On April 21, the national finals of the 2025 “Oracle Bone Inscriptions Cup” Speech Contest for International Students, themed "Chinese Characters and Me", concluded in Anyang, Henan. Nguyen Quang Huy, a Vietnamese student from Chengdu University's College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, delivered a speech titled "Chinese Characters and Nôm Characters—A Millennium of Cultural Exchange". He explored the history of cultural exchange between China and Vietnam through the shared origins of their scripts, earning the national third prize (fifth place) with his clear Chinese expression and profound cross-cultural insights.
The contest, hosted by the People's Government of Henan Province and organized by the Anyang Municipal People's Government, was themed "Mutual Learning Among Civilizations" and attracted international students from 19 universities across China, including Beijing Language and Culture University, Nankai University, and Wuhan University. Contestants showcased their understanding of Chinese culture through diverse artistic expressions, including Yu opera, calligraphy, and talk show. The selection of Anyang—the birthplace of oracle bone inscriptions—as the host city carries profound cultural symbolism. This initiative seeks to promote the global dissemination of China's outstanding traditional culture through the unique perspectives of international students.
Nguyen Quang Huy's speech focused on the comparative study of Chinese and Vietnamese scripts, tracing their millennium-long connection while sharing his personal experiences and love for both cultures. He emphasized, "Chinese characters and Nôm characters are like a bond connecting mountains and rivers; they may seem distant, yet they are intricately linked." His clear pronunciation, logical content, and emotional resonance were highly praised by the judges, enabling him to stand out among the finalists with a score of 90.4. He was the only contestant from Southwest China to make the national top six, showcasing the Chinese language proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills of international students at the college.
The "Oracle Bone Inscriptions Cup" serves as a national-level cultural competition for international students, providing a significant platform to showcase their Chinese language abilities and understanding of Chinese culture. Reflecting on his award, Nguyen Quang Huy expressed, "I hope to become an ambassador for cultural exchange between China and Vietnam, enabling more Vietnamese children to learn about China through Chinese characters." His instructor, Liu Qidong, noted that Nguyen Quang Huy conducted in-depth research on the history of Chinese and Vietnamese scripts during his preparation, visiting the Yinxu Museum and the National Museum of Chinese Writing to gain firsthand insights. Ultimately, he vividly articulated the story of cultural exchange between the two nations with rich language and deep emotion.
The contest team from Chengdu University, led by faculty members Liu Qidong and Li Shuangmei from the International Department, consisted of six international students, including Alice and Li Aiqiao. The team also conducted field research in Neihuang County, Anyang, visiting historical sites such as the Mausoleums of Emperor Zhuanxu and Emperor Ku and the Sanyangzhuang Relic in Han Dynasty, gaining firsthand insights into the development of Chinese culture.
Read more:[Studying in Chengdu University] Nguyen Quang Huy: An International Student from CDU Who Won the First Prize of National Competition to Live a Poetic Life in China
Editor: Min Xiuling Executive Editor: Lv Jia
