HUNTINGTON -- What began as a cooperative interest between Chinese families residing in the Huntington area has grown into a language and cultural experience for quite a few people around town.
Berlin Fang, a Marshall employee, helped to begin a weekly program teaching those interested the Chinese language. There are three separate classes offered: One for the children of the Chinese families who are a more advanced, another primarily from children who have been adopted from China and wish or whose parents wish, to teach them about their culture, and a final one for adults who wish to learn Chinese.
The following is a question and answer session with Fang, who is a program participant and volunteer teacher.
QUESTION: How did this begin?
ANSWER: The program started as a voluntary cooperative between the Chinese families who have a joint interest in teaching the kids Chinese and the culture. But later on, we were contacted by some families which have adopted children from China. Therefore, we are actually expanding, and we certainly want more people with similar interests to participate.
Q: Why is something like this so important in Huntington?
A: The existence of such a program will play a crucial role in making families want to stay in this area, because Chinese people put a lot of emphasis on our children's education, in both English and Chinese. In many areas, there are usually Chinese schools or Chinese language programs serving local Chinese communities. This availability, or lack of it, can be one of the factors for us to decide to take or reject a job offer, especially for families with children.
Q: Who can come?
A: Everyone who is interested is welcome to attend.
Q: When do you meet?
A: We meet every Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Norway Avenue Church of Christ.
For more information, e-mail Fang's wife, Fontaine, at xibenli@yahoo.com.