Chinese
Chinese civilization has a long history and is rich with world-altering achievements including the invention of the compass, the creation of papermaking techniques, and the construction of the Great Wall of China which is 4,120 miles long.
Chinese is spoken by 882 million people, making it the world’s most widely used language. Today, an estimated one out of every five people on the planet speaks Chinese. Chinese is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and its two special administrative regions: Hong Kong and Macau. It is also widely spoken in Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam, Malaysia, Northern Marianas Islands, Palau, Singapore, Australia, Brunei, and Christmas Island. More than five million people in North and South America speak Chinese.
We introduced the Chinese Language Village, Sēn Lín Hú, in 1984. Since that time, it has grown to be one of our most popular programs.
Youth Programs
Summer Villages, ages 7-18 | Pre-K | Day Camp | Spring Break Villages | Field Trips
Family Programs
Summer Family Weeks | Family Weekends
Adult Programs
Adult Weekends
Educator Programs (for all world language educators)
Master of Education in World Language Instruction
Teacher Seminars
Workshops
Village Weekends
Why learn Chinese?
· Because you have a spirit of adventure. Learning Chinese will connect you with one-fifth of the world’s population. Just imagine how many new people you’ll be able to talk with! Knowing Chinese will also enrich your international travel experiences and give you a deeper appreciation for a host of cultural traditions.
· Because you want to prepare for your future. Whether your interest is in technology, business, art history, or world affairs, learning Chinese at Concordia Language Villages will give you useful skills that will last a lifetime. Knowing Chinese is also a great credential for any job interview or college application.
· Because you want to connect with your past. Whether you want to speak with grandma in her native tongue, decipher an old family recipe, or simply gain a broader appreciation for the ancient civilizations that shaped our modern world, Concordia Language Villages’ Chinese programs have what you need.
· Because you like having fun! From cooking Chinese foods to canoeing in the beautiful lake, from martial arts and calligraphy to campfires, Sēn Lín Hú offers the perfect combination of fun camping favorites and language and cultural learning. You’re certain to have a great time!
Did you know?
The Chinese alphabet is a variation of the Latin alphabet consisting of 21 letters. Chinese is pronounced exactly as it is written, which makes it a relatively easy language to learn.
In China, more food is consumed during the New Year celebrations than any other time of the year. Vast amounts of traditional food are prepared for family and friends, as well as friends and relatives who have died. On New Year’s Day, a Chinese family will eat a vegetarian dish called jai. Although the various ingredients in jai are root or fibrous vegetables, many people attribute various superstitious aspects to them:
* Lotus seed - signify having many male offspring
* Ginkgo nut - represents silver ingots
* Black moss seaweed - is a homonym for exceeding in wealth
* Dried bean curd is another homonym for fulfillment of wealth and happiness
