Chinese Language Spectacular 2017

ARTICLES: Chinese Language Spectacular 2017 in the news

| 24 Oct 2017

- 2017 Chinese Language Spectacular showcases talents of Australian students -

 Tingting Yan 

On Monday October 23, the 2017 Chinese Language Spectacular at Sydney Town Hall showcased the talents of Chinese language students across New South Wales, Australia.

Organized by the Confucius Institute at University of New South Wales and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW, this year’s event coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Australian-Chinese diplomatic relations.

“I hope that with events like tonight’s Spectacular, we continue to build stronger bridges of friendship between our two countries. It is exciting to see young people engage with Chinese language and culture, as they are our future,” said Niu Wenqi, Education Counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney.

Dr. Emma Junfang Xi, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at UNSW, stated that this event is to provide a platform for students studying Chinese to express their interest in Chinese language and culture. This year, approximately 800 students from 36 local schools and universities participated in the Spectacular. The program incorporated both well-known Chinese and Australian songs, a symbol of the celebration of the cultural bridges and educational ties between the two countries.

There were traditional Australian bush ballads, such as “Waltzing Maltida” and “Click Go the Shears,” as well as Chinese pop classics, such as “Friends” and “Singing and Smiling.” The night concluded with students performing an English and Chinese rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” the famous folk song that illustrates sentiments of friendship as old as time.

By bringing together talented students from across New South Wales, the Spectacular has established itself as one of the most prominent Chinese language and culture events of 2017.

To see the full article from People’s Daily Online (Australia and New Zealand), click HERE

- The 4th Sydney Chinese Language Spectacular -

 Andy Su 

In its fourth year, the 2017 Chinese Language Spectacular took place on October 23 at Sydney Town Hall. Held each year, the Chinese Language Spectacular celebrates the cultural bridges and educational ties that connect the two countries. Jointly organized by the Confucius Institute at UNSW Sydney and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW, the evening showcased the talents of Chinese language students across New South Wales (NSW), attracted the participation of approximately 800 students from 40 local schools and universities. More than 1000 audiences, including Consul General Gu Xiaojie and Education Counsellor Niu Wenqi of Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, Chris Minns MP, Shadow Minister for Water of NSW, Professor Les Field, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UNSW Sydney, and politicians, businesspeople, educators, representatives from Chinese-Australian communities, attended this event.

Professor Les Field, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UNSW Sydney, gave a speech and noted how “exciting it is to see Chinese language education thriving so well in our schools.” He commented that “at UNSW, we are seeing growing interest in Chinese Studies” and remarked how “these days, savvy students know the value of speaking Mandarin” especially as “the Australia-China story evolves into new and exciting areas.” Mr Andrew Williamson, Principal of Carlingford West Public School, also addressed the audience and touched on the valued importance of Chinese teaching and learning in his school, affirming his continued support for activities which allow students to engage with Chinese culture.

In 2014, Confucius Institute at UNSW Sydney and the Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW jointly produced the inaugural Chinese Language Spectacular at Sydney Town Hall to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Confucius Institute worldwide. More than 400 students from over 30 schools showcased their talents and Chinese language skills, with acts including poetry recitals, storytelling, rapping, choirs, musical ensembles and folk dance. Since its establishment, the Chinese Language Spectacular has become a flagship event of the Confucius Institute at UNSW Sydney and Chinese Language Teachers Association of NSW. The official themes of the 2015 and 2016 Chinese Language Spectacular were “Ancient Chinese Poetry” and “Harmony and Dreams” respectively. Participation in the event doubled in its second year, producing a showcase greater in scale. Both local and Chinese media have covered the Spectacular, noting its positive impact in boosting Chinese learning across NSW schools.

To see the full article from South East News (SEN) Global, click HERE