OnSeptember 22^nd, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) participated in De Montfort University (DMU) Annual Learning and Teaching Conference in Hugh Aston Building. The CI set up a stand to demonstrate elements of Chinese culture and promote Mandarin lessons, which attracted many DMU staff and students as well as guests and visitors.

DMU Annual Learning and Teaching Conference is the highest of its kind in the university, with Prof. Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, as one of the key speakers, who discussed current issues in education. Many attendees took a keen interest in the Chinese language and culture. The CI teachers introduced to them the variety of stages and levels of Mandarin courses with flyers, sample lesson plans, and syllabuses. They also showed the guests Chinese paintings, fortune characters, Beijing Opera masks, Chinese knots, writing brushes, shuttlecocks, handkerchiefs and Han costumes, etc. DMU staff interest in Mandarin lessons was keener. A teacher with previous Mandarin learning experience talked to the CI teachers in Mandarin, saying that he would like to continue with advanced courses. Some DMU teachers even volunteered to bring the Mandarin course flyers to their colleagues for better promotion.

The CI has made the best of the Conference that coincided with the global celebration of Confucius Day and Confucius Institute Day. The event has enhanced the impact of Chinese culture and stimulated visitors' interest in Mandarin.

Draft: YANG Yingjun

Revision: YANG Yingjun