Pennsylvania educators share Chinese language learning experiences

PHILADELPHIA — Educators and students gathered in early December at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to share their experiences of teaching and learning Chinese.

One primary focus of discussion at the Pennsylvania Chinese Language Conference was the disparate nature of Chinese language learning across the state. Teachers from different systems face different problems, and "that is why we need to sit together," said Julie Yu, assistant provost of China Programs at Saint Joseph's University. "Pennsylvania is not short of dedication; what it has lacked is a platform where all systems can see one another, support one another, and connect."

At the conference, organizers announced the launch of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Chinese Language Education, a new statewide platform intended to join together K-12, community schools, and higher education educators. Yu is one of the alliance's founders.

"We — one educator from a public school district, another from a community-based Chinese school, and a third from a university — agreed that Chinese education in Pennsylvania has never lacked light," Yu said. "It's just that the light has fallen in different places."

She added that Chinese language educators stand on the "front line" of international education and cultural connection. The hope is that learning Chinese will inspire students to develop a deeper interest in the language, become naturally curious about Chinese culture, and eventually explore China.

The gathering also brought together participants from across the international Chinese-language community to exchange experiences in teaching Chinese in the United States, discuss challenges and best practices, and explore how AI can enhance language learning.

"In a complex and interdependent world, language educators play a uniquely consequential role. You sustain dialogue, open windows between cultures, and prepare the next generation of global citizens," said Joshua Power, associate provost and dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Saint Joseph's University.

"This conference demonstrates what becomes possible when schools, universities, community programs, and cultural organizations come together. It reflects an educational ecosystem built on collaboration and shared purpose," Power added.

Saint Joseph's University runs a long-established Chinese language program and maintains an exchange partnership with Hunan Normal University in Hunan province, China.

"Over the past 20 years, we have celebrated and sustained the rapid growth of Chinese language learning across universities and schools," said Yu Yougen, education counselor at the Chinese Consulate General in New York. The counselor said the development of a more systematic Chinese-language education ecosystem in the United States has been made possible mainly by international educators who have played a crucial role in promoting and supporting Chinese-language teaching.

Niara Urquhart, a master's student in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied Chinese since high school. She recently traveled to Beijing through a study abroad program, living on the Beijing Normal University campus. During the program, she committed herself to using only Chinese in her daily life and coursework.

Speaking Chinese allowed her to have deeper, more meaningful interactions with people.

"It shows a deeper appreciation for the culture," she said, adding that some Americans hold prejudices against China, and there are also misguided impressions about Americans.

The role of language and the ability to communicate in social exchanges is to correct some of those perceptions, she said.

"There are people who want to learn, and there are people who want to do more. If anyone wants to go to China, I say, 'One hundred percent, go for it'," Urquhart said.