ONE year after its formal launch at the University of Guyana, the Confucius Institute is moving to expand its curriculum by introducing arts among other subjects, besides Chinese languages.
At a small function held on Friday to commemorate ‘Confucius Institute Day’, Director of Guyana’s Confucius Institute, Al Creighton, explained that the institute has been offering tutoring in Chinese languages to students and members of staff of the University of Guyana, and is looking to expand the programme.
“At the moment, the formal programmes being offered are Chinese language programmes, and we have done courses in beginners’ Chinese. So the first plan to expand is to get to the level of advanced Chinese language, which we haven’t reached yet,” he said, and added that this is because the institute is in its second year, and will take time to make such additions.
Creighton said the institute is working assiduously to introduce other subjects in Chinese, such as art, history and science, which will all be offered in degree programmes as minor courses to students attending the University of Guyana.
“If a student is doing a history programme, we can contribute Chinese history to that; and for us to do that, we will have to get experts on board,” Creighton said.
Last year, the University of Guyana embarked on an important milestone in its history when it partnered with the Dalian University of Foreign Languages in China and launched its first ever Confucius Institute. Approximately 600 students have since signed up for the programme since its launch.
Currently, the Chinese language course is open to members of the public, UG, and students who have an interest in pursuing the language. But there is a slight setback to this, explained Creighton.
“Students sign up for the programme out of curiousity, without real interest, and so this contributes to the drop-out rate of the programme,” Creighton disclosed.
The University of Guyana is at the moment in the process of regularising the Chinese language as a minor course for students who pursue degree programmes.
Yesterday, the institute provided a glimpse of Chinese culture and cuisine at a small function held at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at the University of Guyana in commemoration of Confucius Day, celebrated under the theme, “Understanding and Peace”. A strong focus was placed on the elements of Chinese culture.
On display were glimpses of China’s most prized preservations in the form of artworks, besides the taste of its famous delicacies. Elements of Chinese culture, particularly tea art and calligraphy, were demonstrated by members of the institute who are from the Dalian University.
In a bid to highlight the culture and preservations of China, Confucius Institute Day is celebrated in countries worldwide. This day became official in 2004 in honour of the Chinese philosopher and politician Confucius.
Confucius Institutes are established in every University of the West Indies (UWI) in Latin America, and in the majority of universities around the world. By January of 2012, there were 322 Confucius Institutes and 500 Confucius Classrooms in 105 countries/regions.
Three days ago, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana celebrated the 66th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with a grand reception that was another example of the close and valued relationship existing between Guyana and China. Both countries have called for increased cooperation in trade and investment.
China-Guyana relations have seen sound and stable development over the years. Fresh movement of people from China has added to the Guyanese population of Chinese origin, and has strengthened not only businesses, but Chinese culture, cuisine, tradition and language, thereby enriching the multi-ethnic fabric of the Guyanese society.
By Shivanie Sugrim
