HU Zhengqi can tell someone\u2019s character by looking at their calligraphy. It might be because he started practicing calligraphy when he was only five years old.<\/p>\n
Zhengqi, an East Stroudsburg University graduate student from China, wants to help bring an understanding of traditional Chinese culture to campus. At 7 p.m. on November 18, Zhengqi, along with Tim Connolly, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and religious studies, and James Vagliardo, Ph.D., instructor of professional and secondary education, will host a group presentation in Stroud 316 to help educate the audience on traditional Chinese culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a growing number of Chinese students at the university,\u201d Connolly said. \u201cWe want to give our students the opportunity to learn about their culture and have more knowledge of their traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
China has been described as a \u201ccivilization state,\u201d with enduring cultural traditions that go back 5,000 years or more in time. The traditional culture is key to understanding many aspects of Chinese society, including history, language art, philosophy, health and medicine and politics, according to Connolly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ancient Chinese culture has been around for thousands of years,\u201d Connolly said. \u201cIt\u2019s fascinating to compare that to a young, American culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group presentation will include demonstrations and discussions of the philosophy and Confucianism, the ancient art of calligraphy, the development of the Chinese writing system and the practice of Tai Chi. The event will also welcome WU Youxuan, author of \u201cCalligraphy, my Lifetime Love!\u201d and \u201cThe Tolling of the Bell.\u201d<\/p>\n