BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton University Center for Innovative and Continuing Education will sponsor a six-week language course beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. The course, "Basic Conversational Chinese," will consist of 12 hours of instruction, to be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, Oct. 1-Nov. 5, at the University Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton.

The Basic Conversational Chinese course is designed for those who are planning to travel or conduct business in China, or for anyone who has an interest in learning the Chinese language. In addition to learning useful everyday phrases and how to pronounce Chinese names, the course will also cover the use of proper manners and Chinese culture. In addition, participants will be introduced to the standard spelling system for writing Chinese phonetically in the Latin alphabet.

The registration fee is $200. This is a non-credit program designed to help students enhance their foreign language skills and cultural knowledge. Successful graduates will be awarded a Binghamton University Certificate of Completion.

To register, go online at www.binghamton.edu/learnchinese. For more information, contact the Center for Innovative and Continuing Education via e-mail at cice@binghamton.edu or call 607-777-2792.