Over the period of May-June 2020, a series of six online lectures on Chinese culture held by Confucius Institute at University of Mauritius were held. The topics of the lectures covered Chinese cuisine, Chinese festivals, Chinese painting, Chinese characters, Chinese costumes and Chinese family. The six lectures have attracted an audience of more than 700 people, which includes CI students, and people who are interested in Chinese culture.
The “Chinese cuisine” lecture introduced top eight regional cuisines, well-known snacks, and the craftsmanship, ingredients as well as the features of Chinese cuisine. The “Chinese Festivals” lecture introduced the main Chinese festivals which include Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day. The “Chinese Painting” lecture described the basic characteristics and aspects of Chinese painting which are classification, aesthetic features, famous painters, the five ‘blessings’ representing health, long life, prosperity, love of virtue, and a tranquil, natural death. The lecture on “Chinese Characters” discussed the origin, formation, features and evolution of Chinese characters. The lecture of “Chinese Costumes” introduced the design features, development and aesthetic changes of Chinese traditional clothing. And the lecture about “Chinese Family” addressed the concept of Chinese family, family structures, the changes of women status and marital customs.
In order to ensure the smooth running of online lectures, Confucius Institute at the University of Mauritius used professional version of the Zoom licences for extra capabilities and better communication. In addition, the resource persons used either English or ‘Creole’, the local language, to deliver the lecture for ease of comprehension.
The online lectures were interactive and very well appreciated by the large audience. The participants were introduced to Chinese culture and it is hoped that this would serve them in their quest for a better understanding and appreciation of both ancient and modern China.
Ms Sharon Too, local teacher at CI-UoM, delivering online lecture on ‘Chinese Culture’
Online zoom audience interacting with Sharon Too during the online lecture
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The six themes of the online Lectures