Chinese language house likely for next year

The University will likely create a Chinese Language House for the next academic year.

Chinese professors in the Department of German, Russian & Asian Languages and Literature have been exploring the initiative for several years, and have begun to pursue the idea when they determined there was enough student interest.

The department recently surveyed students in Chinese classes about their interest in a Chinese language house. Of the 143 returned surveys, 24 students (17 percent) answered "yes" and 64 (45 percent) answered "maybe."

"Based on these numbers there will definitely be a Chinese Language house," said Chinese professor Mingquan Wang, who is leading the efforts to establish a house.

"It's very likely -- maybe 90 percent -- that this is going to happen. There is a lot of enthusiasm among students and support in the Chinese program," Wang said.

The Office of Residential Life and Learning is currently "in the process of setting up and reviewing the program proposal that Professor Wang is developing," said Lorraine Toppi, the associate director for occupancy management.

"We expect the house to be in either Latin Way or a Hillside suite," Toppi said. "The number of anticipated applicants and types of programs offered would determine the size and location. We would want to select a unit size that would ensure their success."

The University already has a house dedicated to Asian culture, the Start House on Latin Way, but Wang said that the Chinese house would have a different focus. "Their focus is on culture, and our house would be a language-based housing unit," he said.

He explained that the house would be aimed at "members of the community who are taking Chinese or who speak Chinese at home."

Wang said that the Chinese house's programming would be "very versatile." "We will try to do a lot of cultural events to benefit not only residents [but the] Tufts community at large as well," he said.

Proposed events include small lectures, film series, and demonstrations on topics such as Chinese cooking, painting, calligraphy, and music. The house would also celebrate Chinese holidays such as the Chinese New Year and Mid Autumn festival. For those events, both residents and non-residents would be able to participate, Wang said.

"I think these events would have broad appeal to Tufts community," he added.

Freshman Adam Halper said he was "definitely interested in a Chinese Language House." "I think it would be a great opportunity."

If the unit is established, all Tufts undergraduates may apply to live there. According to Toppi, applications would be reviewed by the House Advisor and House Manager, who would also interview candidates before making selections.