June 12, 2012 - New York, NY - With bilingualism (particularly Chinese-English) becoming increasingly important in a competitive and demanding international environment, Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN) in NYC offers an exceptional after-school and summer Chinese language immersion programs for children, preparing them to become global citizens. SWAN's 2012 annual summer enrichment program starts July 2nd and offers pre-K to 7th grade kids language instruction combined with cultural activities such as singing Chinese folk songs and learning traditional Chinese fan and ribbon dancing. Each day students not only work on Chinese language skills but also have the unique opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of China. By applying such innovative learning techniques, SWAN is committed to making the process of learning Chinese an extraordinary experience.
SWAN's Chinese (Mandarin) language after school program starts at the crucial early childhood education level and goes beyond reading and writing, offering cultural events, activities, singing competitions and games to engage students in using the language every day. SWAN recently held its annual Cultural Fair (May 24, 2012) and hosted professional Chinese artists from Taiwan who shared their artwork of dough figurines in Chinese folk art, Chinese calligraphy in scroll painting, and Chinese crafts and traditional toys with SWAN students. By raising awareness of Chinese culture, SWAN engages students in speaking Mandarin in a fun and entertaining environment.Studies have indicated there are many benefits to being bilingual such as increased creative thinking, linguistic awareness and cognitive development. Now, more than ever being bilingual-- especially having the ability to speak Chinese-- is a skill desired by many employers. As US businesses continue to expand into China, learning Chinese is not only an extraordinary experience but can even help further one's career.
Chinese is known as one of the most difficult languages to learn and mastering it takes time and dedication. The language contains 47,035 characters and 4 different tones. Chinese has also a large number of homophones, for example, pronouncing "ma" with a different tone will result in various meanings. Given the complexity of the language, while deciding on a Chinese instruction program, it is crucial to choose one with modern and creative teaching approaches. In addition, as studies have shown, it is best to start learning a foreign language at an early age. SWAN with its well regarded programs starting at the pre-K level offers modern and innovate first steps into bilingual education.
About Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN):
Founded in 1996, the mission of SWAN is to develop proficiency in Mandarin Chinese language and awareness of Chinese culture in individuals, preparing them as global citizens in an increasingly competitive and demanding international environment. The organization operates an everyday after-school program during the school year and since its inception, has been giving students an opportunity to master Mandarin. SWAN is a community based 501-(C) 3 not-for-profit organization. Visit www.swan-nyc.org.
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Agata Porter, Account Executive, agata@multicultural.com
Lisa Skriloff, President, lisa@multicultural.com
Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc.
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