Martin Luther College (MLC) students now have the option of studying Mandarin as part of their training to become pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. Beginning this school year, students can enroll in Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture and Elementary Mandarin I. In 2013–14, Elementary Mandarin II and Intermediate Mandarin I will also be offered.

Rev. Mark Zarling, president of MLC, says, “This new program in Mandarin integrates nicely with MLC's other programs of study in living languages. It is estimated that one in five Americans speak a language other than English as a mother tongue. Mandarin and Spanish are languages that represent large immigrant populations in our country. MLC is blessed to be able to now offer programs in both languages, as well as programs in four other languages.”

Thirty-four students are currently taking these classes, which are being taught by Zhang Tingting, a native Mandarin speaker. This pilot project is being funded by an Antioch II grant.

For information on MLC’s other programs, visit www.mlc-wels.edu.