - even trips to China for students.
"Most of the work we do here is in education," said Debbie Trott Pierce Ph.D., director of the Confucius Institute and Webster University's Center for International Education. "Other educational projects we work on are with the business community. We teach business etiquette for China, some cultural do's and don'ts."
Those headed to China on business can contract with the Confucius Institute for training prior to the trip to facilitate some basic understanding of Chinese language and culture, and to hopefully avoid any business-ending cultural misunderstandings.
The Confucius Institute houses a library and resource center and offers tours of China for teachers, students and school district employees.
In addition to Pierce, the Confucius Institute at Webster University boasts a staff with an impressive list of credentials. Program Coordinator Li Fang, a native of Beijing, holds a master's degree in business administration and is fluent in both Chinese and English. Department Associate Jie Fan has a master's in finance and a master's in world economy. She divides her time between the Confucius Institute and the Midwest-China Hub Commission, which is working to bring a cargo hub to Lambert St. Louis International Airport that would link Midwestern businesses to their counterparts in China.
Bringing China to Schools
Most local schools are just now opening up their curriculum to include Chinese. Giving them a leg up on Chinese studies is the staff at the Confucius Institute.
"Our work is to promote Chinese language and culture to the local community and local schools," said Li Fang. "We visit grade schools, high schools and middle schools to help them to know more about the Chinese culture. With our summer program, we send ninth through 12th graders to China for a couple of weeks."
Several Webster Groves schools are taking advantage of the institute's resources, including Avery Elementary, Steger Computer School, Hixson Middle School and the district's Early Years program. Some schools utilize tools provided by the institute to create value added after-school programs.
"Teacher training workshops are offered to local teachers," said Fang. "After they realize the importance of Chinese programs in schools and want to hire their own teachers, we invite very experienced teachers in to do local training for those teachers."
Jie Fan said the summer program for teenagers is an especially valuable opportunity for local students.
"The trip is open to those going into ninth grade through graduating seniors," she said. "They stay in Beijing for three days, and stay in one other city. There are language classes in the morning, then trips to cultural centers, museums, parks and historical areas. Last year they went to Confucius' hometown."
Travelers pay for their own international roundtrip airfare, medical insurance, visa fees and passports; everything else is paid for through the institute.
"When the kids return, parents say, 'I can't put my finger on what it is, but my child is so much more mature,'" said Pierce. "It's a transformation."
Webster Groves Connection
Although located in downtown St. Louis, the Confucius Institute has a unique tie to Webster Groves. Through the generosity of the late Jack and June Young, who resided in Webster Groves, the Confucius Institute houses precious Chinese furniture, books and other items collected by the couple.
Jack Young was of Chinese descent, and his wife was American. Jack Young's brother, Quentin, helped bring the first panda to the United States in the 1930s. Because the Youngs did not have any children, they bequeathed their estate to their home health nurse, a Webster University alum. When she read about the Confucius Institute opening in St. Louis, she got in touch with Pierce and offered to donate many items from the Youngs' collection.
Among the treasures donated to the Confucius Institute is a set of wood and marble furniture that was originally brought to the U.S. for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
Another highlight of the collection is a silk robe adorned with a five-fingered dragon, indicating it once belonged to an emperor or one of his loyal servants. A book with Confucius writings is also showcased.
Chinese New Year
In honor of the Chinese New Year, which kicked off Feb. 3, the Confucius Institute hosted a gala celebration Jan. 29 at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.
"This is the Year of the Rabbit," said Li Fang. "If you go to China at the New Year you find half the stores and restaurants are closed. We have holidays from Chinese New Year to 15 days past.
"Each year the New Year falls on a different date. It depends on the lunar calendar," said Fang. "In China it's a big celebration, a feast, a family reunion. For the Chinese community overseas, it's hard to be away from family at this time.
"We try to organize events and activities so that Chinese people can feel the holiday atmosphere here. And we want local people to have a taste of what it's like too," said Fang
On Feb. 8, from noon to 3 p.m., Webster University will have a day of celebration in honor of the New Year, with traditional food and dance. On Feb. 10, the cafeteria on campus will offer free Chinese food.
For more information on the Confucius Institute, visit www.webster.edu/confuciusinstitute.
(Source: Webster-Kirkwood Times) |
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