Jia you! is probably not a phrase most first-time travelers
to China need to learn. But for
Duke University staff members traveling to China with the men's basketball team
this month, learning how to cheer for their team in Chinese ("jia you!"
means "Go!") was one of the highlights of a briefing session provided
by Duke Professor Claire Conceison Wednesday night.
Conceison, a professor of theater studies who specializes in
the study of Chinese theater, educated the group about Chinese history and
culture, provided a quick lesson covering "jia you!" and other
essential Chinese phrases and answered the travelers' questions on topics
ranging from the safety of drinking water to how to bargain in Chinese markets.
"Professor Conceison's presentation provided practical,
useful information about China and what to expect from the people and places
where the group will be traveling," said Geelea Seaford, associate
director for communication at the Duke Global Health Institute, which will
partner with the team to lead a session with local children highlighting the
Institute's work to reduce cardiovascular disease in China.
"From how to prepare for the dry, dusty heat of
Beijing, to the cultural sensitivities of gift giving and how to accept and
give compliments, this new knowledge will help us be effective representatives
of Duke University while in China," Seaford said.
The session for university staff followed a similar briefing
Conceison provided Wednesday morning for members of the men's basketball
team. Both meetings were organized
by Kenny King, director of student life and campus relations for Duke men's basketball.
"We're very lucky to have such tremendous expertise
right here on our own campus," King said. "Many of us will be travelling to China for the first
time, but Claire has been living and working there for decades, and the
experiences and insights she shared with the group really helped us all have a
better understanding of what we should expect."
The men's basketball team departs on its two-week trip to China
and Dubai August 14, and will compete in three games in China and one in Dubai.
Visit GoDuke.com for more details and ongoing
coverage of the trip.