Contestants pose at the award ceremony of the South Jiangsu division of 2018 "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners on May 31. [Photo by Hu Yi/Jiangnan University]
The final of the South Jiangsu division of 2018 "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners took place in Jiangnan University, Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, on May 31.
A total of 20 international students from 18 countries, including the United States, Italy, Yemen, Japan and India, put on exciting audio-visual performances and vied for the top two places in the final, which will be held in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, in June.
Sponsored by the Information Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, the event encourages international students to showcase their Chinese proficiency and share their aspirations for living in Jiangsu and China.
Jared York, the first-prize winner. He is proficient not only in Chinese mandarin, but also in dialects popular in the Jiangnan area (the region south of the Yangtze River), Southwest China's Guizhou province and East China's Fujian province. [Photo by Hu Yi/Jiangnan University]
Jared York, an American boy who is studying at the Business School of Jiangnan University, won the first prize.
From cracking jokes in Wuxi dialect to chatting freely in the dialects of Southwest China's Guizhou province and East China's Fujian province, the young man regards regional dialects, which are related to all aspects of his life, as national treasures.
"I've learned Chinese since I was in high school, and I came to China to experience a different culture," he said, adding that he himself is also a great fan of Chinese food, including hot pot and steamed buns.
Akkalbek, a Kazakhstan student studying in Changzhou University, shows his talent in guitar at the 2018 "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners on May 31. [Photo by Hu Yi/Jiangnan University]
Akkalbek, a Kazakhstan's student studying in Changzhou University, said his relationship with China started four years ago when he came to attend a Taekwondo competition at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. His story about his favorite Chinese dessert yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) won great praise from the judges.
"Different from emotional speeches in former competitions, this year's contestants are willing to tell us their daily life in China. Stories telling in a simple, straightforward way moves us better," said a judge.
Huang Deni, another first-prize winner dressed in qipao, shared her stories about Yangzhou, an elegant city sitting north of the Yangtze River.
The contestants this year displayed more flexible performances and have developed deeper insights into the profound Chinese culture, according to one of the judges.
The "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speaking Contest for Foreigners has successfully taken place for five years. As part of the "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" series which also features talent shows, music festivals and cultural trips, it helps promote the province's diversification and internationalization.
International students take part in a colorful performance at the opening ceremony of the South Jiangsu division of 2018 "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners on May 31. [Photo by Hu Yi/Jiangnan University]
