For some time now, the Confucius Institute (HANBAN) in China and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been having discussions on issues of mutual interest. One of these issues has been the development of a bachelor's programme in Chinese (B.A. Chinese). In this connection, HANBAN has sent Ms. Zhou Song to Ghana to whet the appetite of many for the study and proficiency in the Chinese language and culture. This is under the auspices of the Department of Modern Languages and the International Programmes Office (IPO-KNUST).
It is important to note that before Ms. Zhou Song, KNUST had hosted some Chinese teachers who taught Chinese in the Department of Modern Languages. But, unlike the previous Chinese teachers, Ms. Zhou Song holds a Master’s degree in Chinese Pedagogy. She is, therefore, well-versed in the teaching of Chinese, particularly to foreigners. She comes from Harbin Financial University of China (HFU). As part of her core duties, she will promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between HFU and KNUST in particular and between China and Ghana.
Dr. Charles Marfo, the Head of Department of Modern Languages, noted that the proficiency course in Chinese was being organised for people within and outside KNUST at a moderate fee. He was hopeful that the programme would attract many people, particularly business men and women who had business interests in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries in the region like Malaysia and Singapore.
In her first meeting with the staff in the Department of Modern Languages, Ms. Zhou Song presented some Chinese books to the University which she believed would aid the teaching and learning of Chinese.
Presently, the period for the Chinese course is 4:00pm every Wednesday. It is envisaged that more periods will be added as student number for the course increases.
To enrol in the course, please contact the Department on 03220-60690 or the Co-ordinator of the course, Mr. Melvin Nartey, on phone number 0206684284 or email: narteymelvin@yahoo.fr
