Chinese Table Summary (Spring 2024)
Angela Chen
May 3, 2024
Chinese Table aims to exponentially benefit Chinese language students in their opportunities to connect with fellow peers and staff, as well as improve their Chinese-speaking ability through practical conversation.
Chinese Table emerged as the final product of discussions between the Chinese Flagship Student Council, who drew upon experience from a similar activity that took place during the UHM in Taiwan intensive summer program. Through Chinese conversation between students and staff over a culturally immersive group meal, Chinese Table aims to exponentially benefit Chinese language students in their opportunities to connect with fellow peers and staff, as well as improve their Chinese-speaking ability through practical conversation. Prospective students were also invited to learn more about the Chinese Flagship program and to meet the directors and instructors in a relaxed, personable environment.
Chinese Table Embodies the Spirit of the Lunar New Year
CCLE’s third Chinese Table was held on February 8, 2024. While thinking of ideas for this upcoming event, Molly Wolyn, Student Ambassador of the Chinese Language Student Center (CLFC) and contributor to many of CCLE’s activities thought it would be a good idea for CCLE to host a Lunar New Year event.
On the day of the event, several dishes traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year were served for attendees to taste and try: tang yuan (glutinous rice balls), nian gao (sticky rice cakes), jian dui (fried sesame balls), and so on (generously catered by Bo’s Kitchen). Each of the foods were chosen for traditionally and culturally infused reasons. For example, tang yuan was chosen because of its similarities to another word, “tuan yuan,” meaning reunion, gathering, and togetherness. As for activities, in order to deliver an even more authentic Lunar New Year experience, students could make their own red paper wall decorations and jian zhi (paper cutting). Lastly, attendees were also given hong bao (red envelopes) as a gesture of gratitude to wish everyone a good new year.
The organizing committee had ultimately decided on the theme of the Lunar New Year because although Honolulu is located far from China, we at CCLE wanted to bring a piece of authentic China to the UHM community. Several Chinese Flagship students and graduate students made an appearance at the event, and everyone alike had the chance to enjoy the many different foods and fun activities on offer.
End of Semester Chinese Table Ends the Academic Year Strong
CCLE’s fourth Chinese Table, mixed with the Chinese Flagship’s End of Semester Gathering event, was held on April 22, 2024 at the Biomedical Sciences Building D courtyard.
This Chinese Table was again organized by Student Ambassadors, Molly Wolyn and Kimberly Batson. This event served a multifaceted purpose of closing out on an eventful semester. This spring semester, the CCLE was involved in many activities, including inviting yet another visiting scholar from National Tsing-Hua University, hosting the 13th International Conference on Han-Character Education and Research at the UH Mānoa campus, and proctoring the TOCFL exam. In addition, the Chinese Flagship will be saying goodbye to their Student Ambassadors as they prepare for their capstone year abroad in Taiwan. The gathering was also a time for the students of the 2024 UHM in Taiwan summer intensive program to get to know each other before departing for Taiwan in June.
Baozi, jiaozi, and cake were served at the event. The baozi came with vegetarian (cabbage and chives) and meat fillings, as did the jiaozi (cabbage and pork). Strawberry tres leches cake was served as dessert, and soft drinks were offered as refreshments. Attendees ate well, had long talks before taking a group photo at the conclusion of the event.