China workshop to help promote cross-cultural understanding

The Educational Resources Lab at Oakland University's Oakland University's School of Education and Human Services invites individuals interested in learning about China to participate in its upcoming China Workshop: An Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture.

Three international graduate students in OU's Reading and Language Arts program will work as a group to teach this six-week series of introductory lessons. Ying Yu, Yuyang Xie and Xu Wu – all experienced teachers – are native Chinese speakers fluent in English.

"We have them help OU students and the community to get to know about the Chinese language, culture, history and geography. And in the cultural part of this, we also deal with the social issues," explained Ledong Li, an associate professor of education in the School of Education and Human Services and organizer of the workshop.

"People who come are very enthusiastic about learning. They want to learn more about China from something other than text books."

Li said that in recent years, the annual workshops have become popular not only with students studying China, but with professionals planning business trips to the country, travelers planning visits and parents who have adopted or are looking to adopt Chinese children.

Noting that the series of informative meetings is open to all, Li added, "I think it's a very productive workshop that really helps promote cross-cultural understanding."

The workshops will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting March 2 and continuing through April 13. Instruction will take place in the Educational Resources Lab, located at 350 Pawley Hall on the campus of Oakland University, 1200 N. Squirrel Road.

Registration for the series is $65 per person. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register early. The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 25.

Those interested in attending can obtain a registration form at oakland.edu/erlevents. Registration forms should be sent with a check payable to Oakland University to 350 Pawley Hall, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309. For more information, call Karen Reeves at (248) 370-4230 or e-mail to kareeves@oakland.edu.