HAO Language Academy's 20th Anniversary Special Event
In September 2025, HAO Language Academy, which is run by AEON Corporation, will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special lecture featuring Mr. Wu Zhigang, a prominent instructor from NHK's radio program "Level Up Chinese." This event marks the eighth installment of the anniversary series and focuses on one of the most challenging aspects of Chinese pronunciation—the "continuous tone change of the third tone."
Many learners struggle with this layer of nuance in the Mandarin Chinese language, especially with cases where the third tone occurs consecutively. This lecture will delve into these challenges, providing attendees with a clearer understanding and practical guidance on mastering this aspect of Chinese pronunciation.
Event Details
- - Date and Time: September 28, 2025 (Sunday), from 14:00 to 15:00.
- - Location: AEON Headquarters, 16th Floor, Nittoshi Nishishinjuku Building, 6-10-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, as well as online via Webex.
- - Capacity: 100 participants total (50 for in-person attendance and 50 for online participation).
- - Registration Fee: Free of charge.
Lecture Content
The title of the lecture is "3+3+3=? — Understanding the Continuous Tone Change of the Third Tone in Chinese." Mr. Wu will provide practical examples and explain strategies for effectively handling the complexities of the third tone, which is crucial for achieving precise Chinese pronunciation.
Registration Information
Registration for the lecture opens on August 19, 2025, and will close on September 26, 2025.
- - For Current Students: To register, please visit your respective HAO campus in person.
- - For Non-Students: Please contact us via the inquiry form on the official HAO website. After inputting your name and contact information, select 'Other Inquiries' and specify 'Interested in Wu Zhigang's Lecture' for further assistance.
Important Notes
For more detailed information, please check with your nearest HAO Language Academy campus.
Speaker Profile
Wu Zhigang is a native of Beijing and holds a degree from the Department of Broadcasting and Anchoring, Communication University of China. He completed his doctorate at Chiba University and specializes in Chinese phonetics and teaching methods. He is also known for his work as an instructor on NHK's "Level Up Chinese" and has authored the book "Wu Zhigang's Chinese Pronunciation Classroom."
Summary of Previous Celebratory Events
In celebrating its two decades of service, HAO Language Academy has hosted various events:
- - 1st Event: Mid-Autumn Festival Seminar on Chinese Culture (September 2024)
- - 2nd Event: Lecture by Chen Shumei on Techniques for Learning Chinese (November 2024)
- - 3rd Event: Collaboration with the movie "Fengshen 2" (February 2025)
- - 4th Event: Lecture by Takagi Mito on Learning Chinese (May 2025)
- - 5th Event: Collaboration with the movie "Sailing Away" (June 2025)
- - 6th Event: Special Pronunciation Workshop by Matsumoto Yoko (August 2025)
- - 7th Event: Cultural Experience Workshop (September 2025)
HAO Language Academy has been committed to providing quality lessons in Mandarin and Taiwanese Mandarin since its establishment in 2004. It aims to promote Chinese language education in Japan, adapting to diverse learning styles through e-learning, online classes, and traditional classroom settings. HAO’s mission is to support individuals in realizing their dreams and enriching their lives through Chinese language.
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