Chinese Language Learning

About Chinese Language and why we learn Chinese

Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. It has a long history. The future is bright for young Australians with Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese culture. Knowledge of Chinese can open doors to a wide range of employment opportunities in the area of banking, finance, education, hospitality, retail and tourism. China offers a unique history, geography and culture. Knowledge of the Chinese language will enable better communication with Chinese speaking people and provide a better understanding of Chinese culture.

Come to our Confucius Classroom to learn Chinese. Our Chinese language and culture classes are open to everyone.

Chinese Culture

The Culture of China

The Culture of China is one of the world's oldest and most complex cultures. The area in which the culture is dominant covers a large geographical region in eastern Asia with customs and traditions varying greatly between towns, cities and provinces.

There are 56 distinct recognized ethnic groups in China. Traditional Chinese Culture covers large geographical territories, where each region is usually divided into distinct sub-cultures.

Arts

Different forms of art have swayed under the influence of great philosophers, teachers, religious figures and even political figures. Chinese art encompasses all facets of fine art, folk art, and performance art. Porcelain pottery was one of the first forms of art in the Paleolithic period. Early Chinese music and poetry was influenced by the Book of Songs, and the Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan. Chinese painting became a highly appreciated art in court circles encompassing a wide variety of Shan Shui with specialized styles such as Ming Dynasty painting. By the Han Dynasty paper-cutting became a new art form after the invention of paper. Chinese Opera would also be introduced and branched regionally in additional to other performance formats such as variety arts.

Cuisine

The overwhelmingly large variety of Chinese cuisine comes mainly from the practice of dynastic period emperors hosting banquets with 100 dishes per meal. A countless number of imperial kitchen staff and concubines were involved in the food preparation process. Over time, many dishes became part of the everyday citizen culture.

Festivals

The Chinese Festivals occur throughout the Lunar year. As our calendar year and the Lunar year is different, the festivals fall on different dates each year. Each festival is rich on tradition, excitement and participation. There are many important festivals in China, such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Qing Ming, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.