The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University Welcomes New Students

CIRU welcomes new and returning students
CIRU welcomes new and returning students

On Friday 24 February 2023, a welcoming event was held at the Confucius Institute at Rhodes University (CIRU) for its new students, an event that is slowly turning into a tradition at the Institute.

As undergraduate lectures began on 13 February, the CIRU opened its doors to 30 students; 18 being new students and 12 being returning students. In order to have the lecturers, old and new students acquainted with each other, the CIRU organised a party at the Confucius Institute.

 The event was hosted by third year student of Chinese Ruth Anne Akisa and first year student Vheneka Roy Dakarayi Magazi. The Deputy Dean of Humanities and Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Patrice Mwepu, the Head of the Chinese section and the CIRU Chinese Director, Professor Dexue Liu, as well as the Chinese lecturers and students were in attendance.

As a form of welcome to all present, the second year students presented the Chinese song “奔跑” by 黄征 and 羽泉 (Run by Huang Zheng and Yu Quan) to encourage everyone to move forward and pursue their dreams during the year. People clapped and sang along to the song, officially opening the event on a very happy note.

The evening continued with a welcome address by Professor Patrice Mwepu. He expressed appreciation of the returning students for choosing to continue with Chinese studies and welcomed the Chinese Studies One students: “You have made a good choice of joining this happy family of Chinese Studies”, he said, urging students to be ambassadors of the Chinese language and culture, not only at Rhodes University but also in their communities.

After Professor Mwepu’s speech, various students were asked to speak about why they chose to learn Chinese and share the methods they use to practice Chinese and engage with Chinese culture outside of the classroom. Many said they did it in order to diversify their language abilities, learn about a new culture and broaden their opportunities. Students highlighted the use of spaced repetition to practice Chinese characters and sentences; use of audio from the textbook to practice listening and speaking; and watching content produced in Chinese to get exposed to some of the culture. Second year student Fadzai Jimu encouraged students to try and use Chinese in their everyday life as much as possible with words and phrases they learn in class to get used to using the language. She also shared that the Chinese Studies Department felt different from the others she had been in; “here, it’s almost like a family: it’s nice that you get to speak to lots of people and have fun while learning.” In conversation with Ms Zou Hanyang, who is a Chinese lecturer, she stated that she enjoyed this segment where students share their advice since students can get guidance and encouragement from each other, especially those who are just starting and might find the language challenging.

After advice was shared, the students got a chance to interact with each other over a meal consisting of spring rolls, sweet chicken and 麻辣香锅 (spicy hot pot), among other delicacies. As they enjoyed their meal and listened to Chinese music, some students spoke about their desire to travel to China one day, interact with locals and learn more about the Chinese culture, with learning Chinese at the CIRU as a stepping stone towards that goal.

To motivate and wish students the best for their academic year, Zou Hanyang conveyed words of encouragement to them saying, “Even though it’s a tough road for you to go, you have to carry on; don’t over anticipate what the end of the road will be like; look at the scenery along that road and appreciate its beauty.”

We wish all our students all the best for their academic year ahead!

CIRU welcomes new and returning students