Students showcase language skills, talents at "Chinese Bridge" contest in Prague

PRAGUE, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Eight students have showcased their Chinese language skills and cultural talents during the Czech national qualifications for the 24th "Chinese Bridge," the Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign college students.

Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic and organized by the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague, the competition on Thursday consisted of a themed speech and a talent show.

In the end, Martina Slenckova and Eva Skutova, both from Palacky University in the eastern Czech city of Olomouc, stood out. Slenckova will represent the Czech Republic in the "Chinese Bridge" global finals, while Skutova will participate as an observer.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao expressed his delight at seeing more and more Czech youth embracing the Chinese language and gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

He emphasized that Chinese serves not only as a practical tool, but also as a gateway to understanding Chinese civilization. Through learning the language, Czech students are acquiring useful skills, developing new ways of thinking and broadening their worldviews.

The growing popularity of Chinese language education in the Czech Republic not only injects vitality into cultural exchanges between the two countries, but also helps strengthen public support for the future development of China-Czech relations, he said.

VSFS Rector Bohuslava Senkyrova said in her remarks that she was impressed by the contestants' proficiency in Chinese. Although Chinese is not their native language, the participants were able to express themselves fluently and be clearly understood by Chinese audiences. She encouraged all the contestants to give their best and shine on stage.

Described herself as a "language enthusiast," Slenckova is now a third-year student majoring in Chinese at Palacky University. She told Xinhua after the competition that she is fascinated by the Chinese language and hopes her upcoming trip to China will deepen her understanding of the country and its culture, and give her the chance to experience authentic Chinese cuisine.

The Confucius Institute of VSFS was jointly established by China Jiliang University, a university based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, and the VSFS in 2018. Enditem