LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - During the month of April, area residents will have an opportunity to master basic Chinese language and learn about Chinese culture at no cost at Lock Haven Haven University.

The month-long workshop titled “Introduction to Chinese Culture and Language” will be conducted by Ying Wang, a Yaohua High School English teacher from Tianjin, China, who is a visiting instructor for LHU’s Institute for International Studies.

The workshop will introduce the Chinese language within a cultural context and include aspects of history, geography, politics, education, customs, travel, holidays and festivals, food and drink, the Olympics and sports, and important historical and tourist sites. Meetings will include hands-on activities such as calligraphy, food and drink preparation, paper folding and cutting, and common Chinese games.

“Regular participants will come away being able to speak basic Chinese and will have an acute awareness of Chinese culture,” said Dr. David White, dean of LHU’s College of Arts and Science. “The workshop is open to the community and is especially ideal for school teachers, high school students, university students, LHU faculty and staff and community leaders who are seeking a genuine educational and cultural experience and a broader understanding of global citizenship.”

Classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., starting April 7 and ending April 30 at the LHU East Campus facility, 301 W. Church St., Lock Haven, room J301.

Participants are welcome to drop in at their convenience, though mastery of basic Chinese language will require consistent attendance. The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed, and any homework or practice is optional.

For more information, visit LHU eCampus website at http://www.ecampus.lhup.edu or contact Cortney Force, (570) 484-2404, cforce@lhup.edu.