"A Day to Celebrate Culture"
Zhengdao Chinese Language Association Brings Chinese Traditions
“Amazing! I never thought I’d learn how to write my name in Chinese,” exclaimed one local student, proudly holding up their freshly inked calligraphy. This sentiment echoed throughout the event hosted by the Zhengdao Chinese Language Association, where families gathered for a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Chinese culture.
New Course:
Opening of the I Ching Specialized Course
(1) Course Objective: The I Ching (Book of Changes) is regarded as the foremost of classical Chinese texts and the fountainhead of Chinese culture. To deeply understand Eastern cultural traditions, clarify the relationship between humanity and nature, and comprehend Chinese society, studying the I Ching is essential. This course will distill the essence of the I Ching and present it to participants, covering topics such as the origins of the I Ching, the truth behind the Hetu and Luoshu diagrams, the formation of hexagrams, the original meanings of hexagram statements, interpretations of the "Ten Wings," and practical applications of the I Ching. The goal is to enable the I Ching to serve as a guiding framework for understanding universal principles, society, and human life. It will help participants discover their life purpose and mission, avoid critical errors in personal, family, and professional matters, and ultimately achieve fulfillment and success. To facilitate learning, the course is scheduled during the 2025 winter break, including the Chinese New Year, to allow both students and adults to dedicate time for focused study. (2) Course Schedule: The course will be conducted as follows: Start Date: January 16, 2025 Class Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM Total Sessions: 12 January Sessions (4 classes): January 16, 21, 23, 30 February Sessions (8 classes): February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Zheng Dao Chinese Language Association is dedicated to comprehensive Chinese language education and cultural promotion. We offer online and in-person courses, free culture lessons, and events showcasing Chinese calligraphy and artworks. All proceeds from our art sales support our educational programs. Join us to preserve and celebrate Chinese heritage.
Chinese is unique among the world's languages as the sole surviving system of hieroglyphic characters, preserving an independent linguistic tradition. Its logographic structure allows for unparalleled flexibility in word combinations, enabling it to convey virtually any human expression. While Chinese characters are often considered challenging to write and recognize compared to alphabetic scripts, their pictographic roots traceable to oracle bone inscriptions offer inherent advantages. This visual nature makes Chinese characters accessible, particularly for children and learners from diverse backgrounds, facilitating recognition and memorization through imagery. In contrast, while alphabetic scripts appear straightforward, the lack of uniqueness and high similarity among letters can complicate recognition and recall. To achieve basic literacy and proficiency in an alphabetic language, one must master approximately 15,000 words, whereas a knowledge of 5,000 Chinese characters suffices for listening, reading, speaking, and writing comprehensively.
Introduction to Chinese Language Studies
Services
We are dedicated to promoting Chinese culture by offering a wide range of services tailored to diverse audiences. Whether you are interested in the art of calligraphy, exploring Chinese classics, or appreciating traditional artworks and creations, our services provide a comprehensive experience of Chinese cultural heritage. We also offer interactive activities like seal carving, allowing participants to engage directly with traditional craftsmanship and deepen their understanding and love for Chinese culture.