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Chinese language
competition
held in Havana
• Chinese ambassador Zhang Tuo,
pleased with good state of bilateral relations
between Cuba and China
Yenia Silva
Correa
The University of Havana’s Confucius
Institute (IC) recently held its 5th National
University Competition, Chinese Bridge 2014,
organized to promote Chinese language and culture
among Cuban students. Eight contestants participated
in this year’s final, demonstrating their linguistic
abilities and understanding of Chinese culture.
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Each finalist demonstrates their
abilities and knowledge during the
completion.
Photo: Rolando Amorós. |
Sponsored by the IC, the Ministry of
Higher Education and the Chinese Embassy, the event
included participants, Mr. Zhang Tuo, Chinese
ambassador to Cuba; Dr. Hilda León, vice rector of
the University of Havana, as well as representatives
from the ministries of Foreign Commerce and Foreign
Relations.
During the competition students gave
oral presentations on previously selected topics;
answered questions on the geography and history of
China; and participated in an artistic round in
which they were given the opportunity to demonstrate
their abilities in different disciplines.
For Jackelín Haedo, first prize
winner and intermediate level student, the result
came as recognition of the effort, dedication and
people who helped her prepare. Other winners
included Fidel Alay and Yaneris Durán, second and
third place respectively. The international
competition Chinese Bridge will take place next
summer in China where first prize winners from each
nation will compete. Cuba’s best performance came in
2012, placing 26th among more than 100 countries,
first among Latin American nations.
Language of
the 21st Century
In a press conference the Chinese
ambassador Zhang Tuo emphasized the importance of
holding this competition ever year. "I would like
more Cubans to get involved in learning about
China," he stated, "The competition is a way of
strengthening good relations and cultural ties and a
helpful tool on the career pathway." Zhang Tuo also
highlighted the role China currently plays in global
business and economics, as well as being an
important tourism market; factors which have
contributed to the language’s growing importance.
Speaking in the context of the
competition Zhang Tuo gave the students and winners
some general words of guidance; advising them to
have conviction, persistence and lots of practice.
He also mentioned that this type of competition
makes students more aware of the Chinese language,
pointing out that, "Having a good command of the
language, can contribute to the development of
relations between China and Cuba."
As well as commenting on the current
good state of bilateral relations between the two
countries, due to collaboration and high profile
visits by both Cuban and Chinese dignitaries, Zhang
Tuo also stressed that there is full political
confidence between the two nations. "Chinese
businesses are very interested in coming here.
Everyday we receive calls from parties interested in
the Mariel Special Development Zone and we are now
in a period of becoming fully familiar with
investment conditions in Cuba," he said.
Finally, Zhang Tuo described the
role of the Confucius Institute in disseminating
Chinese culture and congratulated winners and
organizers for the popularity which the Chinese
language has gained in Cuban society.
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