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汉语 • Chinese

Learn Chinese, Lead Internationally

Studying Mandarin Chinese at Miami University opens the door to global communication, business opportunities, and deep cultural understanding of one of the world’s oldest and most widely spoken languages. While mastering Chinese characters and tones can be challenging, the rewards include enhanced cognitive skills, personal growth, and the ability to connect with over a billion speakers worldwide.

Minor in Chinese

The Chinese Minor at Miami University prepares students to communicate effectively in Mandarin while gaining cultural insight and global career readiness.

Explore Our Program

World Languages and Cultures, B.A.

Discover the power of language and culture at Miami University. Our World Languages and Cultures BA blends modern languages, global cultures, and real-world skills to help you thrive in a connected world. Whether you're starting fresh or continuing your studies, this degree opens doors—from Oxford to across the globe.

Pick your Path:

  • World Cultures and Historical Perspectives 
  • World Stories, Literature, and Cinemas
  • Immersive World Languages 

 

Explore the Major

Why Learn Chinese?

Mandarin Chinese is one of the most powerful tools students can gain to thrive in today’s globalized world—offering access to growing job markets, cultural fluency, and meaningful international connections.

Boost Career Opportunities in Global Business

As China continues to be a leading U.S. trade partner and the world’s second-largest economy, proficiency in Chinese gives students a competitive edge in international business, global supply chain, technology, and diplomacy. With many companies expanding operations in China, Chinese speakers are in high demand across sectors.

Speak the World’s Most Popular Language

Mandarin is spoken by over 1 billion people, making it the most widely spoken language globally. It’s used not only in China but across Southeast Asia and growing Chinese-speaking communities in the U.S., including right on Miami’s campus—enabling students to practice regularly with native speakers.

Experience Rich History and Cultural Understanding

Studying Chinese gives students insight into one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with unique customs, philosophies, and artistic traditions like calligraphy, cuisine, and Confucian values. Understanding these elements strengthens cross-cultural communication and prepares students for work in international relations, education, and cultural exchange.

Explore China’s Natural and Cultural Landmarks

From the Great Wall and Forbidden City to breathtaking sites like the Li River and Zhangjiajie Forest, China offers unforgettable experiences. Learning Mandarin deepens students’ ability to connect meaningfully with these places while building a more global and adaptable mindset.

Beyond the Classroom

Learning Outcomes

  1. Employ correct and appropriate grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and style to describe personalities, events, and ideas in the past, present, future, and hypothetical situations;
  2. Contextualize cultural information in a manner that reveals familiarity with past and present trends and differences between one’s native culture and Chinese culture;
  3. Construct a persuasive argument intelligible to native speakers of the language;
  4. Locate, analyze, evaluate, summarize, integrate, synthesize, and cite information and ideas from sources typically used in contemporary Chinese newspaper articles;
  5. Apply the grammatical, rhetorical, and cultural competencies outlined above to the types of writing typically used in the graduates’ intended professions

Contact the Department

Irvin Hall South Entrance

Department of World Languages and Cultures

Irvin Hall 105
400 East Spring Street
Oxford, OH 45056-3645
United States
(513) 529-2526
 

Dr. Mila Ganeva, Chair
Email: wlc@MiamiOH.edu