The following item from the Harare paper, the Herald, was seen on AllAfrica.com at http://allafrica.com/stories/200703190921.html . One question is whether any attention has been given to develooping Shona <-> Chinese materials. It goes without saying that there is a lot available in English on the Chinese language, but I think that introductions to this world language in Shona (or Ndebele, a language very close to Zulu) might be very useful to learners. Personally when I studied Chinese, I found some aspects of Bambara more similar to that language than English was to either. Could it be similar with southern African languages and Chinese? At least there would be useful perspectives. Don
Zimbabwe: UZ Opens Chinese Language Centre The Herald (Harare) http://www.herald.co.zw/ March 17, 2007 Posted to the web March 19, 2007 Harare THE University of Zimbabwe yesterday officially opened the Confucius Institute, a Chinese language and cultural centre, which is expected to enhance bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China. Speaking at the official opening of the institute, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Dr Stan Mudenge said the establishment of the institute mirrors the extent of the growth of bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China. Africa 2007 "This support has transcended all prejudice and I am proud to say that the establishment of the institute is an excellent example of goodwill, sincerity and generosity of the people of China," said Dr Mudenge. The institute, he said, would also go a long way in strengthening multicultural citizenship as well as contributing in the cultivation and consolidation of peace in the world through development of intercultural dialogue. The facility, Dr Mudenge said, should be in the forefront of providing a social and intellectual nexus not only between the people of Zimbabwe and China but the general populace of the African and Asian continents. He said the institute must also enhance the acquisition of more accurate knowledge and information about the two nations and also open up greater opportunities in education, commerce and industry. The minister also thanked the Chinese government for being an all-weather friend to Zimbabwe. "China has proved to be an all-weather friend to Zimbabwe and the long standing relations dates back to the days of the liberation struggle," he said. The Asian country supplied weapons and facilitated the execution of Zimbabwe's liberation war. Speaking at the same occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yuan Nansheng said China was committed to promoting social and economic development. He said the two nations should further enhance relations through strengthening cultural exchanges. "We need to remove natural barriers and overcome physical isolation, we also need to remove obstacles and obstruction of the mind and overcome various prejudices and misunderstandings," Mr Yuan said. Copyright © 2007 The Herald. All rights reserved. **************************** Disclaimer ****************************** Copyright: In accordance with Title 17, United States Code Section 107, this material is distributed without profit for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material posted to this list for purposes that go beyond "fair use," you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Content: The sender does not vouch for the veracity nor the accuracy of the contents of this message, which are the sole responsibility of the copyright owner. Also, the sender does not necessarily agree or disagree with any opinions that are expressed in this message. ********************************************************************** Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
