Multilingual Ed & Intercultural Communication Colloquium held at DSU
The Chinese Language and Culture Research Center at Delaware State University (DSU) successfully hosted the 2024 Colloquium on Multilingual Education and Intercultural Communication.
Guided by the China-U.S. Alliance of College Teachers of Chinese and co-hosted by DSU’s Department of Languages and Literatures, the event received strong support from Xiamen University’s College of International Chinese Education/Overseas Education College and the CLTA-Taoli Mid-Atlantic Association.
The colloquium aimed to advance theoretical and practical research in multilingual education and intercultural exchange, with a strong emphasis on discipline development and talent cultivation in international Chinese education. It fostered dialogue and collaboration among educators, scholars, and experts in related fields.
The event attracted participants from DSU, local districts, and international institutions who explored cutting-edge research while offering practical insights into addressing challenges in multilingual education and intercultural communication.
In her welcome address, Dr. Adenike Davison, Interim Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, praised the Chinese Language and Culture Research Center for its dedication to Chinese language instruction, academic research, and cultural engagement.
The colloquium featured seven distinguished keynote speakers who offered global perspectives and shared practical experiences, showcasing the depth and breadth of research in multilingual education and intercultural communication. Their presentations addressed critical issues and innovative solutions in language education and cultural exchange, enriching the academic discourse for all attendees.
The keynote speakers included:
Dr. Yu Zhu (Xiamen University, China)
Dr. Meilan Zhang (Hong Kong Baptist University, China)
Dr. Rining Wei (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China)
Dr. Xiaohong Wen (University of Houston, USA)
Dr. Mien-hwa Chiang (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
Dr. Li Yu (Williams College, USA)
Dr. Zhijun Wang (University of Massachusetts, USA)
Two engaging panel discussions, moderated by Associate Professor Jun Deng (Xiamen University), addressed four key themes: linguistic research, language teaching and learning strategies, intercultural communication skills, and teacher development and training. Panelists explored current research trends and practical teaching methodologies, offering diverse perspectives to enhance multilingual education practices further.
The round-table forum, hosted by Dr. Huanhai Fang, Director of the DSU Chinese Language and Culture Research Center, focused on the status of Chinese language education in the United States. Participants discussed challenges like program accessibility, teacher training, and regional disparities. The session provided actionable measures to strengthen Chinese language education across the nation.
A workshop on Chinese Immersion Programs, hosted by Dr. Yi Zhang, Director of the DSU Chinese Language and Culture Research Center, showcased innovative practices in immersive Chinese teaching. Teachers from local school districts demonstrated project-based learning designs, strategies for integrating cultural elements, and techniques for increasing classroom engagement. The workshop highlighted the significant role of immersive programs in improving language proficiency and intercultural competence among students.
In his closing speech, Dr. Yi Zhang, Director of the DSU Chinese Language and Culture Research Center, reemphasized the urgency of advancing research in multilingual education and intercultural exchange. He reaffirmed the Chinese Center’s commitment to building additional platforms for academic exchange and fostering further collaboration in the future.
The 2024 Colloquium on Multilingual Education and Intercultural Communication successfully served as a bridge for educators and researchers to connect, collaborate, and inspire innovation in the field.