Thomas University will offer a beginning-level Mandarin for Business and Tourist Communications continuing education class for community members and students to learn basic Chinese pronunciation and vocabulary.  One eight-week class will meet Oct. 17, 2013-Dec.5, 2013 in Smith-Bonvillian Hall Classroom A. Another class will meet Jan. 13, 2014-March 10, 2014.

 

The course will be taught by native speaker Winnie Zhang, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Jimei University in China and an MBA from Thomas University.

 

“Participants will have the opportunity to learn Mandarin from a teacher who knows the business environment and the culture of China,” said Dr. Ann Landis, Provost and Executive Vice President of Thomas University.

 

TU will provide each participant with a license for Rosetta Stone language software, the leading provider of individual online language learning, and a Chinese-English dictionary.  Participants will learn through Rosetta Stone assignments and in two-hour weekly sessions with Zhang. The course is not for college credit and is open to the general public. The cost is $ 350.

 

The course is designed to help students learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and basic grammar for use in greetings and introductions, dining, travel, business and social interactions.

 

“China has become a major player in the global economy, and the ability to create genuine relationships across cultures is essential for business people, in particular,” Landis said. “Knowing language and cultural practices is one way of developing a trusting relationship with business partners.”

 

Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information at www.thomasu.edu or by contacting Mayra Lashley at mlashley@thomasu.edu.  The deadline for registration for the fall class is Oct 15.