As we approach the end of this semester, the Center for Linguistic Exploration reflects on an exciting and productive period for our students. They have actively engaged in various projects and activities to enhance their language proficiency and cultural understanding. This semester's highlight was the introduction of AI-powered projects explicitly tailored for La Salle Chinese 1 students. Leveraging AI technology, students created interactive Chinese videos that generated dynamic dialogues based on real-life scenarios. This innovative approach deepened their understanding of vocabulary and grammar and\ provided an engaging and practical application of their language skills.

On November 16, 2024, the Center hosted an HSK Chinese proficiency test involving 20 students representing diverse nationalities, including Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Candidates took written tests across levels 1 to 6 and speaking tests from novice to advanced level. Five participants expressed aspirations to use their HSK results to apply for undergraduate or master’s programs in China.

In addition, five students from our neighboring Sierra Madre Middle School’s Chinese immersion program joined the examination. To support their efforts, the Center shared bilingual information about the HSK exams in Sierra Madre’s school magazine, Mandarin Moments, making it accessible to both students and parents in their community.

Another significant milestone this semester was our participation in the ACTFL conference. During the event, we engaged in in-depth discussions with directors from eight Chinese Flagship Programs at universities funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. These discussions resulted in a preliminary agreement to explore collaborative opportunities. The directors expressed great enthusiasm for welcoming students from La Salle’s Chinese program into their initiatives, providing a pathway for students to continue their Chinese language and culture studies.

Looking ahead to next semester, we are thrilled to announce our first on-campus visit from one of these flagship institutions. On January 16, 2025, the Director of the Chinese Flagship Program from the University of North Georgia will visit La Salle to meet with students and parents to discuss potential opportunities for students to achieve advanced proficiency in the Chinese language while gaining deep cultural understanding Following this visit, we plan to hold additional Zoom meetings with representatives from other flagship universities throughout the spring semester to provide further insights into these prestigious programs.

Excitement continues to build as we prepare for the upcoming La Salle Lunar New Year Celebration on January 21, 2025. This immersive event, held during lunchtime, will allow students across the school to experience diverse Lunar New Year traditions from various countries. With cultural displays, interactive activities, and authentic cuisine, the celebration aims to foster a deeper appreciation of global cultures and bring our community closer together.

As we wrap up this semester, we look forward to the opportunities and collaborations awaiting us in the new year. We are excited to keep growing together!