*There is currently an error on the cap of CHIN0001 lecture, which we are working to fix. While the cap shows up as 25, the course normally accommodates 70 students (and there are five sections for students to choose from). It might take some days for the registrar's office to fix this. In the meantime, we are happy (and have in fact have space) to accommodate any students interested in CHIN0001. Students can write to Dr. Stephen Luft (luft@pitt.edu) or administrator Paula (plocante@pitt.edu) to request a permission number to register. 

The Chinese language program is offered regularly in four proficiency levels, designed for students who have no or little background in the language, to advanced level learners.

We use an integrated approach in our language program. That is, we emphasize the importance of achieving proficiency in all the four skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For beginner level learners, we start out from focusing more on spoken skills and ease students into recognizing and using characters, and then help them to progress gradually in reading and writing passages. Conversations and themes in textbooks for beginning to intermediate learners focus more on everyday topics such as food, lodging, travel, etc., while themes for advanced level students encompass topics pertaining to social problems, news reports, and popular Chinese culture that are more suitable for expressing opinions.

The Challenge of China for Adventurous Students

Virtual reality is no substitute for the real thing when you want to become part of the global village in a cross-cultural experience. With your present command of English plus a knowledge of Chinese (25 percent of the world’s population speak this language), you can communicate with almost everyone in the world. Communication is the name of the game in virtually every field of the humanities and social sciences as well as that of business and the vast cyberspace.

It is generally acknowledged that China and Japan are among the dominant powers in the world, to say nothing of the influence they have had on the Western hemisphere. As the longest, continuous culture in the world, China has much to offer. But communication doesn’t count for much if you have nothing to say or, even if you have something to say, don't know how to say it. Acquiring a knowledge of Chinese can be the most enriching experience of your life. Give it a try!