The Depth and Richness of Chinese Culture Impressed
Scientists at USDA’s Agricultural Research Services
[Source] Confucius Institute at Xavier University of Louisiana
“Impressive,” “Absolutely wonderful,” “Tremendous fun” – these were some of the words that scientists
at the Agricultural Research Services of the United States Department of Agriculture used after listening
to Xavier University of Louisiana Confucius Institute presentation of Chinese language, culture, art, and
history on May 21, 2013.
Invited by Dr. H. N. Cheng, Chair of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Committee at the USDA’s
Agricultural Research Services (ARS) in New Orleans, the Confucius Institute celebrated the historical
achievements of China in front of an audience of over 80 scientists. The occasion started when Dr. Ed
Cleveland, Director of the ARS, and Dr. H. N. Cheng, offered their opening remarks. Dr. Yu Jiang,
Director of the Confucius Institute, presented the mission, developmental goals, and the many
community outreach services that the Institute offers to the Greater New Orleans Region, including
workshops and language translation services to local organizations.
Professor Rongyao Wen, the Associate Director from Xavier’s partner school Hebei University, discussed
China’s Higher Education system by using Hebei University as a case study. In particular, he emphasized
the remarkable progress that China has made since the start of the Open and Reform policy thirty years
ago. After Professor Wen’s presentation, Dr. Jiang engaged the audience with a series of 8 questions
regarding Chinese language, history, topography, religion, and ethnicities. He even mentioned oracle
bone inscriptions that amazed the audience. By analyzing the questions and the answers behind them,
Dr. Jiang presented the depth and richness of Chinese culture, and engaged, motivated, and excited the
audience to a great deal.
Professor Hu Jingwu, a visiting art faculty from Hebei University, outlined the different approaches
between Chinese and Western traditional artistic practices. Using the Four Treasures of Chinese Studio,
namely brush, ink, paper, and ink stone, Professor Hu demonstrated the variety that the Chinese brush
brings to the paper media by painting landscapes, bamboos and rocks, and Chinese calligraphy. He then
invited two members from the audience to practice Chinese painting. Hu concluded his show by writing
Chinese transliterations for the English names of audience members, many of whom hung around with
Professor Hu long after his presentation was over.
Sarauniya N. Zulu, who had recently won the third-prize from the 6th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency
Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students in the Houston Consulate District, did stilt
performances, too.
The highly successful Xavier Confucius Institute presentation to a group of top-quality scientists on May
21 marked the commitment by the Institute to reach out to the community. Such services increased the
profile of Xavier and the Confucius Institute, and helped sow the seeds of interest among the
community to learn more about China, particularly Mandarin Chinese.
Dr. Yu Jiang and Prof. Rongyao Wen with ARS Director Ed Cleveland and Event Chair H. N. Cheng
ARS Director Dr. Ed Cleveland Offering Opening Remarks
Dr. Yu Jiang Engaging the Audience with Questions
Professor Rongyao Wen Discussing China’s Higher Education Achievements
Professor Jingwu Hu Popular among ARS Scientists
One Corner of the Audience
悠久的中国文化吸引美国农业部众多科学家
[来源] 路易斯安那泽维尔大学孔子学院
“这次文化活动太感人了！”“相当棒！”“非常有趣！”这些都是美国农业部众多科学
家在欣赏路易斯安那泽维尔大学孔子学院 2013 年 5 月 21 日在农业部农业研究所精心组织
的有关汉语学习、中国文化、艺术和历史演讲活动后发出的心声。
受美国农业部驻新奥尔良农业研究所亚太文化月组委会主席郑淮南博士的邀请，泽维尔大
学孔子学院为该所 80 多名科学家奉上了一顿有关中国历史发展的盛宴。文化活动随着所
长克利夫兰博士和郑淮南博士的欢迎辞展开。孔子学院院长江瑜博士首先介绍了孔子学院
的使命、发展目标和孔子学院揭牌盛典后为新奥尔良地区所提供的讲座、语言翻译和众多
文化活动。
来自泽维尔大学伙伴院校河北大学的温荣耀副院长以母校为个案介绍了中国高等教育体系
的发展及现状。他重点强调了改革开放三十年来中国高等教育所取得的长足进步。接着，
江瑜博士饶有趣味地把出席活动的学者们吸引到他精心组织的八个抢答题。问题涵盖了中
国历史、地理、宗教、民族和汉语。江瑜博士所做的甲骨文介绍让在座的专家无不感到惊
讶和赞叹。活跃的现场互动、巧妙的问答设计和生动的展示与讲解让专家学者领略了中国
文化的博大精深。
在泽维尔大学做访问学者的河北大学艺术学院胡京武副教授概述了东西方艺术的差异，用
中国的文房四宝现场表演了中国水墨山水、梅兰竹菊和书法，淋漓尽致地表现了中国毛笔
的魅力。农业部专家们参与了绘画表演，也津津乐道于胡京武副教授提供的英名汉译游戏。
活动期间，曾赢得休斯顿总领事馆组织的第六届汉语桥汉语大赛第三名的文竹同学做了富
有中国特色的高跷表演。
泽维尔大学孔子学院这次为农业部一流的科学家们所做的文化传播活动由此取得极大成功。
这也是孔子学院走入社区、为社区服务的具体体现。它提升了泽维尔大学和孔子学院的形
象，也播下了社区了解中国文化和学习汉语的种子。
江瑜博士、温荣耀教授与所长克利夫兰、活动主持郑淮南博士交流
农业研究所所长克利夫兰博士致辞
江瑜博士与观众互动
温荣耀教授演讲中国高等教育成就
胡京武副教授国画、书法表演广受科学家们欢迎
听众一角