by Justice Lee Adoboe
ACCRA, April 21 (Xinhua) — Students from senior high and basic schools on Monday joined their counterparts at the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana (CIUG) to mark the International Chinese Language Day.
The students participated in a series of activities, including a Chinese talent show featuring song and dance performances, as well as poetry recitations.
Liu Baijun, the Chinese director of the CIUG, expressed satisfaction with the Ghanaian students’ Chinese language proficiency and cultural performances. “They have practiced Chinese every day, and now they have grasped a lot of the language and also learned a great deal about Chinese culture,” Liu said.
He said that such cultural activities help Ghanaians and Chinese people better understand each other, as language serves not only as a tool for communication but also as a medium for cultural exchange.
Liu added that since its establishment, the CIUG has aimed to promote cultural exchange between China and Ghana and cultivate bilingual talent. “We work hard on Chinese language teaching and building cultural platforms,” he said.
“Let Chinese be a bridge for us to show kindness and build trust with each other, and help the friendship between China and Ghana grow stronger,” Liu added.
Setor Donne Novieto, the Ghanaian director of the CIUG, said one of the goals of the University of Ghana is to extend friendship to all. “As we celebrate this day, we are extending our friendship to everyone,” he said.
Participants said they were excited as the various activities unfolded on stage amid cheers and applause from the audience.
Paula Korkor Doku, a third-year Chinese and linguistics student at the University of Ghana, said Chinese is an intriguing language but requires consistency and hard work. “Because it’s not your native language, without consistency, you won’t be able to master it,” she told Xinhua.
Doku added that the discipline and effort she devotes to studying Chinese also benefit her other academic pursuits, encouraging more young Ghanaians to embrace the language and culture as Ghana and China continue to deepen their friendly ties.
International Chinese Language Day is celebrated on April 20 each year, a date chosen to honor Cangjie, a legendary figure believed to have invented Chinese characters. ■
