Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning enriches Prague's cultural landscape

The center will help people learn a language used by over a billion people and also familiarize themselves with the culture of Taiwan.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 15.08.2023 14:00:00 (updated on 15.08.2023) Reading time: 2 minutes

A significant stride in cross-cultural education began earlier this year when the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning opened its doors in Prague. With a dual purpose of teaching the intricacies of the Mandarin language and fostering Taiwanese heritage, this establishment is a milestone in fortifying cultural and educational ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Among many people, there is still a common misunderstanding that there is a single language known as Chinese. The two most prominent languages among Chinese people are Mandarin and Cantonese, each with distinct traits. Mandarin is the official language of both Taiwan and the People's Republic of China, together boasting over a billion speakers. Cantonese flourishes in the Guangdong region of China and in Hong Kong, as well as in some overseas Chinese communities. Its tonal system sets it apart from Mandarin.

The Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning offers a range of Mandarin courses for beginners and advanced learners, including intensive language courses, business Chinese, and Chinese proficiency test preparation courses. The library provides a wide range of traditional Chinese books and resources for students and scholars to learn and explore. So far, 66 Taiwanese Mandarin Learning Centers have been set up worldwide, including six in Europe.

Language is not only a conduit for communication, it is also an embodiment of a nation's identity and distinctiveness. Within this framework, Mandarin serves as an alternative linguistic journey for learners in Czechia. The center is scheduled to hold classes in both Prague and Brno and welcomes customized courses for like-minded partners.

Plans also include holding cultural events such as presentations of Taiwanese films, calligraphy, and art. On Sept. 12 at Hudební divadlo Karlín, the public can see a visual spectacle of Taiwanese performers showcasing the age-old traditional acrobatic form of Diabolo. The purpose of the free performance is to introduce the hidden beauty of Taiwan, apart from its well-known technological advancements.

The establishment of the center will likely enhance cultural and educational cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. The center and library aim to promote Taiwanese culture and traditional Chinese characters in the Czech Republic while also providing an additional language learning option for Czech friends.

The Taiwanese Mandarin Learning Center is committed to providing high-quality education and resources to students and scholars in Prague. It is hoped that through the center and library’s efforts, the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic will continue to grow in the years to come.

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