Chinese Language Student Receives 2024 'Chinese Bridge' Award at Eastern U.S. Region Finals

On May 18, 2024, the final round of the 2024 annual "Chinese Bridge" Chinese language competition for elementary, secondary schools and college students in the U.S. Eastern Region was held at the China Institute in New York City. Emily Pierre of Seton Hall University, who just completed Introductory Chinese II at the end of Spring 2024, was one of the 28 finalists participating in the competition. For the finals, each contestant had to give a three-minute speech on a self-selected topic that aligned with the given theme, followed by questions raised by a panel of judges. In addition, the contestant had to give a cultural talent performance to showcase their abilities. This year, the theme for the three groups were "Happy Chinese," "Chasing Dreams in Chinese, Embracing Youth," and "One World, One Family" respectively. The competition attracted hundreds of students from the region to participate and provided a platform for young Chinese language learners in the United States to showcase their proficiency and talents, ignite their interest and enthusiasm, and promote Chinese language education in the U.S.

After a fierce competition, Emily Pierre won third-place for the category of College Group. Other competitors of the College Group included students from Alfred University, Carnegie Mellon University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Maine University, and the State University of New York at Buffalo—some of whom were competing for the second time.

When notified for being selected to participate in the final contest based on the preliminary round, Emily wrote in her email message, "This is exciting news! I can't believe I was chosen for the finals! It clearly went a long way!" Her professors confirmed enthusiastically that Emily's performance was indeed a great achievement for her study of Chinese.

This is not the first time that students at Seton Hall University performed so well in this contest. Past Seton Hall University winners of the contest have received scholarships and gone to study in China. The Chinese Program with the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers four levels of Chinese courses, including Introductory Chinese, Intermediate Chinese and Advanced Chinese language study as well as fourth-year Chinese (including Modern Readings of Chinese, Newspaper Readings, or Business Chinese).

Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as the working language for many international organizations, including the United Nations. It is also one of the oldest and richest languages in the world, embodying the profound Chinese civilization and wisdom. Learning Chinese language and culture not only helps American youth broaden their international perspectives and enhance cross-cultural understanding but also builds a bridge of mutual understanding between China and the U.S., laying the foundation for a better future.

Categories: Arts and Culture