On July 26, the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Language Interactive Learning and Experience Zone co-sponsored by the Center for Sino-Foreign Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education (MOE), the China University Sports Association and Chengdu University (CDU) was officially opened in the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Athletes’ Village. Chen Jie, the MOE Vice Minister and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games, Liu Jin, Director of the Department of International Affairs, Liu Lixin, Secretary-General of the Joint Secretariat of the Student Sport Association of the MOE, Ma Jianfei, Secretary of the Center for Sino-Foreign Language Education and Cooperation, and Wang Qingyuan, the CDU President unveiled the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Language Interactive Learning and Experience Zone together.
Chen Jie mentioned that the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games (hereinafter referred to as "the Games") is the first world multi-sport event held in China after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. In order to allow young people from all over the world to further understand China's language and culture while participating in the Games, the MOE has set up the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Language Interactive Learning and Experience Zone in the FISU Games Athletes’ Village for the activity themed "Speaking Chinese Together and Enjoying the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games". In addition, the MOE has also organized a series of Chinese cultural experience activities such as Global Youth Sing Chinese Songs Together with the theme of "Embrace the Spirit of Youthful Sports and Unite in Celebration of the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games" and the Chinese Language and Food Culture Event with the theme of "China's Taste", and published the language service manual of 100 Chinese Sentences for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games. These various language and cultural activities will build a bridge of language, culture, friendship, and heart for young people from different countries.
Chen Jie said that sports embody the noble pursuit of peace, unity, and progress of mankind. Language, like sports, is also a significant carrier of human civilization. Mastering the language of another country not only enables the direct interpersonal communication but also provides an in-depth understanding of the language’s magnificent history and splendid culture, thus building the strongest spiritual bridge for communication among different nations, countries and even civilizations. As one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful languages, Chinese is attracting more and more people to learn and use it. At present, Chinese language teaching has been carried out in more than 180 countries and regions worldwide, with 83 countries incorporating it into their national education systems. There are more than 80,000 schools and educational institutions offering Chinese courses, and more than 30 million people are learning Chinese.
Wang Qingyuan, the CDU President, said in his speech that sports are the common language of mankind and languages of all countries are the best key to understanding the countries. Adhering to the international development strategy, CDU has always emphasized multilingual learning and cross-cultural exchanges. It supports a team of Chinese and American experts in compiling and publishing the bilingual cultural book One Hundred of the Most Beautiful Poems of Chengdu: Land of Poetry and Abundance, which is characterized by Chengdu elements and audio-visual characteristics. During the Games, CDU has cooperated with the MOE Center for Sino-Foreign Language Education and Cooperation to set up a "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Language Interactive Learning and Experience Zone in the FISU Games Village, providing young college students from all over the world with on-site Chinese learning experience and enriching the cultural exchange activities in addition to the sports games.
Su Yunzhe, a student of the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and an international student from Italy, said in his speech that learning Chinese not only enabled him to understand the profound Chinese culture but also enriched his life. It was the Chinese language that gave him confidence and made his dream come true. As a participant of the Chengdu 2021 FISU Games Torch Relay, Su believed that beyond the Torch Relay, the ceremony is more of a spiritual transmission, conveying the values of solidarity and friendship as well as cultural exchange.
At the ceremony, Chen Jie presented language service and cultural promotion books such as 100 Chinese Sentences for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games and One Hundred of the Most Beautiful Poems of Chengdu: Land of Poetry and Abundance.
"This is my first time visiting China and Chengdu. The people here are very welcoming, and I can feel the deep cultural heritage of the city," said Jessica, a member of the United States delegation. "I'm still learning basic vocabulary like 'hello' and 'thank you' in Chinese, and I hope to acquire more everyday expressions that can be used during my stay here."
