The University of Queensland has accepted a generous donation of books from the Brisbane Consulate of the People’s Republic of China, further strengthening links between the two.
Consul and Head of Mission Madame Liu Fei presented 320 books covering topics including Chinese language, history, culture and customs to UQ’s Institute of Modern Languages (IML).
The presentation took place at on Wednesday, February 15 at UQ’s James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre.
IML Director Georgiana Poulter said she was very grateful to the Consulate, which opened in Brisbane in July 2005, for the generous donation.
The IML is Queensland’s leading language services provider offering courses in 30 languages. It is also one of Australia’s most comprehensive translation and interpreting services.
“Chinese is the fastest growing language at IML in terms of enrolments so the books will be a great addition to our collection,” Ms Poulter said.
“Our students range from people who are doing business with China, to the children of migrants who can speak Chinese but want to develop their reading and writing skills.”
“These books will provide students with an extra insight into Chinese culture, customs and society.”
Chinese students are enrolled in a range of programs across all faculties at the University.
The new Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting (English and Chinese) degree has rapidly gained popularity since it started in 2005.
It is one of a suite of programs including a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma qualification, designed to develop students’ practical techniques and skills of translation between English and Chinese and interpreting between English and Mandarin.
“There is more awareness now of how important China is to Australia and that English is not enough for effective interaction,” Ms Poulter said.
Media: For more information contact: Georgiana Poulter (telephone 07 3365 6487) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479 or email c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
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