On 25th January, 2013, Confucius Institute for Business London (CIBL) and ‘Routes into Language’ successfully held a Mandarin taster event. The event offered the opportunity for secondary school students to explore Chinese language and culture. As the event was held on the London School of Economics and Political Science’s (LSE) campus, it also served as an opportunity for students to experience university life.
The workshop lasted for three hours and attracted almost 40 students from secondary schools such as St. Andrew’s High School, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College, St. Ursula’s Covent School and Wellingborough School. After Professor Luo Lisheng, CIBL’s China Director, introductory talk, the students began by watching a short video on Chinese language and culture. This was followed by two short presentations from LSE’s Dr Hans Steinmuller and Tsinghua and LSE exchange student Mr Jan Milark where they shared their stories and insights on China and its culture. After the presentations we had two workshops. Divided into two groups, and led by CIBL professional instructors, one workshop was on Chinese calligraphy and gave students the chance to write a few Chinese words such as ‘love’ and ‘1-10’ with a Chinese paint brush. Whilst in the other workshop students learnt some basic facts about China’s geography and economy, a few simple words and of course all this was capped off with some singing. And then to commemorate their experience, they were all presented with certificates.
To finish the taster event, the students were led on a half an hour campus tour by LSE ambassadors, visiting such landmarks as the LSE’s library.
This was CIBL’s fourth year holding this Mandarin taster event and as we feel it was very successful in introducing and inspiring students to learn more about Chinese language and culture. We hope to host many more such similar events in the future.