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Chinese Language and Culture

2020年1月9日更新

Chinese Language and Culture

From “Zǐ yuē” (“Confucius says”) to “Nǐ hǎo” (“Hello”)
The Rich Tapestry of Language Woven through Three Thousand Years of Chinese History

Chinese is one of the most significant languages in the modern world.

Although China is grappling with various contradictions domestically, its presence is rapidly growing stronger around the world both politically and economically. It is also a country that possesses three thousand years of literary history stretching back into ancient times, as well as a robust network around the globe. The Chinese language features words with deep meanings that transcend space and time, and yet is used even now with a sense of modern realities.

The Chinese Language and Culture program uses language to explore Chinese culture, which exhibits “abundance” in various meanings. This linguistic journey of learning through human thought and emotion provides students with the power to live in society.

Objective: Develop Talented People Who Take Action on the Global Stage

Chinese-language skills are extremely useful in international society. In fact, the Chinese language is seen as invaluable in the U.S. and Europe. Some schools are even providing Chinese classes starting at the compulsory education stage.

The Chinese Language and Culture program provides a broad range of knowledge and awareness of everything from language to theories of culture. For example, the program’s full-time teachers cover the four areas of modern language studies, contemporary literature, classical language studies and textual scholarship, and classical literature. Foreign instructors who speak Chinese as their native language teach classes that nurture proficiency in the Chinese language.

The program also offers a variety of learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as Chinese-language training that brings students directly into contact with China as well as Sinological Society Ochanomizu University, where students can examine the latest research results.

Graduates of this program work for the government, local municipalities, broadcasting and publishing companies, trading companies, finance companies, manufacturers and in other positions. The program has also produced large numbers of specialized researchers.

Features: A Variety of Seminars with Small Class Sizes

The Chinese Language and Culture program takes six or seven new students per year—the smallest class size of any program at Ochanomizu University. Most classes are presented as seminars and are small in size. Although preparing for class can be difficult, the rewards make it worth the effort. The curriculum is built on a foundation of courses designed to teach practical Chinese-language skills, and is divided into four research areas: modern Chinese culture, modern Chinese language studies, classical Chinese textual scholarship, and classical Chinese literature. Courses are offered at three levels in each area, including an introduction designed to impart basic knowledge, lectures for research methods, as well as seminars aimed at improving these skills.

University events include study camps and parties where students from the sophomore level up to the graduate school’s doctoral program can enjoy studying and socializing together.

Languages and Culture

Chinese Language and Culture