Chinese University Bridges Contest closes its 20th version
The event, led by the Instituto Confucio UC Chile and collaborated with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, was attended by 11 contestants from various universities. They showed their knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.
photo_camera After presenting his speech in Chinese and playing the traditional Chinese instrument, Pipa, Matías Tapia obtained the highest performance score. (Credit: Instituto Confucio UC Chile)
After a year without competition due to the COVID-19 situation worldwide, the Instituto Confucio (Confucius Institute) UC Chile, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, organized the Puentes Chinos (Chinese Bridges) contest.
The event was completely virtual and counted with the participation of the Instituto Confucio of the Universidad Santo Tomás (UST) and the Universidad de la Frontera. As in previous years, it focused on the contestants' display and knowledge of Chinese culture in the different stages of the contest.
The participants prepared a three-minute speech entirely in Chinese, in which the theme was "One World, One Family." In addition to their pitch, each student made an artistic presentation, ranging from traditional dance to Chinese calligraphy.
The winner of this version was Matías Enrique Tapia, a musical performance student of Universidad de Chile, and former student at Instituto Confucio UST.
"My experience participating at Puentes Chinos was incredible. I enjoyed it a lot, and at the same time, I felt very comfortable. I received support from my family, the Instituto Confucio UST, and the teacher Li Xiaoying -who helped me the most with the language. Even though this year's contest mode was remote, I believe that participating was the best decision. Since preparing for the contest increases your knowledge of both the culture and the Chinese language, I recommend it."
"I believe China's influence and culture are becoming more and more relevant in the international scene. Learning the language plays a significant role, and participating in this kind of event allows you to test your skills. At the same time to show a talent related to its millenary culture," said Matíaas Tapia, the contest winner.
After presenting his speech and playing the traditional Chinese instrument, Pipa, Matías obtained the highest performance score. During the next few months, he will participate in the international version of the same event with the representatives of other countries.
"We are excited and happy to have been able to hold this event. It contributes promoting knowledge in Chinese culture," said José Luis Parra, Executive Director of Instituto Confucio.
The worldview of China in the UC Chile
The Instituto Confucio was born from the alliance between our university and Nanjing University, to promote the language and culture of China.
It is led by Elena Gu, the Academic Director, representing Nanjing University, and José Luis Parra as its Executive Director, representing our university.
For more than ten years, Instituto Confucio has received enthusiasts of the Chinese culture. Not only has the UC Chile Community been steeped in knowledge, but also people from different professional fields and other institutions. Here are some testimonials and experience of former students:
Nicole Aliaga, academic assistant at Instituto Confucio.
"From the first moment I started studying Mandarin Chinese, my world changed completely: what started as a hobby became, today, my career. China is my second home. Learning Chinese is not just about studying a language. It is about soaking in the culture, history, food, people, and customs of China, which for me is without a doubt a unique experience."
Aznous Boisseranc, Professor of Mandarin Chinese at Instituto Confucio.
"For me, learning Chinese was not only a tool to communicate, but also a gateway to a new way of thinking and a new way of life. My years living in China left a unique experience that completely changed how any foreigner looks at China. Today, I work at the Instituto Confucio as a teacher of the Chinese language and Taichi. I feel honored to be able to contribute to bringing Chile and China one step closer in the communication and cultural exchange of both nations".
María Cecilia Balharry, Professor of Mandarin Chinese at Instituto Confucio.
"Studying Mandarin Chinese transformed my life in many ways. It made me realize that my hobby offered me a much more interesting and opportunity-filled option than a conventional job. I chose to dedicate myself professionally to Mandarin Chinese, and since then, my path has always been linked to China. It also changed my conception of the world profoundly. Confucian values have been important lessons that helped me enrich my own life. I understand that there is not only one way of observing reality, but many and very diverse, and that none is superior to another".
The Instituto Confucio has its doors open not only to the UC Chile community but also to anyone interested in learning about the Chinese language and culture, conducting courses and special programs according to the needs of each user.
