Chinese as a Second Language (CSL)
The Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) program at Duke Kunshan University offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience tailored to the real-world application of Chinese. Our program is designed to prioritize conversational skills within authentic contexts, leading students to fluency through practical use and cultural immersion.
Real-Context Conversation and Cultural Appropriateness
Our curriculum is centered around engaging students in meaningful conversations that they are likely to encounter in everyday situations. By simulating real-life scenarios, learners can quickly gain the confidence and ability to communicate effectively in Chinese across various settings, from the conversation with delivery people to ordering food at restaurants.
Moreover, we believe that language and culture are inextricably linked. We teach language nuances and social cues to ensure that students not only speak the language but also respect the cultural context in which it is spoken, fostering deeper connections with native speakers of Chinese.
Student-Centered Curriculum and Individualized Tutoring Sessions
We take pride in our student-centered curriculum, which is flexible and adaptive to the needs of each learner. By considering individual interests and learning styles, our classes are engaging and responsive to student feedback, assuring a personalized path to language mastery.
Our program also provides individualized tutoring sessions. These one-on-one interactions provide students with the personalized attention they need to tackle specific challenges, hone their pronunciation, and refine their language skills under the guidance of instructors and tutors.
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
In our program, the language learning extends beyond the classroom through a rich array of cultural activities and field trips. These experiences allow students to immerse themselves in the Chinese way of life, from traditional festivals to contemporary arts, deepening their cultural understanding and linguistic competence.
Advanced Specialty Classes
For students seeking to delve deeper into particular aspects of the Chinese language, we offer various advanced classes. These include specialized courses in debate, literature, and independent study projects. These courses are designed to challenge learners and foster critical thinking, articulation, and a profound appreciation of the Chinese literary tradition.
In summary, our CSL Program is not just a series of language courses, but a journey of cultural and linguistic discovery. With a balanced combination of conversation, culture, personalized learning, and real-world application, our students are not only learning a language—they are experiencing it in all its richness and diversity.
CSL Courses
Fall 2026
- CHIN 101 A&B Beginning Chinese 1
- CHIN 102 A&B Beginning Chinese 2
- CHIN 131 A&B 1st Year CHN-HeritageLrn 1
- CHIN 201 A&B Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 202 A&B Intermediate Chinese 2
- CHIN 301 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 401 A&B Advanced Chinese 1
- CHIN 411 Professional Networking
- CHIN 412 Chinese Across the Curriculum
- CHIN 414 Reading Chinese Love Stories
- CHIN 415 Forbidden Love in Chinese Films
- CHIN 419 Transnational Film Remakes
- CHIN 422 Martial Arts Cinema
Spring 2027
- CHIN 102 A&B Beginning Chinese 2
- CHIN 132 A&B 1st Year CHN-HeritageLrn 2
- CHIN 201 A&B Intermediate Chinese 1
- CHIN 202 A&B Intermediate Chinese 2
- CHIN 302 A&B Advanced Intermediate Chinese 2
- CHIN 402 A&B Advanced Chinese 2
CSL Program Activities
Mandarin Table: Wednesday, 11:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2nd floor CCT-W (Cafeteria), Week 2-7
Chinese Tea Time: Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 PM, AB 2101, Week 2-7
CSL Program Faculty
CSL Program Area Head
Cong Li, Senior Lecturer of Chinese and Japanese Language
CSL Program Faculty
Xin Zhang, Assistant Professor of Chinese Language and Intercultural Communication
Hui Yao, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Jia Yan, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Jinhua Li, Associate Professor of Chinese Studies and Language
Li Xu, Senior Lecturer of Chinese Language
Lianyun Pang, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Liying Feng, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Lu Liu, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Meng Wang, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Wenting Ji, Assistant Professor of Chinese Language
Mengtian Chen, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics
Xiaofei Pan, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Xiayun (Sophia) Zhou, Senior Lecturer of Chinese Language
Hongyang Tao, Visiting Lecturer of Chinese Language
Yu (Hannah) Miao, Lecturer of Chinese Language
Yalin Du, Visiting Lecturer of Chinese Language
Chang Liu, Instructor of Chinese Language
Jiayuan Li, Visiting Instructor of Chinese Language