INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
The China Institute Welcomes Educators at New Downtown Space
By Lydia Liebman
(L-R) Shenzhan Liao, China Institute; President James Heimowitz; Chien Chung Pei, Architect
The China Institute celebrated its new downtown location at 100 Washington Street with a special open house for educators recently. Kicking off the event was Chancellor Carmen Farina, who delivered opening remarks that spoke of the importance of understanding other cultures. “I think every child in New York City should have the ability to learn about other cultures,” said Chancellor Farina as she continued to praise the China Institute for their part in educating young people about Chinese Culture.
Professor Lixing (Frank) Tang spoke next with an enlightening presentation about the growth of Chinese language in the United States. Tang, who is a Clinical Professor and Director of TESOL/Bilingual Education/Foreign Language Education Programs at Steinhardt, NYU and frequent collaborator of the China Institute, often referenced a recent study published by The Washington Post that states that out of 2.7 billion people on earth, 1.39 billion speak Chinese. “If you talk to a man in the a language he understands that goes to his head… if you talk to a man in a language that is his own it goes to his heart,” said Tang, quoting Nelson Mandela. When referencing the recent announcement made by President Obama about his desire to have 1 million American students learning Chinese by 2020, Tang stated that “we have a job to do,” and thanked the China Institute for its role in this important mission.
The China Institute announced some forthcoming programs and initiatives including film series, lectures, chinese language courses and an expanded art program that now includes contemporary Chinese art. #
