Chinese
Mandarin Chinese has the most native speakers among all languages mainly due to China’s large population. In addition to China, Mandarin is also spoken in Chinese communities of other countries worldwide. From a utilitarian perspective, sufficient proficiency of Mandarin can be an asset in the job market, can help to promote economic growth, and can assist intercultural communication. From a developmental perspective, learning Mandarin (and all languages), can allow learners to experience additional ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that may be unavailable in their native linguistic- and cultural environment. This kind of learning may nurture cross-cultural empathy and solidarity. The Chinese Department aims to support all students, whether they are new learners or have had previous experience, to acquire pragmatic language skills and enjoy the developmental benefits of learning an additional language.
Meet Our Instructors
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Lixia Ma
Chinese instructor, GJV Volleyball Head Coach, Advisor, House Counselor [email protected] view full profile“Teaching and learning always happen simultaneously. While I help students learn how to speak and write Chinese, play as a team on the volleyball court, grow as an independent and compassionate community member, they also inspire me to become a better teacher, coach, advisor and house counselor every day.”
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Congmin Zhao
Instructor and Chair, Chinese Department, Step Aerobics and Dance Fitness Instructor, House Counselor, Academic Advisor, Faculty Interviewer for the Admission Office [email protected] view full profile“I enjoy interacting with students in various settings at PA. These students inspire me in different ways and motivate me to become a better teacher and a better person.”
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Huiying Zhao
Adjunct Instructor, Chinese"A good teacher is like a candle--it consumes itself to light the way for others" 一个好老师就像一根蜡烛—点亮自己照亮别人
Chinese 100: First-Level Chinese
Chinese 100 is the beginning-level Chinese course at Phillips Academy. In this course, students will learn the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural information that can help them to develop novice-level language proficiency and the cultural competence needed to appropriately engage in everyday communication in Chinese. The knowledge and skills (i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing) will be learned and practiced in the context of one’s personal life (e.g., hobbies, family, friends) and public life (e.g., school activities, shopping, transportation).
Chinese 540: Introduction to Chinese Literature
This course is designed for Juniors and Lowers with near-native fluency in spoken Chinese and familiarity with Chinese culture. It provides an overview of the historical timeline of literature through a brief introduction to a selection of China’s representative literary works, from classical poetry and essays to modern and contemporary novels.
Chinese 623: Advanced Topics in Chinese
This course guides students through some Chinese texts used in higher education to explore various topics in modern China, such as women’s status, the education system, business activities, Chinese news, and China’s entertainment industry. Students will develop advanced-level Chinese language proficiency that allows them to become more comfortable discussing complex social and historical issues.
