Modern Language: Chinese

The department of modern languages, literature and linguistics offers courses and degree programs in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Modern Hebrew, Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

“I would describe the Chinese major as an undergraduate program where students can learn to become competent in the linguistic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the Chinese language,” Professor Ning Yu said. “As well as become familiar with Chinese culture and various aspects of China including history, politics, and society.”

The professors expect the students to be prepared, to look at the material before class, to study outside of class, and to have questions on the material.

“The classes involve a lot of reading, writing, repetition, recitation, and memorization,” said Bronwyn Donnelson, a Chinese and linguistics senior.

Students in the Chinese major are expected to take 36 hours beyond the beginning Chinese classes.

“I expect my students to make an effort and progress toward the mastery of Chinese language proficiency and the knowledge about all aspects of China,” Yu said.

The teachers are passionate about the Chinese language, according to Donnelson.

“The teachers are all native Chinese,” Donnelson said. “They are extremely excited to teach anyone who’s willing to learn the Chinese language.”

The language classes can be demanding.

“I’m supposed to study about 16 hours a week,” Donnelson said. “I probably only study about half that amount.”

The teachers find multiple methods to teach the students.

“My first Chinese teacher would teach us Chinese word games,” Donnelson said. “We were supposed to pick people on the fly, pass the baton kind of thing. Everyone would pick me, until the teacher was ‘okay, don’t pick Bronwyn.’”

The linguistics major requires the student to study a companion language.

“I chose Chinese because it’s in high demand and it’s an interesting challenge.,” Donnelson said.

Donnelson took French and Spanish in high school.

“Chinese is not like any other language I’ve studied,” Donnelson said. “People are really impressed when you tell them you take Chinese. They automatically assume you’re smart.”

Government agencies look for language skills and may pay extra for having that skill when hiring, according to Donnelson.

“If you happen to be proficient enough, private companies might hire you as a translator,” Donnelson said.

“I hope the students can get governmental positions and jobs in the private sector,” Yu said. “I also hope some students can move on to go to graduate schools to become scholars of China studies.”

Donnelson hopes to work for the state department

“I want to use my language skills and possibly train further in the language,” Donnelson said. “I might also go abroad to teach English.”

Bronwyn is married and has a five-year-old son. In her free time, she spends time with her family.

“I have a husband and a kid, I can’t really ignore them,” Donnelson said.