Bulletin Number Three 1985

group A, eight participants from Hong Kong and China presented papers on the teaching problems of Guoyu in Hong Kong and those in group B discussed and exchanged views on the theories of testing. The whole of the second day and the morning of the third day were devoted to specific topics such as the teaching, training and promotion of the written language, phonetics, words and expressions, neutral tone and the retroflex suffix 'r' of Putonghua. Issues on the examination and testing of Putonghua and the use of Chinese computer were also covered. There were discussions on the aims and methods of teaching Chinese as a second language as well. The venue of the Symposium moved to The Chinese University on the fourth day according to schedule. Dr. Ma Lin, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, welcomed the guests. As it happened to be the fourth of May, Dr. Ma reminded the audience of the historic May-Fourth Movement and commended the Symposium on its significance. The emphasis of the day's programme was on the relations between Putonghua and the dialects. In the afternoon, participants were again divided into two groups to discuss issues of language testing and teaching. The fifth day was an open forum on 'Relevant Issues on the Teaching of Putonghua in Hong Kong and Possible Subjects of Research'. Participation from the floor was very enthusiastic. The second half of the day was a summary session, in which three papers were read. Discussion at this last session was particularly active. Many of the questions were specially directed to the renowned scholars or designers of phonetic norms or policy-makers for the reform of Chinese characters. As a result, the closing ceremony scheduled at half-past twelve was not held until one o'clock. As one of the initiators and organizers of the Symposium, I was asked to be the chairman of the last session apart from chairing the fourth day's programme. In my concluding remarks, I congratulated the five-day Symposium for achieving so much in an extremely friendly and harmonious atmosphere. I also expressed my heartfelt thanks to the scholars and experts for their contributions — there was no single topic on research, teaching and testing in this field that had not been covered. Apart from its primary objectives, the Symposium had also the following aims: (1) to urge the Government to pay more attention to the teaching of Putonghua, and take positive measures in drawing up a practical Putonghua curriculum for primary and secondary schools; (2) to appeal to the general public for cooperation in providing a language environment for speaking Putonghua and enhancing the learning motivation of the public; (3) to solicit opinions on teacher training and the qualifications required of teachers as well as the supply and selection of teaching materials. It was really gratifying that response to these three points was positive. Finally, it is hoped that further attempts would be made to provide experts and scholars with more chances to exchange their views and experience. —M. Liu News in Brief Dr. Q. W. Lee Honoured The Chairman of the University Council, Dr. the Hon. Q.W. Lee, was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Hull in the U.K. at a ceremony which took place on 12th July, 1985. In presenting Dr. Lee to Lord Wilberforce, Chancellor of the University of Hull, for the award of the degree, the Public Orator praised Dr. Lee for his outstanding contributions to the well-being of Hong Kong as a highly respected banker and a truly dedicated community leader who is involved in a wide range of community affairs, especially in education. University members appointed to serve on outside Committees The following staff members have been appointed by His Excellency the Governor to serve on various committees: * Professor S.T. Chang, Professor of Biology, as a member of the Agricultural Products Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee (APSFAC) for one year with effect from 1st April, 1985. * Mr. Andrew W.F. Wong, Lecturer in Government & Public Administration, and Dr. Fanny M.C. Cheung, Lecturer in Psychology, as members of the Shatin District Board; Dr. Stephen L.W. Tang, Lecturer in Sociology, as a member of the Tai Po District Board; and Mr. William H.C. Wan, Alumni Affairs Officer, as a member of the Sai Kung District Board, with effect from 1st April, 1985 for a period of three years. * Dr. Richard M.W. Ho, Lecturer in Chinese, as a member of the Provisional Regional Council from 1st May, 1985 to 31st March, 1986. * Mr. William Cheng, Senior Lecturer of the School of Education, as a member of the Board of Governors & the Council of Baptist College from NEWS 3