West Virginia University to offer Chinese language and culture

Morgantown, WV, August 29, 2006: As China becomes an increasingly important player on the world stage, both economically and politically, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is providing the opportunity for WVU students to study Chinese language and culture.

Dr. Huey Hannah Lin has joined the faculty of Foreign Languages in the Eberly College as visiting assistant professor of Chinese and began offering introductory level courses in Chinese during the fall semester which began last week.

"This year, we begin with elementary Chinese, and each year we will add to that, so that within four years, we will have every level through advanced Chinese," said Dr. Lin. "I'm also working on the syllabus for an introductory course in Chinese language and culture that will be taught in English. It will be a good introduction for all students who are interested in China."

Dr. Lin was born in Taiwan and came to the United States to attend college. She holds a BA in linguistics from the University of Oregon and an MA in foreign language education and Ph.D. in Chinese linguistics and pedagogy, both from Ohio State University. She taught at Princeton University and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) before arriving at WVU. Her research is in the field of pragmatics, which is how language is used in context.

"After teaching at UCLA, I felt I could offer more to students at WVU," Dr. Lin observed. "Given the economic power of China, this curriculum will open doors for our students."

Dr. Donald Hall, Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages at WVU pointed out that "This is the first time in many years we've been able to offer Chinese. We're excited about this and very pleased to have Dr. Lin join our faculty."

"The timing of Dr. Lin's arrival at WVU is especially propitious," said Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey, Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. "Our political science department has recently begun offering a concentration in intelligence and national security, and the opportunity for students in that program to learn Chinese will be especially helpful. Chinese will also have an immediate impact on programs in history, business, and other disciplines. The new curriculum offerings in Chinese are an important part of our increased efforts to make WVU a more international university."

For more information, please contact Dr. Hannah Lin at Huey.Lin@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5121.

W-V-U