Free Mandarin Chinese lessons are being offered in the lecture hall Thurs, Jan. 16 through Feb. 13.

Foreign language instructor Ann Adams shared there are currently 935 million native speakers of Mandarin Chinese. That is 14.1 percent of the world’s population.

Spanish is in second place with 5.85 percent of the world’s population, and English brings up 3rd place with 5.52 percent.

Chinese ranks 2nd in the top ten languages in the internet, close behind English.

China’s economy is ranked 2nd in the world, right behind that of the U.S.

“The opportunity for business with China is growing exponentially,” Adams said. “Thanks to Fort Hays State University’s partnerships with Chinese universities, residents in Hays have a unique opportunity to gain cultural insights and language skills which could be extremely useful in the future.”

Senior Samantha Rohleder attended the first class.

“The class mostly focuses on Chinese culture,” Rohleder said. “We learned how to say a few words.”

The instructor of the class is Liu Qian, but her English name is Shirley.

“The instructor was great and explained things really well,” junior Conrad Hoffman said.

Hoffman also said that everyone participated in a cultural activity.

“We made read Chinese lanterns,” Hoffman said. “The lanterns are a Chinese tradition for their New Year celebration.”

Adams said that it is a great opportunity for students to be able to explore Chinese culture and language.

“There is a possibility that Chinese will be added to the Foreign Language department at Hays High School as early as next year if there is enough interest,” Adams said. “That means if enough students pre-enroll in the class, it will be considered for 2014.”

Adams shared that Chinese Club will have a different theme each week.

“Everyone is welcome to attend any of the sessions, no string attached,” Adams said.

15sberens@usd489.com