By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (USL), marked the 2024 International Chinese Language Day with a commemorative event held on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.The ceremony, which also marked the 15th United Nations Chinese Language Day, has been celebrated annually on April 20 since 2010 at the Confucius Institute of Fourah Bay College on the University of Sierra Leone (USL) Campus in Freetown.
In his address, Professor Chen Xuebin, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
He revealed that the International Chinese Language Day, established by UNESCO, honours the cultural significance of the Chinese language worldwide, underscoring the rich history of the Chinese language, spanning millennia and its embodiment of Chinese civilization’s wisdom and traditions.
Prof. Chen Xuebin said due to the scheduling difference between the lunar and solar calendars, International Chinese Language Day falls on April 19th this year, differing from its typical date of April 20th and that the celebration at the Confucius Institute was postponed by one day to allow broader participation, emphasizing inclusivity in commemorating the special occasion.
He maintained that the event featured various activities showcasing the beauty and depth of the Chinese language and culture. These included a Chinese dictation competition, a Chinese Film and TV Series Dubbing Show, as well as demonstrations of Taiji and Chinese Dance. Participants engaged in immersive experiences aimed at fostering greater appreciation and understanding of Chinese language and culture.
Prof. Chen expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers and supporters whose dedication contributed to the success of the event. He highlighted their commitment to cross-cultural exchange and cooperation, reflecting the Confucius Institute’s mission.
As attendees embarked on a day of learning and celebration, Prof. Chen encouraged them to reaffirm their commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and cultural understanding, hoping that the festivities would inspire continued language learning and exploration, fostering connections that transcend borders and enrich lives.
Brima Bah, Deputy Registrar of FBC, underscored the pivotal role of the Confucius Institute in Sierra Leone’s educational landscape.
He advocated for its expansion to accommodate more local participants and pledged Fourah Bay College’s support in facilitating this growth.
In his keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude to the Confucius Institute team for their diligent organization of the event. Reflecting on the global interest in learning the Chinese language, Ambassador Wang highlighted several compelling reasons driving its popularity.
He underscored the significance of the Chinese language as the most widely spoken language globally, serving as a gateway to understanding China’s rich culture and heritage. He referenced H.E. President Julius Maada Bio’s recent state visit to China, where the President expressed a growing desire among Sierra Leoneans to learn the Chinese culture and language, evident in the popularity of the Confucius Institute.
Ambassador Wang 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. With China’s economic development and global influence on the rise, proficiency in Chinese opens doors to career opportunities and enhances international cooperation, he added.
The ambassador emphasized the role of the Chinese language in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and other nations, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with China, promoting people-to-people exchanges and deepening friendship and cooperation.
In closing, Ambassador Wang expressed gratitude to the Confucius Institute team and the Government of Sierra Leone for their support in promoting cultural exchanges. He encouraged participants to embrace Chinese language and culture, fostering closer ties between China and Sierra Leone for a brighter future.
The event, featuring Taiji, Chinese singing and dancing performances, a Chinese character dictation competition, Chinese dubbing display, and various other activities, was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere. It concluded with heartfelt wishes for a pleasant day, resonating with the spirit of unity and learning that defined the International Chinese Language Day commemoration at the Confucius Institute of Fourah Bay College.
