Envoy urges more Nigerians to learn Chinese for promotion of cultural exchange
Director, China Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has called on more Nigerians to learn Chinese to promote cultural exchange, trade, economic growth and development between China and Nigeria.
He made the call on Saturday in Abuja on the sidelines of an event with the theme, “China-Africa Good Partners: 2024 Nigeria Speech Contest.”
The event was hosted by CCCN in collaboration with the Confucius Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the Lagos State University, Ojo.
He said, “Right now, I’m speaking in English, although it’s a bit challenging for me, but thanks to my ability to communicate in English, even if it’s not perfect, I can share my thoughts and feelings. So, I hope that by learning the Chinese language, many Nigerians can become ambassadors for cultural exchange and friendship between our two nations.’’
Mr Jianxing, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, described China and Nigeria as “very close and friendly countries.”
He stressed the need for proficient foreign language speakers to act as bridges between the two nations.
He said, “We need many talented foreign language learners and speakers to not only promote people to people friendship but for economic growth and development.’’
Jianxing also commended the speech contestants and described them as “the treasures of your country,” who help foster understanding between China and Nigeria. The event aimed to showcase the talents of Nigerian students in Chinese language.
Mabel Ugwuanyi from the Confucius Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, won the grand prize of N250,000.
Miss Mabel, who shared her journey and motivation for learning Chinese, recalled that she had wanted to provide a better life for her family through a career as a translator.
“I planned to study just up to level 3 because I wanted to work in a company as a translator, but as I learned more, I realised that it wasn’t my plan; it was God’s plan,” she said.
She advised aspiring language learners by quoting a Chinese saying that, “the beginning is always difficult, but if you persist, you will succeed.”
(NAN)
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