First Place in Chinese

On November 19, NYU Shanghai’s Chinese Language Program held its inaugural "Hua Xia Cup" Chinese Language Speech Contest, building a stage for international students to present themselves and what they’ve learned while studying Chinese. Thirty-three contestants of various levels --12 elementary, 10 intermediate, and 11 advanced -- were selected from over 120 international applicants from 18 different countries.

The contestants were a diverse group representing NYU Shanghai, East China Normal University, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Duke Kunshan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CIEE Shanghai and others.

Addressing feelings of marginalization and ‘weak tendencies’ of traditional culture, NYU Shanghai student Khalbinur Zhuman’ 19 won 1st place for the elementary level competition, speaking on the theme of “tradition and contemporary.” Zhuman compared the difference between culture, tradition and education in Kazakhstan over the past 25 years and introduced how to currently protect and promote traditional culture. Zhuman argued that what is ‘traditional’ and what is ‘modern’ can be combined to progress the country as a whole, and boost a profound exchange between the western world and Kazakhstan for a better understanding of each other.

Intermediate level contestants shared their unique understanding of life and culture, showing command of precise diction, allusions to scriptures, idioms, and poetry. The advanced level group presented thoughtful discussion on China and world culture, presenting their diverse viewpoints and their understanding of cultural tolerance.

“If you don’t speak out, no one (including yourself) will ever know how excellent you are,” reminded Qiyi Zhang, the Director of Chinese Language Program.