The World Record on Learning Chinese Written Language
While the Chinese Language is now listed as a strategic foreign language for our national security, it is very hard to keep students in a Chinese-learning program. (Review a news report on this issue)
On June 15, 2008, the Chinese Daily News reported that Jason Tyler Gong has set the world record on being able to read and write the Chinese written language after only 89 days of study. The photo below is that news report:
Confirmation and Transparency
This world record attempt by Jason Tyler Gong was proceeded under the public eye (five newspapers and six television stations), and it is completely transparent.
From June 17, 2008 to July 17, 2008 (thirty days), the four certificates referenced above in the confirmation certificate were published to the world via Chinese media (five newspapers and six television stations) for review, investigation and challenge. The World Record Committee also sent many annoucements directly to many institutions (approx. 150). After these thirty days, if no challenge is made, these certificates will stand as world recognized certificates.
Review the four certificates and the name list of the institutions that received the annoucement.
Validation and Transparency
On July 7, 2008, the office of the Prime Minister of Taiwan directed the Department of Education of the Taiwan government to review the above mentioned four certificates (see the above document), and the Department of Education did acknowledge those certificates.
More validation and acknowledgements
The Followings are Chronological Records and Supporting Documents of this World Record
On April 3, 2008, Jason Tyler Gong announced to the world (via Chinese media) that he will learn the Chinese written language in a world record speed (perhaps in the months).
More information about the April 3, 2008 news conference
On May 6, 2008, the Testing and Verification Committee for Jason's world record attempt was established.
Testing and Verification Committee
For the World Record on Learning Chinese Written Language
Committee Members:
Rules on Setting the World Record for the Shortest Time to Aquire a Second Language:
The Initial Condition Certificate (see above)
The New World Record Attempt by Henry Miles Gong
In the June 17, 2008 news conference, Henry Miles Gong (standing in the photo above) announced to the world that he will attempt to learn Chinese language (both written and verbal) in three months to the level of being able to read a current Chinese newspaper out loud. June 17, 2008 is his first day of study. A news report on his announcement.