NEW YORK—May 6, 2023 – China Institute and Chinese Language Teachers Association of Greater New York (CLTA-GNY) hosted the 21st New York International Conference on Teaching Chinese: A New Chapter at China Institute in New York City. The first in-person conference of its kind after the pandemic, the conference brought together 130 teachers of Chinese language and culture from the U.S., China, Canada, etc., joining 20 panels throughout the day. A keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Richard VanNess Simmons (史皓元) from the University of Hong Kong. Topics presented ranged from leadership to ChatGPT in areas including researches, practices and innovations.
“We are honored to co-host today’s conference with CLTA-GNY,” opened Shenzhan Liao （廖申展）, Senior Vice President of Education at China Institute, “Promoting a better understanding of Chinese language and culture has always been at the center of China Institute’s mission. It is our belief that by doing so, we contribute to building a better world with shared understanding by working closely with teachers and students, for now, and the future.”
“As the pandemic is over, we hope the conference serves as the beginning of a new chapter in greater New York and beyond to continue promoting Chinese language teaching, and better support our teachers in the field.” said Xiaoxiao Jiao （焦晓晓）, professor in East Asian Studies Department at New York University, and President of CLTA-GNY.
“The NY International Conference for Teaching Chinese comes at an important time where we need to do more to build cultural bridges,” said Assemblymember Lee （李荣恩）. “We’ve recently seen rising tensions between the United States and China. These political tensions have in turn led to hostility towards China in the U.S. and a rise of Anti-Asian hate and racist policies like legislation to ban Chinese foreigners from owning land in Texas and Florida. Education is key to fighting hate. Developing a program for teaching the Chinese language will help bring cultural awareness and acceptance. Thank you to the China Institute for inviting me to the conference.”
“The significance of the conference cannot be overstated.” said Mr. Qilun Qin （秦其伦）, Education Consul from Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York, “it represents a crucial opportunity for educators and scholars to come together and exchange ideas, strategies, and insights on how to effectively teach Chinese to students around the world. Times change, but teachers are always the most valuable in education, and their development shall be of the top priority.”
Ms. Hongying Shen （沈红缨）, Educational Specialist from the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, New York State Education Department, remarked, “This conference is important for all teachers as we help all students to attain academic success with 21st century skills, a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages, recognize the value of language instruction, and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.”
Award-winning guzheng artist Zhongbei (Daisy) Wu and students from P.S. 310 the School for Future Leaders performed music and dances at the closing ceremony. Presenting Three Stanzas of Plum Blossom, Wu commented that plum blossoms in Chinese culture represents perseverance, a cultural symbol of life and growth during challenging time. “I chose this piece for the conference,” said Wu, “and all the teachers who continue with their work in teaching Chinese language and culture.”
About China Institute
The nation’s oldest and most highly recognized educational institution devoted solely to Chinese culture, China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business. With the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengths our global community, China Institute is the go-to resource on China—from ancient art to today’s business landscape and its rapidly shifting culture. The Institute’s programs, school, and gallery exhibitions bring to life the depth, complexity and dynamism of China. Programs, activities, courses, and seminars are offered on the visual and performing arts, culture, history, music, philosophy, language, and literature for the general public, children, and teachers, as well as for business. Founded in 1926 by American educators John Dewey, Paul Monroe, and Chinese diplomats Hu Shi (胡適) and Kuo Ping-Wen (郭秉文), China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.
About CLTA-GNY
A nonpolitical, nonprofit academic and educational organization for Chinese language teachers at all education levels. The mission of the CLTA-GNY is to promote quality Chinese Language teaching at all education levels in the greater New York area and to conduct professional development for Chinese teachers in both language teaching and cultural awareness. It serves as a resource network for Chinese language teachers to partake teaching and research information in various capacities, as well as provide a base for common pedagogical improvement and individual career development.
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