Na Wu, PhD

Assistant Professor of World Languages and Cultures; Coordinator, Chinese

With decades of experience in teaching and researching Sino-Western literary and cultural studies, Dr. Na Wu brings a unique blend of expertise to her role at TWU. Dedicated to Mandarin instruction since 2005 and Chinese program coordinator since 2019, she has led the development of two Chinese Minors, demonstrating her commitment to curriculum enhancement.

Her teaching philosophy goes beyond imparting knowledge; it fosters spiritual and relational growth among students. As a native Mandarin speaker with extensive teaching experience, Dr. Wu offers a holistic learning journey in language and culture through her courses. She currently teaches introductory, intermediate, and advanced Chinese courses at TWU, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wu actively involves her students in the BC 'Chinese Bridge' Mandarin Speech and Singing Contests, where they have achieved notable success, including representation at global competitions in China. Many of her former students have seamlessly integrated Mandarin into their careers, whether in business, education, public services, or further academic pursuits in North America, Europe, or China.

Dr. Wu's scholarly contributions extend to many publications exploring Chinese and English languages, cultures, and literature. Her writings in English and Mandarin delve into the nuances of learning Chinese for English speakers, showcasing her interdisciplinary expertise.

Outside academia, Dr. Wu finds joy in reading, gardening, and hiking, supported by her husband in North Vancouver. Her love and pride in their son, based in London, adds to her multifaceted life experiences and commitments.

  • PhD in Comparative Cultural Studies (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China)
  • MA in English Literature (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China)
  • BA in English (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China)

Expertise

Chinese Language and Culture; Gender and Literature; Gender and modern Chinese texts.

Awards & Honors

  • Recognized by the International Cooperation and Exchange Division of the Chinese Ministry of Education as an Excellent Instructor of the Ministry of Education's Department of Overseas Study and Training
  • “Interpreting the Cultural Gap between China and the West” was recognized by China Academic Research and Exploration Committee as the second outstanding thesis.

Recent Publications

Selected Publications:

  • Decoding Gender Relationships in the Texts of Integrated Chinese in TCSL Classes, Canadian TCSL Journal (web), Canada, pp.62-70, 2014
  • Co-authored with Sonya Grypma, China confidential:  Methodological and ethical challenges in global nursing historiography, Nursing History Review, 20. 162-183, 2012
  • Exertion and Inspiration of Cultural Communications in TCSL Classes, Canadian TCSL Journal (web), Canada, pp.66-70, 2012.
  • Constructing Cultural Dialogues in TCSL Classroom, Canadian TCSL Journal (web), Canada, PP.68-74, 2008.
  • On Chinese Canadian’s Double Cultural Existence—Reading Double Happiness, Cultural Studies Magazine, China, (2008), Issue 9, 254-261.
  • Reinscribing Her Stories in Chinese Contemporary History, Women’s History Magazine (2004), UK, Issue 47, 10-15.
  • Beyond the Celebration of Hybridity---Reading Kingston’s Tripmaster Monkey, Rereading America: Changes and Challenges, Reardon Publishing, UK. March 2004, 235-239.

Affiliations & Memberships

  • The Canadian TCSL Association (The Canadian Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Association)
  • Women’s History Network
  • CAWL (Christian Association of World Languages)
  • SCOLA (Standing Committee on Language Articulation) of British Columbia

  • CHIN 101/102 Introductory to Chinese Language and Culture I & II
  • CHIN 210/202 Intermediate Chinese Language and Culture I& II
  • CHIN 301/302 Intermediate Chinese Language and Culture III & IV
  • CHIN 401/402 Advanced Chinese Language and Culture I & II
  • CHIN 211/212 Decoding Chinese Mythologies I & II
  • CHIN 311/312 The Analects of Confucius I & II
  • CHIN 411/412 Modern Chinese Text I & II