2nd Annual National Chinese Language Conference Draws More Than 900 Participants to Chicago
 |
 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu, from the Chicago Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China
|
It seemed fitting to hold the second annual Chinese Language Conference in Chicago, as the Windy City is home to the largest K-12 Chinese program in the United States. From April 30 to May 2, leaders from across K-16 education around the world met at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile to share best practices and build partnerships to advance the field of Chinese language education. The event was co-sponsored by the College Board and Asia Society and hosted by Chicago Public Schools.
The opening plenary dinner on April 30 included remarks from College Board President Gaston Caperton and Robert A. Davis, manager of World Language and International Studies for Chicago Public Schools. Adding to the evening’s excitement, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley addressed the crowd, detailing Chicago’s history with immigrant populations, its dedication to educating all citizens' and its ongoing relationship with its sister city in Shenyang, China. The evening’s guest of honor was Madame Xu Lin, director general of the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) and chief executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, who spoke about Hanban and, Confucius Institute initiatives that support the efforts of U.S. schools and educational institutions. Renowned concert violinist Xiang Gao closed the evening with performances of Western and Chinese music. The Stradivari Society of Chicago and Bein & Fushi Inc., provided the two priceless Stradivarius violins that Gao played in honor of the occasion.
 |
Mayor Richard M. Daley addresses the National Chinese Language Conference |
Utah Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. caused a sensation
at the luncheon on May 1, when he kicked off his remarks in fluent Mandarin. Continuing in English, Gov. Huntsman shared his views on how much
better the world would be today if we paid more
regard to the teachings of Confucius. Describing
Utah as “the fastest growing state in America,
” the governor said that Utah is taking global engagement to an extra level.
Rounding out the conference activities were comprehensive breakout sessions ranging from “How to Expand World Languages in Your State” to “Supporting, Engaging and Supervising Chinese Guest Teachers.”The conference also included a screening of the film, “My Beijing Birthday,” a documentary that takes a heartfelt and humorous look at the changing lives of a group of Beijingers through the eyes of an American, Howie Snyder.
The final plenary of the conference, “World Language Education Around the Globe: What Can We Learn from One Another?” featured remarks by Peter Negroni, College Board senior vice president of relationship development; Joseph Lo Bianco, associate dean at the University of Melbourne; Jun Liu, head of the Department of English at the University of Arizona; and Shuhan Wang, executive director of Chinese Language Initiatives at Asia Society.
Return to top
