The Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh

Sunday May 24 is the date when the first HSK exams available in Scotland will be held.

These exams, the Chinese equivalent of well known IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Testing of English as a Foreign Language) will enable Mandarin speakers to validate their learning level - a requirement for university and college admissions in China as well as for certain positions.

The Chinese proficiency Test (HSK) is a series of tests which aim to assess non-native speakers’ capabilities of applying Chinese language in study, life and work. It consists of HSK (Basic), HSK (elementary-intermediate) and HSK (advanced) tests.

Here in Edinburgh in May 2009 we will offer Basic and Elementary/Intermediate examinations. Preparatory workshops will be run on Saturday 09 May with the examination date being set for Sunday 24 May 2009. The cost will be £30 for basic and £40 for Elementary/Intermediate.

Please register your interest or contact us with any questions you may have to info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk.

More information will be posted on our site shortly.

Famous for its Terracotta Warriors the ancient city of Xi`an is re-inventing itself as a major centre for higher education while maintaining its links with the past. Situated on the threshold of the Midwest of the country, this historical city served as capital to 13 feudal dynasties. Focusing on the long Tang dynastic history and life in the Muslim quarter of this city, Xi’an is a fascinating destination with its own local food and lifestyle.

Our session leader, Wei Zhou, who holds a Masters degree in Cultural Studies also lived in Xi`an for over ten years.

If you would like to attend this Insight Evening on Thursday 14 May from 6pm-8pm here at the Confucius Institute, please call to reserve a place on 0131 662 2180 or email info@confuciusinstitute.ac.uk. The cost per person is £10.00

For details of the other May Insight Evening talks please click here

Cracking Twigs at Ricefield Gallery

An exhibition of photographs taken in Hong Kong by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
opens at Glasgow`s Ricefield Gallery this month running from 02-31 May.

The exhibition derives it name from the translated writings of Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)

`...to lose oneself in a city? as one loses oneself in a forest... Then, signboard and street names, passers-by, roofs, kiosks, or bars must speak to the wanderer like a cracking twig under his feet in the forest.`

Walter Benjamin

Preview
Friday 1st May 2009 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Meet the artist at the exhibition’s preview.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Image from Exhibition

Come and join us for a lecture and panel discussion on Tuesday 28 April. Han Dong 韩东 the Chinese poet and novelist will give the lecture which will be followed by a panel discussion with translators of contemporary Chinese literature

The lecture takes place on Tuesday 28 April 2009 from 5.15 - 6.30 p.m in the Lecture Theatre, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, University of Edinburgh. No booking is required and entry is free.

This lecture is presented by the Scottish Centre for Chinese Studies, in association with Translation Studies (University of Edinburgh Literatures, Languages and Cultures Graduate School).

Additional sponsors are the Confucius Institute for Scotland and Paper Republic

Grateful thanks also to the Arts Council (England) for financial sponsorship.

Join us between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Friday evenings for a chance to chat in Chinese. Whether you are a beginner, an improver, or a native speaker, come along and meet our teachers and a range of learners our weekly Chinese Conversation Corner will give you the opportunity to practice your spoken Chinese in a supportive, relaxed atmosphere.

Click here for all Spring term class dates.