Introduction to Chinese Language
VIEW EVENT DETAILSThis entirely virtual beginner course provides adult language learners with an introduction to the Mandarin dialect and Chinese culture. Through hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, and games, students will explore Chinese culture and language in a fun, supportive, and engaging way.
This course will cover the Hanyu Pinyin phonetic transcription system, as well as the pronunciation and use of many common vocabulary terms and idiomatic expressions. Students will create a foundation for long-term study and develop cross-cultural skills necessary for basic communication while in China for business or pleasure. This class emphasizes listening and pronunciation skills and does not require previous knowledge of Chinese.
The instructor will utilize Zoom and other apps for the course and supplemental course materials. Instruction will take place live on Zoom every Wednesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Students should have a reliable camera and microphone.
Course Dates
Wednesdays, September 16 – November 11, 2020
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
About the Instructor
Sophia Chang teaches Mandarin Chinese at the Houston Academy for International Studies Early College High School and at the Asia Society Texas Center. She teaches all levels from beginner Chinese I for High School credit to Advanced Placement Chinese. Her approach to language acquisition and foreign language learning has built a strong AP Chinese program, with many students traveling to China as a capstone experience. She is the recipient of campus the Teacher of Year award in both 2014-2015 and 2016-2017. In 2018, she was awarded the Outstanding Asian American Teacher of the Year in HISD and in 2019, she was named the International Teacher of the Year award from the World Affairs Council. She embraces the modern world we live in and loves to incorporate technology into her curriculum and daily teaching. Her students experience flipped classroom lessons, project-based learning, and digital collaboration tools that enhance effective communication.
Major support for Education & Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as The Brown Foundation, Inc., and The Houston Endowment. Additional funding also provided by the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, as well as through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center.
About Asia Society at Home
We are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.
About Asia Society Texas Center
With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.