MMSU's CNY workshop deepens intercultural understanding

By Ian Paul Villanueva
 
Students bridge Filipino and Chinese cultures at the Chinese New Year workshop as MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) students enrolled in Mandarin classes took part in the event on February 24 at the Laoag Campus, learning about Chinese traditions and celebrating shared cultural ties.

Sponsored by the Chinese Consulate in Laoag City, headed by Consul and Head of Post Li XiaoYan, the workshop featured resource speakers who are Chinese graduate students currently enrolled in the MMSU Graduate School. The activities included writing auspicious characters through Chinese calligraphy, traditional paper cutting, singing a traditional Chinese New Year song, and wrapping dumplings.
 
Ms. Jessa Anastacio, CTE instructor from whose Mandarin classes the participants were from, shared that the workshop is significant in transforming her students’ language learning into a cultural experience, noting that the workshop allowed her students to better appreciate the Chinese language.

“Instead of learning Mandarin only inside the classroom, students were able to engage directly with Chinese traditions. I believe that language builds bridges, and through Mandarin, we are helping our students become more globally competitive, culturally sensitive, and open to international opportunities,” she said.

During the workshop’s culminating activity, Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal delivered an inspirational message on behalf of the University President. He emphasized the value of learning about another culture.
 
MMSU offers Mandarin language courses in several programs to provide students with more global opportunities and promote their cultural awareness.