The British Columbia “Chinese Bridge” Mandarin Singing Contest is held annually in October or November to stimulate student’s enthusiasm for learning Mandarin and to enhance their understanding of the Chinese language and culture.
Each year, between 100 and 150 BC post-secondary students participate and the contest sets a stage for students to learn from each other, as well as to showcase their talents. The contest is sponsored by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China Vancouver and is organized by a number of Chinese language teachers from around the province.
In the words of Consul General Kong WeiWei, promoting the Chinese language not only opens the door to cultural and educational exchange, but also is important to future economic development.
This year was the 10th anniversary and UCW Vice-Chancellor and President Dr. Arthur Coren had the honor of thanking the Consulate-General and the Education Office for their longstanding commitment to the competition and of acknowledging the outstanding work done by Chinese language instructors across the province.
“UCW has a great relationship with the Consulate-General and this is truly a remarkable event for the students,” he said. “It takes them outside their comfort zones and provides an occasion to highlight their learning… as well as to be creative and show-off a little.”
In conjunction with Dr. Coren’s remarks, he was also coaxed into offering a brief a cappella version of the Chinese classic “The Moon Represents My Heart.”
WRITTEN BY UCW NEWS TEAM
