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Embarking on Cultural Exchange: Rhodes University Students to Compete in Chinese Bridge Competition
The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University is gearing up to participate in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge Competition." Organised by the Chinese International Education Foundation and the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, the Chinese Bridge Competition is an event aimed at promoting the Chinese language and culture. It provides students of Chinese studies with an opportunity to demonstrate their language proficiency and understanding of Chinese culture. The competition was established not only to introduce the Chinese language to the world but also to further promote its teaching globally and to foster enthusiasm for learning Chinese among young foreign students while deepening their appreciation of Chinese language and culture.
In March 2024, the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University issued a call to all Chinese Studies students to apply for participation in the competition. Ms. Danni Yi, the lecturer for Chinese 2, noted, "The majority of the students expressed interest, which was encouraging for us to proceed with the competition, given the increased participation." Students had to express their interest via email and then undergo a test covering Chinese language and culture. The competition involved speech and talent components. Following the completion of the tests, all participating students were successful and progressed to the interview stage, where they had to showcase their talents. "We were impressed by all the participants and their performance in the written test. Consequently, they all advanced to the next stage of the competition, which comprised the interviews," Ms. Yi remarked.
After the interviews, the top three students were selected to represent Rhodes University in the final stage, scheduled to take place in Cape Town in May 2024. The students selected are Thakane Masia (Chinese 1), Rebecca Whittal (Chinese 2), and Fadzai Jimu (Chinese 3). Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, the students acknowledged the assistance provided by their Chinese Studies’ lecturers in accessing learning materials.
This opportunity facilitates the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of Chinese language and culture. "I felt relieved upon learning of my progression, albeit a bit nervous yet excited. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share knowledge with others and draw inspiration from them," Ms. Jimu remarked. "I was surprised and thrilled because I found the test challenging; I didn't expect to pass. I'm looking forward to traveling as I've never been to Cape Town or travelled by airplane before. Competing in Cape Town feels like a significant achievement for me," Ms. Masia shared. "I gave it my all, and I'm honoured to have been chosen. I feel proud and accomplished," Ms. Whittal concluded.
By Zindzi Nkunzi