Peking University, Beijing, Dec. 11, 2009: From December 2 to 4, the 2009 International Student Speech Contest was in progress at Hongya Hall of Peking University (PKU) Chiatai International Center. Students from various countries and regions showed their profit from Chinese learning. Their wonderful talent and performances won high praises from present teachers and students.
After careful preparations, the contest was launched at the end of last month. The 34 candidates from 11 countries selected from students of International College for Chinese Language Studies and the exchange students from universities such as Stanford, Yale, and West Point went into the final. The juries judged from the contents of their speeches, the participants’ pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, stage performance, and reaction. After three-day contest, 18 students won awards. This year, the topics of the participants were diverse, covering the international students’ life and study in China, the customs of different countries and regions, and students’ thoughts about society and life. Some of the participants combined their speeches with action and singing which have attracted people’s attention. Some of them analyzed their topic from a unique point and some aroused audiences’ interest by their thought-provoking ideas.
During the break time, the international students also showed their specialties: clarinet, guitar, Chinese Kung Fu, Japanese TAIDAO, and chorus of Chinese songs, which gave a wonderful enjoyment for the audiences.
As one of the important teaching activities of International College for Chinese Language Studies, the International Student Speech Contest attracted great attention from the college leaders. Prof. Li Xiaoqi, Director of International College for Chinese Language Studies, Prof. Wang Ruojiang and Prof. Li Hongyin, both Vice-Directors of the college, attended the contest. Vice-Director Wang Yuanman was in charge of the guidance and coordination of the contest.
This contest has also gained supports from both PKU and foreign cooperative institutions. Kang Tao, Vice-Director of the Division for International Student Affairs and other teachers of this division, Director Xi Muli of California State University Program, Director Shen Xiaohong of Stanford University Program, and Director Tian Yuan of CIEE Program attended the contest as well.
The International Student Speech Contest has been held for 5 years. It is very helpful in improving the international students’ Chinese language studies.
Translated by: Su Juan
Edited by: Cai Ying
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
