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Washington University students have fallen in line with the national trend of rising interest in the study of Chinese language, with enrollment in Chinese language classes spiking over 30 percent this fall. The number of students enrolling in Chinese has risen dramatically and is what Judy Mu, a professor of Chinese language and literature, calls "a major phenomenon in this field." On Oct. 15, The New York Times reported that the number of Chinese language programs in the United States, ranging from elementary school to adult programs, had tripled over the past 10 years. "Chinese is the language of this century. If you want to get into the front lines of the world affairs, you have to know Chinese. China will be in the front politically, economically, and medically," said Mu. Student interest in Chinese has been steadily growing over the past five years. But this fall presented an unparalleled jump in Chinese enrollment, said Mu. The students enrolling come from mixed backgrounds with different levels of experience with the language. Chinese 101, which is for students with no background at all, is very popular for both Asian and non-Asian students. "Over the past few years we get students coming in with [a Chinese language] background in high school," said Mu, noting the national move to teach the "less commonly taught languages," such as Chinese, at the high school level. Professor Mu attributes this year's significant enrollment increase to several global elements. "It could be multi-factored. Because of the general environment surrounding China, political and economical, students see opportunities for getting on the platform of world affairs," she said. "The word has got out that the American government needs people educated in the less commonly taught languages, such as Chinese." Mu has noticed this trend not just at the University, but at universities everywhere. Many of her colleagues have seen their Chinese language classes grow anywhere from 25 to 100 percent, she said. Students everywhere have realized the importance of learning the language. The department encourages students not to stop with the language, but to continue studying Chinese literature, culture, and religion. "Language is where a lot of students begin. They are fascinated by the characters," said Beata Grant, a lecturer in women and gender studies. "Our hope is that students see that language is not an end unto itself. You can't study language without culture." The study of Chinese is not something students can learn in one or two years. Rather, it is a major enterprise, said Grant. "We really want people to make the connection between language and culture. Language embodies culture and opens the door," explained Grant. Freshman Donald Shum is one of the over 80 students enrolled in first-level Chinese this fall. "I figured I should probably take a language, and I decided Chinese was the most practical," Shum said of his decision to study Chinese. His Chinese heritage also impacted his decision to begin the language, he said. Shum plans to use his language education for both travel and business. "I hope to know the language well enough that I can eventually live in Asia with no problems," he said. He expects that the language will be of great use for him in his career, as well, as he plans to pursue international business. Junior Cristina Montero Diez has already had an opportunity to apply her year of Chinese study to her life. As a Pre-Orientation aide, Montero Diez used her Chinese skills to communicate with non-English speaking parents. "This made them feel welcome," said Montero Diez. After a year of Chinese study, Montero Diez is impressed with the University's department. "I think the teachers are very helpful and nice," she said. "The structure of the class allows students to transition into speaking Chinese with very few difficulties." Source: www.studlife.com Oct 26, 05 |
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