IS Culture
Mother Tongue
Carnegie International Student Institute (CISI) has launched the “Mother Tongue” Language Revival Program, in collaboration with overseas schools and community organizations, to create a rich environment for native language learning among Chinese communities abroad.
As more international students choose to live and develop their careers in the U.S. long term, they gradually become distanced from their native language environment. This decline in language proficiency has become increasingly evident—especially among their children. Such a disconnect not only affects their ties to cultural roots but may also pose challenges in cultural inheritance and identity development.
CISI firmly believes that language and culture are bridges that connect the world. Our goal goes beyond language instruction—we aim to help participants foster a deeper sense of cultural identity and belonging through native language preservation.
Through the “Mother Tongue” initiative, CISI hopes to build a platform that allows Chinese communities abroad to rediscover the beauty of their native language in multicultural environments, while also contributing to the development of a more inclusive and culturally diverse international society.
CISI is currently fundraising to expand the program to more regions and institutions in the future.
Fanni Xinxin Valisalo
CISI Mother Tongue project sponsor
Fanni is a Chinese-Finnish high school girl living in Sweden. As someone who grew up in a non-native environment, she regrets her lack of fluency in her native language and understands the importance of learning it. Mother tongue gives people a sense of home and allows them to maintain their cultural identity and recognition of their own culture.
Together with CISI, Fanni launched the Mother Tongue program, hoping to help more children learn their mother tongue and contribute to cultural diversity.
International Mother Language Day: February 21
Chinese Folk and Traditional Music
CISI is honored to announce our partnership with the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York (CMENY) to launch a Chinese Music Education Program for its youth ensemble, the New York Youth Asian Heritage Music Orchestra (NY-YAHMO), along with providing ongoing financial support.
Founded in 1961, the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York has grown into the oldest and largest Chinese orchestra in the United States. The ensemble brings together more than 60 musicians who perform a wide range of traditional Chinese instruments. Over the decades, it has remained dedicated to introducing Chinese music to diverse audiences and helping this rich musical tradition find its voice again in the West.
At CISI, we believe that music transcends time and geography, serving as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and communication. As an essential part of China’s traditional heritage, Chinese folk music plays a vital role in strengthening cultural confidence and fostering cultural identity. Through the IS Culture Chinese Music Education Program, we hope to build a bridge between East and West, showcasing the unique charm and profound depth of Chinese culture through music.
This initiative will also provide comprehensive support for nurturing the next generation of young Chinese-instrument musicians, empowering them to make their voices heard on the international stage.
CISI will continue to support the growth and progress of these young musicians. Let us join hands to connect the world and inspire the future through music!
Chinese Ethnic Dance
Chinese ethnic dance is an important artistic expression of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the history, lifestyles, and aesthetic values of China’s diverse ethnic groups. Through the expressive language of dance, people from different cultural backgrounds can more intuitively appreciate the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.
On March 7, 2026, the Carnegie International Students Institute (CISI) sponsored a Chinese ethnic dance performance at WT School. The event attracted over 200 audience members, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The performance was presented by the talented teachers and students of the Yanlai Dance School of Pittsburgh. Through graceful choreography and traditional music, the performers showcased the beauty and artistic richness of Chinese ethnic dance, offering the audience a memorable cultural experience.
By supporting cultural and artistic initiatives like this, CISI aims to promote and preserve Chinese traditional culture overseas while building bridges for cross-cultural understanding. In the future, CISI will continue to support cultural programs that allow more community members to learn about and experience the richness of Chinese heritage.
