Latest news with #UnitedNationsChineseLanguageDay
The Star
25-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Chinese Language Day celebrated in Ethiopia to strengthen cultural exchanges
ADDIS ABABA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, aiming to promote cultural exchanges and strengthen development cooperation between China and Ethiopia. The annual celebration was held under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space" at the Confucius Institute in the Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI), offering a range of cultural experiences, including songs, kung fu, and traditional dances performed by Ethiopian students learning Chinese. Speaking at the event, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said language is more than communication. It is a foundation of understanding, the catalyst for innovation, and an enduring bond between world countries. "The Chinese language carries the crystallized wisdom of the Chinese civilization and bears witness to the enduring friendship between the Chinese people and peoples worldwide, including Ethiopia," Zhang said. She encouraged more Ethiopians to learn Chinese, strengthening the bond between the two countries and their rich histories. "Chinese Language Day is a special occasion for us to celebrate the richness and beauty of the Chinese language, one of the oldest and fascinating languages in the world," said Biruk Kedir, director-general of TVTI, during the event. He said the number of students taking Chinese language education in the institute is on the rise due to its increasing role in understanding new technologies and seizing job opportunities in Chinese-run companies across Ethiopia and beyond. "By learning Chinese language, we are also understanding Chinese philosophy, art, science, and technology," said Kedir, noting that his institute in partnership with Confucius Institute and Chinese enterprises has launched several Chinese plus Vocational Skills programs to help Ethiopian technicians better understand technical manuals. Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, the event was co-organized by the Confucius Institute of TVTI and the Confucius Institute of Addis Ababa University, attracting more than 100 Ethiopian students and guests from the local Chinese community. Participants also experienced a wide range of Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea art, and paper cutting.
The Star
21-04-2025
- General
- The Star
UN Chinese Language Day marked in Rwanda
KIGALI, April 21(Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda held celebrations on Sunday afternoon to mark this year's United Nations Chinese Language Day. The event, under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space," offered attendees an immersive experience of Chinese culture and language. Speaking at the event, Lin Hang, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, said that as an official language of the United Nations, the Chinese language is an important bond of friendship between the Chinese people and the people around the world. "Language is a crucial tool of communication for human beings. As you may be aware, Chinese is the only 'living language' among the world's ancient civilizations that is still in use today. At present, more than 190 countries and regions around the world are teaching Chinese, and 85 countries have incorporated Chinese into their national education systems," she said. "China puts the spirit of real multilateralism into good practice, embraces an open and inclusive mindset, enhances mutual appreciation and learning, deepens understanding and friendship between the peoples across borders and among civilizations," she added. Zeng Guangyu, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, told Xinhua during the event that when the institute was established in 2009, only a handful of students enrolled, as many thought it was too difficult to learn. However, nearly 20,000 Rwandans can now speak Chinese after years of sustained efforts. He noted that Chinese language skills have opened doors for Rwandan learners, enabling them to secure jobs, win scholarships, study in China, and even start businesses. "I have seen Chinese learners achieve their dreams through the language -- by creating enterprises or finding good jobs. They are truly changing their lives through learning Chinese. English is used worldwide, but Chinese is a rising language in East Africa and across the globe. It represents the future," Zeng said. He also highlighted that this year's celebrations also featured the launch of a Kiswahili-Chinese-English textbook, aimed at bridging Chinese with two of East Africa's most commonly spoken languages. "We held a lecture on Chinese characters, organized workshops on Chinese writing and calligraphy, and conducted many activities across different teaching posts to mark the occasion," Zeng added.
