Language club brings relaxation to students with Chinese calligraphy

ABINGTON, Pa. — Penn State Global and the Chinese Language Club jointly held “Chinese Language Night” in April at Penn State Abington. Organizers invited Joe Sam, president of the Zhengdao Chinese Language Association (ZDCLA), along with Chinese calligraphy artists and instructors, to lead a cultural program featuring traditional philosophy, live calligraphy demonstrations and interactive workshops designed to deepen intercultural understanding on campus.

ZDCLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Chinese language education and cultural exchange through courses, workshops and public cultural programs. The organization promotes Chinese heritage by connecting language learning with philosophy, history and traditional arts.

Connecting tradition to today

Sam opened the evening with a lecture on the modern application of traditional Chinese philosophy, focusing on cultivating a peaceful and adaptable mindset through Taoist and Buddhist thought. Drawing connections between ancient Chinese wisdom and contemporary student life, he encouraged students to think more openly about purpose, personal growth and intercultural understanding.

“Traditional Chinese philosophy teaches us not only how to succeed academically or professionally, but also how to remain calm and thoughtful in times of pressure and uncertainty,” Sam said. “True education should help students better understand both the world and themselves.”

Following the lecture, ZDCLA artists introduced students to the historical development of the Chinese language and the artistic tradition of Chinese calligraphy. Presenters explained how calligraphy has long served as both a literary practice and a reflection of personal cultivation in Chinese culture.

During the live demonstration, renowned calligraphy artists created works on site and gifted authentic handwritten pieces to nearly every student in attendance. Many students gathered around the demonstration table, watching the movement of brush and ink while asking questions about the meaning and structure of Chinese characters.

The event later transitioned into a hands-on workshop, where students practiced brush techniques and character writing under the guidance of ZDCLA instructors. Brushes, ink and rice paper were provided, allowing participants to directly experience one of the most recognizable forms of traditional Chinese art.

“I’ve always wanted to experience and learn Chinese calligraphy, and today I finally had the opportunity,” one student attendee said. “I was incredibly excited to try it myself and learn the meaning behind the characters.”

Keeping calm with calligraphy

Many students said the event offered a rare opportunity to relax and temporarily step away from academic pressure as finals week approached in the spring. Several attendees described the process of writing calligraphy as calming and meditative, helping them slow down and focus during one of the busiest periods of the semester.

“Writing calligraphy by hand was surprisingly peaceful. It feels almost like meditation,” one student said. “After attending this event, I felt much less stressed and more focused.”

Other students shared that Sam’s lecture encouraged them to think differently about their future careers and personal development; by connecting traditional Chinese philosophy with modern student life, the event helped attendees reflect on balancing achievement, mental well-being and long-term purpose.

Organizers said the event not only introduced students to the beauty of Chinese philosophy and calligraphy, but also created a meaningful environment for reflection, intercultural dialogue and personal growth. Through the combination of lectures, artistic demonstrations and interactive participation, students gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture while strengthening the sense of diversity, inclusion and global connection within the Penn State community.