Event News

Event News

Tea talk: Chinese Tea Ceremony

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On February 22nd, 2023 the Center for International Languages & Cultures (CILC) hosted its third Tea talk event for Spring semester, Chinese Tea Ceremony. Mr. Yixuan Wei (Leo),  presented the history of tea, and different kinds of Chinese tea, such as Pu-er Tea, Red Tea, Green Tea, Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, and Oolong Tea, etc. He also gave interesting information about different degrees of tea fermentation. Mr. Wei then performed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Nearly 15 Troy students, faculty, and staff attended. After the tea ceremony, everyone tasted tea and companying food.

Taste Of Troy Basketball Game

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On February 11th, 2023,  the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) shared traditional Chinese food at the Taste of Troy event before the evening's basketball game. The match was between Troy Trojans and Louisiana Raging Cajuns. Several of Troy's local restaurants came to cater and promote their food. CILC provided fried dumplings and egg rolls. The game had roughly 3700 attendees and ended with the win going to Troy Trojans. Go Trojans!

Tea Talk: Making Staircase Bracelets

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On February 7th, 2023 the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted their 2ndTea Talk for Spring 2023 semester.  Lilly, one of CILC's assistants, gave a small presentation on the history and process of making the Chinese staircase bracelet. Nearly 50 Troy students, faculty, and staff came together for a much quieter Tea Talk than usual as everyone was engulfed in crafting their own bracelets. Each attendee made their own unique bracelet with provided colorful strings and beads. The Tea Talk was a great success with everyone happy with the crafts they designed and made themselves. After the event, everyone enjoyed dinner with fried chickens, cookies, fruits, and teas.

Chinese New Year Celebration with Coleman Center

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On February 6th, 2023, The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) celebrated Chinese New Year with over 80 young students and teachers from the Coleman Center of the Troy University campus in Dothan, Alabama. Mr. Austin Deal, the Associate Director of CILC, introduced them to the origin and meaning of the Lunar New Year and the Chinese Dragon. The children were excited to "summon" the dragon by calling out his name to the beat of a drum. Dothan campus faculty and staff carried in a life-sized dragon model and put on a small performance for the children. To wrap up, CILC provided the children and teachers with Chinese knots, a lucky symbol for the new Lunar New Year.

Tea Talk: Lunar New Year with ISCO

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The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) at Troy University hosted its first Tea Talk event of the 2023 Spring semester in collaboration with International Students Cultural Organization. Trang and Chloe, the two  active members of ISCO, and Austin Deal, the Associate Director of CILC, introduced the participants to the meaning and origins of the Lunar New Year as well as paper lantern making. Over 120 participants, including Troy students, faculty, staff enjoyed several traditional Chinese refreshments such as egg rolls, fried dumplings, and hot tea while learning about the meaning of the Year of the Rabbit in China and the Year of Cat in Vietnam.

Chinese New Year Celebration with Girl Scouts at Panama City Trilingual School in Panama City, FL

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On January 14, 2023, Panama City Trilingual School in Panama City, FL, collaborated with the Center for International Languages and Cultures of Troy University to host the local Girl Scouts and teach them about the Chinese New Year. Around 100 scouts and parents gathered to learn about Chinese lanterns, porcelain plates, the Lion and Dragon dances, Chinese bracelets, and paper cutting. The event was wrapped up with samples of food traditionally served during Chinese New Year.

Trojan Badminton Club and CILC co-host Fall 2022 Badminton Tournament

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On November 1, 2022, Trojan Badminton Club collaborated with Center of International Languages and Cultures at Troy University to host their mixed doubles tournament for Fall 2022. It was held at the Elm Street Gym, and was a success with roughly 20  participants of students and staffs.  It was held at the Wright Hall gym, and drew more than 15 participants and audiences who were Troy students and faculty and staff.. The tournament ended up with the winning go to Yichen and Sunny. Ben and Jordyn came on second place. People also enjoyed the games, drink and snacks sponsored by The Confucius Institute.

The 27th ACPSS 2022 International Conference

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From October 28th to 30th. 2022, Association of Chinese Professors of Social Science in the United States collaborated with Troy University to hold the 27th ACPSS 2022 Internation Conference at Troy University in Phenix City, Alabama. Professors presented their papers about  the issues correlated to China’s rise and its impact on or relations with the West in a changing world order.

CILC Celebrates Troy University's Homecoming Football Game of 2022 at Tailgate Terrace

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On October 15th, 2022,  the Center for International Languages and Cultures at Troy University (CILC) hosted a tent at the Veterans Memorial Stadium to share Chinese culture. Before the important game between Troy Trojans vs Texas State Bobcats, CILC handed out Troy University hand fans, introduced Chinese culture through various cultural items, and provided traditional Chinese cuisine - fried dumplings and vegetarian spring rolls. The Troy community enjoyed various cultural activities at CILC's tailgate tent and complimented it as one of the best-decorated tents at the tailgate event. Troy Trojans wrapped up the day with a close win of 17 - 14.

Tea Talk: White and Blue Porcelain Plates

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On October 11th, 2022 the Chinese Culture Club of CILC hosted its fifth Tea Talk on white and blue porcelain plates. Dr. Iris Xu, CILC's Director, and Distinguished Professor of the College of Education, gave a presentation on Chinese porcelain plates. She presented the origin of the porcelain plates and how they are made. After the presentation, participants had the chance to decorate their own white and blue patterns on white plates in order to recreate the porcelain plates. Roughly 30 Troy students, faculty, staff, and other guests participated in the Tea Talk.

Tea Talk: Chinese Paper Cutting

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On October 4th, 2022 the Chinese Culture Club of CILC hosted its the fourth Tea Talk on the Chinese Paper Cutting. Ms. Lilly, CILC's assistant, gave a presentation on paper cutting. She briefly talked about the history and culture of the Chinese paper cutting which originated around fourth century, during the Han Dynasty and continues to the present. After the presentation, Ms. Lilly showed tutorial how to paper-cut "Spring"春 ,"Double Happiness" 囍, and snowflake. Over 50 Troy students, faculty, staff, and other guests participated in the Tea Talk.

Tea Talk: Tea Ceremony

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On September 20th, 2022 the Center for International Languages & Cultures (CILC) hosted a Chinese Tea Ceremony. It was the third Tea Talk for the Spring Semester 2022. Mr. Tonghao Zhang presented the history of tea, and different kinds of Chinese tea, such as Pu-er Tea, White Tea, Red Tea, Green Tea, Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, and Oolong Tea, etc. Mr. Zhang then performed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Nearly 30 Troy students, faculty, and staff attended. After the tea ceremony, everyone tasted tea and companying food.

Tea Talk: Mid-Autumn Festival

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On September 13th, 2022 the Chinese Culture Club, hosted by the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC), held their second Tea Talk event, which covered  Mid-Autumn Festival. Mr. Deal, associate director at CILC, presented about the  meaning and the origin of this day. Then, he shared about the legend of Mid-Autumn and invited the participants to celebrate the festival together with mooncakes and warm tea. To wrap up the event, Mr. Deal had some fun riddles , and T-shirts giveaway. The event was a great success with the participation of  roughly 50 Troy University students along with faculty, staff, and members of the Troy community. After the event, people enjoyed dinner with traditional fried dumplings, and each person was given a moon cake.

Tea Talk: Making Chinese Staircase Bracelets

Participants with their own unique bracelets 
Ms. Lilly gives presentation about bracelets 
People work on their bracelets 
One of the participants' bracelets 
People enjoy dinner 

On September 6th, 2022 the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted their 7th Tea Talk.  Lilly, one of CILC's assistants, gave a small presentation on the history and process of making the Chinese snake bracelet. Nearly 50 Troy students, faculty, and staff came together for a much quieter Tea Talk than usual as everyone was engulfed in crafting their own bracelets. Each attendee made their own unique bracelet with their choice of colors. The Tea Talk was a great success with everyone happy with the crafts they designed and made themselves. After the event, everyone enjoyed dinner with fried chickens, cookies, fruits, and teas.

Red Level Elemtary School's Field Trip at Troy University

Dr. Xu welcomes students to the exhibition room 
Students interact with Chinese traditional instrument Qixiang 
Chinese traditional costumes 
Students learn about the art of Dragon dance 
Students are excited about the lion heads 
Students practice paper cutting 
Spring symbol paper cutting 

On September 6th, 2022, over 40 students from Red Level Elementary School in Red Level, Alabama came to Troy University to tour the International Arts Center (IAC) and the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC). During their visit, they learned about ancient art techniques, visited the Terracotta Warrior exhibit, toured CILC's Exhibition Hall, and learned how to do Chinese paper cutting while learning about the ancient and modern history of the Chinese Dragon. After the scheduled event, the students were taken to the Trojan Center to enjoy lunch. 

 

Red Level Elementary School Visits Troy University

Students showing off their Chinese paper cuts 
Student wearing the lion dance costume 
Group of students in traditional Chinese clothing 
Associate Director Austin Deal giving a presentation on the history of dragons 
Four students playing the Chinese guzheng instrument 
Assistant Jon Garrett talking to the students about the history of the Chinese guzheng instrument 
Students in the process of making their Chinese paper cuts 

On May 18th, 2022, over 40 students from Red Level Elementary School in Red Level, Alabama came to Troy University to tour the International Arts Center (IAC) and the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC). During their visit, they learned about ancient art techniques, visited the Terracotta Warrior exhibit, toured CILC's Exhibition Hall, and learned how to do Chinese paper cutting while learning about the ancient and modern history of the Chinese Dragon. After the scheduled event, the students were taken to the Trojan Center to enjoy lunch. 

The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) Attends the City of Montgomery's Multicultural Festival

Group photo of all of the faculty, staff, and volunteers that came to help 
staff and volunteers help set up the tent for the event 
Line up of the prepared tent for the event 
Patron posing with their Beijing opera mask 
Children posing with their Troy University fans 
Austin Deal serving customers Chinese food 
Austin Deal posing with our volunteers as they recieve their certificates 

On May 14th, 2022, the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) was invited to the City of Montgomery’s Multicultural Festival. CILC was joined by the Central Alabama Association of Chinese (CAAC) to share Chinese culture and language learning. Along with Chinese learning materials and souvenirs, Chinese food was provided to the public. Helping both organizations were seven young volunteers that were afterward awarded certificates for their exceptional assistance during the event. 

Frazer United Methodist Church's Basic Bible Study Sunday School Class Visits Troy University

Group photo of the Sunday School class from Frazer United Methodist Church 
Sunday School class having lunch with Chancellor Hawkins 
Austin Deal talking at the luncheon with Chancellor Hawkins 
Chancellor Hawkins speaking at the luncheon 
Austin Deal showing the class around the International Arts Center 
Members of the Sunday School class visiting the underground Terracotta Warrior exhibit 
Austin Deal giving a tour of CILC's Exhibition Hall 

On May 3rd, 2022, the Basic Bible Sunday School group from Frazer United Methodist Church visited Troy’s campus to meet with the Chancellor and to visit the International Arts Center (IAC) as well as the Center for International Cultures and Languages (CILC). About twenty members of the church attended, along with Dr. Iris Xu, Director of CILC, and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University. The Sunday School group first had lunch with Chancellor Hawkins, followed by a tour of the IAC and the Terracotta Warrior Exhibit at the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park. Finally, they made their way to CILC’s Exhibition Hall, where they were given a tour of Chinese culture, language, and history.

Dr. Valentine's Philosophy of Art & Art of Life Class Visits CILC

Dr. Valentine's class showing off their Spring Chinese paper cut 
A Troy student playing the Guzheng 
Associate Director Austin Deal showing how to fold the paper for the Spring Chinese paper cut 
Dr. Jay Valentine dressed in a traditional Chinese robe for scholars 
Troy student showing their paper folds and getting ready to start cutting 
Dr. Valentine's students enjoying some tea and refreshments after a long class period 

On the first day of April Dr. Jay Valentine brought his Philosophy of Art & Art of Life class to visit the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) to tour the exhibition hall and learn about Chinese paper cutting. Assistants Jon Garrett and Leo Yixuan gave a tour of the exhibition hall while Associate Director Austin Deal led the paper cutting activity. Dr. Jay's class of 23 students had a pleasant class time learning about Chinese culture. Tea and refreshments were served after the class period making an eventful afternoon.

Tea Talk: The Terracotta Warriors of China

Dr. Fang Li talking about Pit 1 of the Terracotta warrior excavation site 
Video of the massive infrastructure work done in Chongqing 
Troy students learning about the history of the Terracotta warriors and the Qin dynasty 
Dr. Fang Li talking about the Terracotta warriors at Troy University, the largest display of these warriors outside of China 
Group photo of the Zoom speakers 
Group photo of the Troy students, faculty, and staff that attended 

On March 31, 2022 The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted the 8th, and last, Tea Talk for the Spring semester. Dr. Fang Li, a professor from one of Troy University's partner schools Chongqing Normal University (CNU) called from China via Zoom to speak to the attendees about the history and ongoing excavation of the Terracotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty as well as showing some videos about Chongqing and it's rapid growth from a poor town to a bustling metropolis holding multiple world records for its many ground breaking bridge projects which earned it the nickname of the "City of Bridges." Over 30 Troy students, faculty, and staff attended while in Zoom there were speakers from two states and two countries. 

Tea Talk: Chinese Bracelet Making

Assistant Duolinna giving a small presentation on the history and process of making chinese bracelets 
Group photo of all attendees 
Troy student crafting her bracelet 
Three different kinds of Chinese bracelet crafts 
A Troy student proudly showing her finished bracelet 
Associate Director Austin Deal showing how to perform one of the more difficult steps in the bracelet making process 

On March 24, 2022 the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted their 7th Tea Talk.  Duolinna, one of CILC's assistants, gave a small presentation on the history and process of making the Chinese snake bracelet. Just over 30 Troy students, faculty, and staff came together for a much quieter Tea Talk than usual as everyone was engulfed in crafting their own bracelets. Each attendee made their own unique bracelet with their choice of colors and decorative beads. The Tea Talk was a great success with everyone happy with the crafts they designed and made themselves.

Eclectic Middle School Visits Troy University

Group photo of the students and faculty of Eclectic Middle School 
Students listening to a presentation at the International Arts Center 
Three students dressed in traditional Chinese clothing 
Students learning how to make Chinese paper cuts 
Dr. Feng giving the students a tour of the exhibition hall 
A student showing off their double happiness Chinese paper cut 
Students learning about different art styles at the International Arts Center 

March 11, 2022 120-odd Junior High students from Eclectic Middle School visited the Center for International Languages & Cultures (CILC) and the International Arts Center (IAC) on Troy campus. They visited the Chinese Cultural Exhibition Hall, had a taste of the Chinese tea culture, experienced traditional culture, Chinese music, the Chinese Dragon Dance, and the Lion Dance. Mr. Austin Deal, Associate Director of CILC, presented the Legend of the Dragon to the students and showed the students how to perform the dragon dance and lion dance as well as how to do Chinese paper cutting, and more. After that, the students visited the International Arts Center and Ms. Carrie Jaxon, Director of IAC, told the story about the Terracotta Warriors and led the students through a tour of the Terracotta Warriors on campus. Some Troy students showed the junior high students how to design the dried follower arts. The teachers and students loved Troy's campus, calling it the "most beautiful university" in Alabama, and expressed their desire to study at Troy University in the future and to become Trojans.

Tea Talk: Traditional Chinese Instruments

Mrs. Xixi talking about the Chinese luo and gong 
Photo of Xixi greeting everyone before her presentation 
Photo of the traditional percussion instrument, the fou 
Video of the Beijing Olympic drummers performing 
An ensemble featuring the woodwind instrument, the fuona 
The different versions of the stringed instrument the pipa 

On the 10th of March, the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted the sixth Tea Talk of the semester and the first Tea Talk held online. Mrs. Xixi Mao was joined by Troy University students as she presented the many different kinds of traditional Chinese instruments. Mrs. Xixi talked about percussion, stringed, and woodwind instruments as well as showing a number of videos demonstrating what these instruments sound like in the hands of professional musicians. 

Tea Talk: Harmony of Eastern and Western Cultures

Dr. Xu introducing her presentation on the comparisons between Eastern and Western cultures 
Dr. Xu talking about America as a "Melting Pot" 
Students listening to Dr. Xu's presentation 
Wide view of everyone that showed up for this Tea Talk 
Dr. Xu talking about the different customs different cultures use for social situations 
Group photo of everyone who attended the event 

On March 3rd, the Chinese Culture Club of the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted its fifth Tea Talk on the harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. CILC's Director and Distinguished Professor, Dr. Iris Xu, gave a presentation about the importance of understanding different cultures and respecting and appreciating their differences. She compared various topics such as food, lifestyle choices, conversational styles, and much more. Nearly 30 Troy students, faculty, and staff joined to learn about these differences in cultures and took part in a Q&A as the night came to a close.

Taste of Troy Event

Assistant Jon Garrett serving Chinese food to the public 
Trays of spring rolls and pan fried chicken dumplings 
Dr. Xu posing for the camera in between serving food 
Group photo of Dr. Xu, Dr. Feng, Associate Director Austin Deal, and Assistant Duolinna 
Directer Dr. Xu and Dr. Feng serving Chinese food to the public 
Associate Director Austin Deal and Assistant Duolinna smiling for the camera in the food line 
Group photo of Associate Director Austin Deal and Assistants Jon Garrett and Duolinna at the food line 
Photo of the Trojan Arena 

On February 25th,  Troy University had its Troy Men’s Basketball regular-season finale against Texas State in the Trojan Arena. Before the game, CILC (Center for International Languages & Cultures) participated in the Taste of Troy event. Trojans and the public came to the Trojan Arena and tasted various types of food such as Mardi Gras’ King Cake, Cajun Jambalaya, Pizza, and Chinese food. CILC brought Chinese spring/egg rolls and dumplings for everyone to taste. Many promotional items were given out by Troy University (TU) to fans including official WHITEOUT game T-shirts for the first 2,000 fans, retro TU T-shirts to the first 750 students, and more. The game was broadcasted nationally on ESPN2.

Tea Talk: Chinese Paper Cutting

Group photo of everyone showing their spring paper cut 
close up of both the spring and double-happiness paper cut 
Associate Director Austin Deal showing everyone how to make the spring paper cut 
Group photo of everyone showing their double-happiness paper cut 
Troy students working on their paper cuts together 
Dr. Xu helping Assistant Jon Garrett cut paper 
Long shot of students working on their paper cuts 
Assistant Jon Garrett posing with his double-happiness paper cut 

On February 24th, the Chinese Culture Club of CILC hosted its the fourth Tea Talk on the Chinese Paper Cutting. Associate Director of the Center, Mr. Austin Deal and Assistant, Mr. Jon Garrett gave a presentation on paper cutting. They talked about the history and culture of the Chinese paper cutting which started roughly in the second century BC during the Han Dynasty and continues to the present. After the presentation, Mr. Deal and Mr. Garrett taught the audience how to paper-cut "Spring"春 and "Double Happiness" 囍. Nearly 40 Troy students, faculty, staff, and other guests participated in the Tea Talk.

Charles Henderson Middle School Junior Warriors Field Trip

Charles Henderson Middle School students carrying the Chinese dragon costume 
Charles Henderson Middle School student playing a traditional Chinese instrument 
Charles Henderson Middle School students wearing traditional Chinese clothing 
Associate Director Austin Deal posing with the dragon costume 
Charles Henderson Middle School students playing the Guzheng 
A Charles Henderson Middle School student showing off their Chinese paper cut 

For three days in February, 22nd to 24th, the Center for International Languages & Cultures (CILC) and International Arts Center (IAC) received over 120 students from Charles Henderson Middle School in the City of Troy. They visited Troy University campus, including the IAC, the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, the Terracotta Warrior Exhibit, and CILC’s Exhibition Hall. The students were introduced to arts and crafts projects and learned how to perform the traditional Chinese dragon dance. This is the third year of the Junior Warriors Program at Troy University. The goal of the program is to increase cross-cultural awareness for the students, an opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures of the world.

Tea Talk: Tibetan History, Culture, and Tibetan Buddhism

Dr. J. Valentine talking about the region and land of Tibet 
Troy students listening to the history of the Tibetan language 
Photo of all of the attendees listening to Tibetan history, culture, and Tibetan Buddhism 
Group photo of everyone who gathered for the event 
All of the different Tibetan books brought for students to look at 
Dr. J. Valentine talking to students after the presentation and answering questions 

On February 17, 2022, the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted the third Tea Talk event of this semester. Dr. Jay Valentine from the College of Arts and Sciences at Troy University gave a lecture on Tibet. He talked about Tibet's religious culture, language, and Tibetan Buddhism. Tibet, located in southwest China off the border with India and Nepal, is mainly a pastoralist region; Tibetans herded flocks across the wide and high-elevation region on the east side of the Himalayas known as the Tibetan Plateau. Dr. Valentine also showed us the Tibetan Buddhist Scriptures, children’s books, picture books, and some others about Tibet. Nearly 40 Troy students, faculty, and staff came to hear the lecture. Dr. Valentine received his BA in Philosophy from the University of Delaware, MA in Religious Studies from Naropa University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, where he focused on the religions of philosophies of Buddhism and Hinduism in the History of Religions Program. Thanks to Dr. Valentine for his well-accepted lectures.

Tea Talk: Tea Ceremony

Ms. Chau placing the finished tea on mats 
The tea set used for the tea ceremony 
Jon Garrett giving talking to Troy students about the exhibition hall 
Associate director Austin Deal wearing the Chinese lion head 
Jon Garrett talking about Beijing opera 
Group photo of all of the tea talk attendees 

On February 10th, 2022 the Center for International Languages & Cultures (CILC) hosted a Chinese Tea Ceremony. It was the second Tea Talk for the Spring Semester 2022. Assistant Jon Garrett gave a tour of the Chinese Cultural Exhibition Hall. There are five sections in the Exhibition Hall about China: Sports, Minority Costumes and Drama, Musical Instruments,  Calligraphy and Tourism. Ms. Chau Bui presented the history of tea, and different kinds of Chinese tea, such as  Pu-er Tea, White Tea, Red Tea, Green Tea, Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, and Oolong Tea, etc. Ms. Chau Bui then performed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Nearly 50 Troy students, faculty, and staff attended. After the tea ceremony, everyone tasted tea and companying food.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Coleman Center

Display of the Lunar New Year dragon costume 
Austin Deal showing the different props for the costume 
Austin Deal giving a presentation of the cultural history of the dragon to Dothan students 
Students listening intently to the Lunar New Year presentation 
Wide view of the Coleman Center and its attendees 
Austin Deal making dragon horns with his fingers for the students 
The dragon is brought into the Coleman Center for the students to see 
The dragon is brought to the front of the room as students join in to be the dragon 
The dragon is puppeted around the conference room by the students 

On February 4th, 2022, the Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) hosted a Lunar New Year celebration event at the Coleman Center, located at Troy University's Dothan Campus. During the event, Mr. Austin Deal, Associate Director of CILC, gave a brief presentation on the origin and meaning of the traditional dragon symbol commonly found in many Asian cultures. The symbol of the dragon is generally associated with the Lunar New Year. After the presentation, Dothan Campus faculty and staff carried in a life-sized dragon model and put on a small performance for the children. At the conclusion of the event, CILC provided the children and their teachers each with a Chinese knot, traditionally known as a good luck charm when given during the Lunar New Year.

Tea Talk: Lunar New Year

Students listening to Lunar New Year tradition presentation

 

Associate Director giving a presentation on the history of dragons

 

Associate Director talking about a brief history of dragons

 

Students writing the character for dragon in Chinese

 

Dr. Feng giving a presentation on the importance of the tiger in the Lunar New Year 
Dr. Feng talking about the traditional activities performed during the third day of the Lunar New Year festivities 
Director Dr. Xu and one of the student assistants preparing to serve different Chinese foods 
Group picture of all attendees 
Students enjoying festive Chinese dishes 

The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) at Troy University hosted its first Tea Talk event of the 2022 Spring semester. Dr. Rui Feng, a Distinguished Professor at the College of Education, and Austin Deal, the Associate Director of CILC, introduced the participants to the meaning and origins of the Lunar New Year as well as a few of the foods involved in the celebration of the event. Over 40 participants, including Troy students, faculty, staff, and members of the public enjoyed several traditional Chinese refreshments such as fried rice, spring rolls, fried dumplings, Chinese chicken, and hot tea while learning about the meaning of the Year of the Tiger and the origin of the traditional Dragon symbol found in many Asian cultures.

Martin Luther King Day Parade Held in Downtown Montgomery

austin deal instructed the volunteers how to do dragon dance 
more demonstration on how to do dragon dance 
the volunteers demonstrate the basic dragon dance during the parade 
the parade ended at the capital of mongomery 
group picture of the volunteers 

On January 17th, a parade was held to honor Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. The Parade made its way past the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church downtown. The Center for International Languages and Cultures (CILC) at Troy University was pleased to contribute an important piece (the Dragon dance) of Chinese culture to the parade lineup. To prepare for the walk, Mr. Austin Deal instructed the Montgomery City high-school volunteers on the basic movements of the Dragon Dance. The volunteers successfully recreated a simple version of the Dragon Dance during the MLK parade