NEW September 17 - December 3, 2008 (Wednesdays) 3:30-5:30 pm (2 hours/week) Afterschool Japanese Language Program for Children -- Beginners, Mixed, ages 6-11 and older. In this 12-week class, children learn Japanese through fun and games, songs, stories... Teacher is a native speaker of Japanese. Children new to Japanese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation. Children who already possess some Japanese will continue to build on what they know. Some kanji and hiragana characters will be taught, All that and we also make learning fun! The teacher is a native speaker of Japanese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

Year-Round Program. Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program for Preschoolers (ages 3-5). 3-days and 5-days a week programs, from 9:30 am - 2 pm. Small classes, native language teachers. We keep the classes fun and the children engaged. Children will learn Chinese culture and language arts, simple mathematics, arts and crafts, singing and dancing, group games, story telling and listening skills all in Mandarin Chinese. (Children must be potty trained.) HOURS: 9:30 am - 2 pm (full day), 9:30 am - noon (half day for under 3 years old) Tuition: depends on days per week, but includes $100 registration and materials fee (materials for one year). Early registration is strongly encouraged. Classes are filled on a first-register basis. This is a year-round program. We ask for 3 month minimum commitment. Contact us for more information. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: Year-Round Program starting in September. Chinese Langauge Program for Home-Schooled Children ages 6-12. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 1- and 2-day programs available. Full day (9:30 am - 2:30 pm: 5 hours) and half-day programs available. Children learn Mandarin through various methods of language study, culture, including fun and games, songs, stories, physical movement and excercise, outside activities. Teachers are all native speakers of Chinese. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation. Children who already possess some Mandarin Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Chinese characters will be taught, as well as pinyin/bopomofo transliteration system. All that and we also make learning fun! This is a year-round program. We ask for 3 month minimum commitment. Contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment. Register now for fall. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: September 2 - November 26, 2008 (Monday-Friday), 3:30-5:30 pm Afterschool Chinese Langauge Program for Children ages 6-12. 3- and 5- day (M-F) programs available. Children learn Mandarin through various methods of language study, culture, including fun and games, songs, stories, physical movement and excercise, outside activities. Teachers are all native speakers of Chinese. In a modified "bushiban" type of format, children will also have the opportunity to do their homework (assigned during the day), and get assistance on it. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation. Children who already possess some Mandarin Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Chinese characters will be taught, as well as pinyin/bopomofo transliteration system. Contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment. Register now for fall. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

Sept. 13 - Dec 6, 2008 (Saturdays) from 10:00 am - 12 noon (2 hours a week), Chinese for Children ages 6-12 (Beginners, Mixed). [No class Nov 29.] In this 12-week class, children learn Mandarin through fun and games, songs, stories... Teachers are native speakers of Chinese. Children new to Chinese will learn fundamentals of listening and speaking and correct pronunciation. Children who already possess some Mandarin Chinese will continue to build on what they know. Some characters will be taught, as well as pinyin/bopomofo transliteration system. All that and we also make learning fun! Register early to ensure a place. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

Sept. 13 - Dec 6, 2008 (Saturdays) from 1 - 2:30 pm (1.5 hours a week), Chinese for Children ages 6-12 (Non-Beginners). [No class Nov 29.] In this 12-week class, children continue to build on what they have learned in previous classes. A textbook is required for this class. Children continue to practice listening and speaking, and also reading, character recognition/memorization and writing. Pinyin and some bopomofu transliteration also used. All that and we also make learning fun! Teachers are native speakers of Chinese. A book is required for this class. Register early to ensure a place. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 15 - December 1, 2008 (Mondays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults, Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 15 - December 1, 2008 (Mondays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults, Beginners, Level 4, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 16 - December 2, 2008 (Tuesdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults, Beginners, Level 9, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 17 - December 3, 2008 (Wednesdays) from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults, Beginners, Level 3), ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: September 18 - December 11, 2008 (Thursdays) [No class Nov. 27], from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation using pinyin (the phonetic alphabet popular in mainland China) and bopomofo (the phonetic alphabetic popular in Taiwan). Speaking and listening skills are emphasized, but students will also learn how to read and write Chinese characters (simplified and traditional).. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 18 - December 11, 2008 (Thursdays) [No class Nov. 27], from 7:30 pm - 9 pm, Mandarin Chinese for Adults, Intermediate, Level 9, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills learnt in the previous level's course. Traditional and simplified characters taught, as well as pinyin and bopomofo. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, see Registration and Fees, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: September 17 - December 3, 2008 (Wednesdays), 7:30 - 9 pm Cantonese Language for Adults (and older Children) -- Beginners, Level 1. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation, and speaking and listening of Cantonese. Some Chinese characters may be introduced, but the focus of the class is on conversation. Class is geared to children, but adults are also welcome. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Cantonese, with many years teaching experience, and excellent English. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 18 - December 11, 2008 (Thursdays) [No class Nov 27], 6-7:30 pm Cantonese Language for Adults (and older Children) -- Beginners, Level 2. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on what was learned in the previous class. Strong emphasis placed and speaking and listening skills of Cantonese. Some Chinese characters may be introduced, but the focus of the class is on conversation. Class is geared to adults, but older children are also welcome. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Cantonese, with many years teaching experience, and excellent English. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW September 17 - December 3, 2008 (Wednesdays) 6-7:30 pm (1.5 hours) Japanese Language for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- will concentrate on speaking and listening, and correct pronunciation, of Japanese. Basic conversational skills will be taught. Introduction to reading Japanese hiragana, and some Kanjiwill also be taught. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Japanese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 8 am - 10 am (2 hours/week) Vietnamese Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 3, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills covered learnt in the previous level's course. Basic conversational skills are concentrated on as is reading Vietnamese in the Vietnamese (Latin-based) alphabet. The teacher is a native speaker of Vietnamese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 10:15 - 12:15 (2 hours/week) Vietnamese Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on speaking and listening, reading and writing skills covered learnt in the previous level's course. Basic conversational skills are concentrated on as is reading Vietnamese in the Vietnamese (Latin-based) alphabet. The teacher is a native speaker of Vietnamese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays), 12:45-2:45 pm (2 hours/week) Vietnamese Language for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- will concentrate on speaking and listening, and correct pronunciation, of Vietnamese. Basic conversational skills will be taught. Introduction to reading Vietnamese in the Vietnamese (Latin-based) alphabet will also be taught. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Vietnamese. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 8-10 am Thai Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 3, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on what was learned in the previous class. As with all beginner level classes a strong emphasis will be placed on speaking and listening, but not to the exclusion of the reading and Thai script. The class concentrates on correct usage of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. Review of tones, new words, grammar will be incorporated. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 10:15-12:15 pm Thai Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 2, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- continues to build on what was learned in the previous class. As with all beginner level classes a strong emphasis will be placed on speaking and listening, but not to the exclusion of the reading and Thai script. The class concentrates on correct usage of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. Review of tones, new words, grammar will be incorporated. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW: September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 12:45-2:45 pm Thai Language for Adults -- Absolute Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation of Standard Thai (also known as Siamese) which is the official language of Thailand. Class will cover tones, introduce the alphabet and Thai script, and cover some basic grammar, expressions and greetings, as well as discuss the various "registers" (based on social context) of the language -- which include Street Thai (as used at home or among friends), Formal Thai (a simplified form of which is used in newspapers), Rhetorical Thai (used for public speaking), Religious Thai (heavily influenced by Sanskrit and Pali), and Royal Thai. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Thai. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

NEW September 13 - December 6, 2008 (Saturdays) [No class Nov 29], 8-10 am Lao (Laotian) Language for Adults -- Beginners, Level 1, ages 13 and older. This class -- which meets once a week for 12 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation of the Lao language. It will introduce the alphabet and tones, as well as the writing system. Lao, a tonal language, is closely related to the Isan language of the northeast region of Thailand. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Lao, who used to teach American diplomats and U.S. State Dept. personnel in Washington, D.C. before they were sent on (peaceful) assignments to Laos and Thailand. He also co-authored the Lao language textbook used even today to teach State Dept. personnel. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis. Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or send email.

September 16 - December 2, Tuesdays, (12 weeks) from 6:15 - 7:45 pm, resident artist Jean Choy teaches Chinese Classical Brush Painting. This class, which lasts 10 weeks, meets once a week for 1.5 hours. This is a mixed-level class for beginners and continuing students. Continuing students build on techniques learned in previous classes. Are you fascinated by the simplicity of the brush stroke and the tastfulness of ink? Jean Choy, an experienced Chinese brush painting artist, will share her expertise with you. Lecture and demonstration included. Subjects include landscape, flowers, birds, animals, and others. Beginners are welcome. Easy to learn. Interesting subjects. Bring your materials to the class and discover your hidden talent! Price: $140 (does not include cost of materials). Instruction is in English. Jean Choy has been teaching art (watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink, basic design) for over 25 years, in both Hong Kong and Portland. For more about Chinese Brush painting, see a A Special Note by the Artist. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call 503-788-0336, or send email.

NEW September 16 - December 2, Tuesdays, (12 weeks), 8-9:30 pm artist and calligrapher Jean Choy will teach a course on Chinese Calligraphy. This class, which lasts 12 weeks, meets once a week for 1.5 hours. In this class, regular script/standard style will be taught, including writing techniques, stroke order, character composition, cultural related information, historical changes in writing styles and other information. A mixed level class, both beginners and non-beginners are welcome. Chinese calligraphy is another art form besides Chinese brush painting. The elegance of the brush strokes, the taste of ink together with the significance of historical culture has continued to fascinate people for thousands of years. Jean Choy has been practicing and teaching Chinese brush painting and calligraphy for over twenty-five years, in both Hong Kong and Portland. Price: $140 (for 12 weeks). (does not include cost of materials). Instruction is in English. Place: Bodhi Tree Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206. For more information, call 503-788-0336, or send email.