Tiao-Guan Huang, visiting assistant professor of Chinese, was invited by Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Taiwan to deliver two lectures in November. The first lecture, titled “Culture and Cross-Culture in Mandarin Chinese,” explored the intricate relationship between language and culture in Mandarin. Huang analyzed the cultural values embedded in Mandarin, their manifestations in daily life, and the unique communication styles within Mandarin-speaking societies.
The second lecture focused on “Pronunciation Challenges for American Students and Strategies for Teaching Mandarin Phonetics.” Drawing on years of experience teaching introductory Chinese phonetics, Huang examined common pronunciation errors made by American students, their underlying causes, and recurring patterns. The talk included practical examples and effective teaching strategies, earning high praise from the audience for its depth and applicability.