Celebrating Confucius
By: Matt Blickenstaff
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: News
U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan D-St. Louis, U.S. Rep. William "Lacy" Clay, D-St. Louis and Legislative Assistant to Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, C. Michael Dubois said the Confucius Institute was a small part of a larger strategy to position St. Louis as a hub for greater interactions with China.
"The opening of this Confucius Institute is really an anchor for even greater openings." Carnahan said. "Openings in language, culture, understanding, cooperation, tourism and commerce."
Following the speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony, dancers dressed in Chinese lion costumes, led guests downstairs where they could take part in calligraphy, tea ceremonies and tai
chi demonstrations.
A business etiquette lesson taught guests some of the ins and outs of conducting business in a foreign culture. For example, in China gift giving is a delicate matter. Certain gifts such as clocks and handkerchiefs should be avoided because they could remind the recipient of death, and dropping chopsticks during a meal is considered bad luck.
"I think the institute brings a real opportunity to really have the wherewithal to engage Chinese culture," said Chris Parr, a religious studies professor.
Guests got a tour of the Institute's library and museum that housed Chinese texts, art, and artifacts. The estate of Jack and June Young donated Chinese furniture to the institute.
The event was a microcosm of meeting cultures and served as a moment
for diplomacy.
"For many years the United States has been the dominant economic country in the world," said George Herbert Walker III, WU's board of trustees Chairman and former U.S. ambassador. "But from everything we know and hear, you fellas from China are taking over a leadership position. It is so important that the cooperation between China and the United States be harmonious to make a more peaceful and prosperous world."
Ping was quick to remind
Walker that China was still catching up.
The Confucius Institute at WU will offer Mandarin language classes for adults, non-credit language classes for students, classes on Chinese culture and educational camps and trips to China. The stated mission of the institute is to provide WU and the greater St. Louis area with a new link to an unfamiliar land.
"If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people," said Clay, quoting the Chinese social philosopher Confucius.
The Confucius Institute is a non-profit organization, headquartered in Beijing, whose purpose is to promote Chinese language and culture, and support Chinese teaching through affiliated institutes.
"The opening of this Confucius Institute is really an anchor for even greater openings." Carnahan said. "Openings in language, culture, understanding, cooperation, tourism and commerce."
Following the speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony, dancers dressed in Chinese lion costumes, led guests downstairs where they could take part in calligraphy, tea ceremonies and tai
chi demonstrations.
A business etiquette lesson taught guests some of the ins and outs of conducting business in a foreign culture. For example, in China gift giving is a delicate matter. Certain gifts such as clocks and handkerchiefs should be avoided because they could remind the recipient of death, and dropping chopsticks during a meal is considered bad luck.
"I think the institute brings a real opportunity to really have the wherewithal to engage Chinese culture," said Chris Parr, a religious studies professor.
Guests got a tour of the Institute's library and museum that housed Chinese texts, art, and artifacts. The estate of Jack and June Young donated Chinese furniture to the institute.
The event was a microcosm of meeting cultures and served as a moment
for diplomacy.
"For many years the United States has been the dominant economic country in the world," said George Herbert Walker III, WU's board of trustees Chairman and former U.S. ambassador. "But from everything we know and hear, you fellas from China are taking over a leadership position. It is so important that the cooperation between China and the United States be harmonious to make a more peaceful and prosperous world."
Ping was quick to remind
Walker that China was still catching up.
The Confucius Institute at WU will offer Mandarin language classes for adults, non-credit language classes for students, classes on Chinese culture and educational camps and trips to China. The stated mission of the institute is to provide WU and the greater St. Louis area with a new link to an unfamiliar land.
"If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people," said Clay, quoting the Chinese social philosopher Confucius.
The Confucius Institute is a non-profit organization, headquartered in Beijing, whose purpose is to promote Chinese language and culture, and support Chinese teaching through affiliated institutes.
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