To celebrate the 16th "International Chinese Language Day" and showcase the charm of the Chinese language through linguistic exchange and cultural interaction, Qingdao Binhai University held the "Rhythm of Chinese, Voice of the World" International Student Chinese Speech Contest and Cultural Exchange Event at the International Language and Culture Practical Teaching Center on April 18. The event attracted 16 international students from 8 countries, including Australia, Russia, South Korea, and Japan, along with Chinese and foreign guests, teachers, and student representatives.

In her opening remarks, Han Xiaomeng, Executive Vice President of Qingdao Binhai University, emphasized that "International students serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange between China and other countries. Through the Chinese speech contest, we aim to provide a platform for international students to showcase their learning, allowing them to experience the vitality of the Chinese language in practice and become bridges for intercivilizational dialogue."

Sun Jianhua, an expert at the Qingdao World Sinology Center, praised the event's significance: "Such activities extend language learning from the classroom to practical settings, blending cultural experiences from textbooks into real life, and providing vivid scenarios for multicultural dialogue."

The event centered around the speech contest, where international students delivered speeches in Chinese on topics such as "My Life in China," "My Story with Chinese," and "The Charm of Chinese Culture." They shared their life experiences in China, learning journeys, and reflections on Chinese culture. During the event, students from Fengjin Road Middle School performed a choral piece titled "Wishful Thinking," and international students from Qingdao Binhai University, together with students majoring in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, performed the song "I Believe," expressing their aspirations for youth dreams and intercultural exchange. The "Charming China" Quiz, featuring questions on Chinese culture, history, and geography, sparked enthusiastic participation from both Chinese and foreign students, creating a lively atmosphere.

In the end, Alexander Charles Shaw from Australia won first place with his fluent language, vivid storytelling, and engaging interaction. "I love Peking duck very much, and I prepared my speech based on my experience of eating it. China is an interesting country, and Chinese people are very friendly. I like China," Charles said in his acceptance speech, earning another round of applause.

The event was jointly organized by Qingdao Binhai University and the Qingdao World Sinology Center, with Fengjin Road Middle School of West Coast New Area as the co-organizer, and support from the Education and Sports Bureau of Qingdao West Coast New Area. Distinguished guests included Zhang Jian, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Department of the Education and Sports Bureau of Qingdao West Coast New Area; Shao Guangming, Vice Principal of Fengjin Road Junior Middle School of Qingdao West Coast New Area; Zhang Chengfu, Associate Dean of the School of Humanities and Foreign Languages at Qingdao University of Technology; Xiao Qiao, Director of Student Affairs at Xuejiadao Primary School of Qingdao West Coast New Area, and Chen Qi, Deputy Director; Zhang Yu, Director of the International People-to-People Diplomacy Research Center at Qingdao Binhai University; and Zheng Wenwen, Assistant Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation. The event was hosted by Jin Yuhua, Dean of the International Education School.

(Source: International Education School, Edited by Li Wei)