I am developing a program in which we chinese people offer helps to foreigners in learning the chinese language and culture. The programs is called "cultural exchange" and "Crossing lingual barriers". Basically,

this is one-to-one conversation class. MTU students, faculty and their family members who have an interest can all join. Kids older than 5 who wish to learn are welcomed too. During these sessions, all chinese

speakers will try to speak only English to other chinese to avoid alienating the foreign learners. Discussions in chinese are greatly discouraged. This is to make sure that is is indeed “cross-lingual".

China has a rich culture and history. My friends and I would contribute to show the local community the beauty of China. Thank everyone who helped around, especially Jiuzhu and Fangzhou..

So far, what did we teach:

Fall 2006, Week

(1) The origin of Chinese characters + greetings by Yidan

(2) One Chinese sentence structure by Yang Liu

(3) Chinese Zodiac and birthday customs +greetings by Yidan

(4) Mid-Autumn origin and customs by Joy Wu

(5) Pinyin lesson 1 (simple vowels) and food names +greetings by Yidan

(6) Pinyin lesson 2 (initials group1) +greetings by Yidan

(7) Reviews/quiz and Pinyin lesson3 (initials group 2) by Yidan

(8) Pinyin lesson 3 (initials group 3) and shopping in China by Jiuzhu

(9) Pinyin lesson 4 (initials group 4, 5 & 6) and daily language by Yidan.

(10) Pinyin lesson 5 (Compound vowels 1) and one sentence by Jiuzhu

(11) Pinyin lesson 6 (compound vowels) and Chinese philology

(12) Culture exchange: food and chess 

Spring 2007, Week

(1) review of Chinese Pinyin

(2) Recruiting people for a short play and host in Chinese Night

(3) Short play ideas and some Chinese sentences

(4) Winter carnival

(5) Short play final script finalization and refining

(6) Chinese Night

(7) Cancel class due to blizzard

(8) Learn Chinese classic:  Dream of the Red Chamber (Chinese and English version)  Record 100.1

(9) Spring break. Study material: Chinese Subtiles of Dream of the Red Chamber

(10) Learn Chinese classic: Dream of the Red Chamber 2 Record 100.2

(11) Learn  Chinese classic: Dream of the Red Chamber 3 Record 100.3