International Chinese Language Day Celebrates Confucius Values and Promotes Chinese Language and Culture Globally

The 15th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on April 20, 2024, with events held around the world to promote the Chinese language and culture. The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (USL), marked the occasion with various activities showcasing the beauty and depth of Chinese language and culture, including a Chinese dictation competition, a Chinese Film and TV Series Dubbing Show, and demonstrations of Taiji and Chinese Dance.

Professor Chen Xuebin, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the event and highlighted the cultural significance of the Chinese language worldwide. H.E. Ambassador Wang Qing, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, emphasized the practical benefits of learning Chinese, citing its status as one of the United Nations' six working languages and its integration into national education systems worldwide.

Why this matters: The celebration of International Chinese Language Day not only promotes the Chinese language and culture but also encourages cultural exchanges and closer ties between China and other nations. As Chinese continues to gain prominence as a global language, events like these play an essential role in enhancing understanding and cooperation among diverse communities.

In Almaty, Kazakhstan, Abai University celebrated International Chinese Language Day in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China. The event featured over 200 enthusiasts, including Chinese language educators from various universities in Almaty, and centered around the recitation of classical Chinese poetry by renowned poets like Tu Fu, Li Po, and Su Shi, accompanied by dance performances.

The UN's Chinese Language Day was also celebrated at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, with a concert featuring Chinese classical and folk music performed on traditional instruments and vocals. The event, titled 'A Panorama of Hunan Province -- A Concert of Traditional Chinese Instruments in Celebration of the UN Chinese Language Day Programme,' was attended by nearly 400 guests from around the world and featured performances by renowned artists Mo Juanjuan and Zhang Zhiming from Hunan Province.

The celebrations of International Chinese Language Day across the globe aimed to promote the Chinese language and culture while encouraging cultural exchange and camaraderie among students and nations. Participants expressed a desire for more such events that integrate poetry, music, and creativity into student engagements as a means of personal and collective growth. As Ambassador Wang Qing noted, "The Chinese language is not only a tool for communication but also a bridge of friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world."

Key Takeaways

• UN Chinese Language Day celebrated globally on April 20, 2024 to promote Chinese language and culture.
• Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, hosted activities showcasing Chinese language and culture.
• Chinese ambassador emphasized practical benefits of learning Chinese as a global language.
• Abai University in Kazakhstan celebrated with classical Chinese poetry recitation and dance performances.
• UN Chinese Language Day celebrated at Palais des Nations, Geneva, with Chinese classical and folk music concert.