The competition was guided by the Jiangsu Higher Education Association, organized by the Jiangsu Provincial College Foreign Language Teaching and Research Association, the "Learning Power" Jiangsu Learning Platform, and Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, and recognized as a provincial-level academic competition for undergraduate and vocational students in Jiangsu in 2025. The event not only showcased students' language abilities and personal talents but also served as an expression of their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, using Chinese to disseminate Chinese culture to the world. The competition was intense, with the international student group competing in the same category as undergraduate students. Under the careful guidance of their instructors, our participants creatively chose two unique angles: "The Philosophy Behind the Brush: Bamboo in Chinese Painting" and "The Mystery of Chopsticks", impressing the judges with their innovative design and profound insights.
In the work "The Philosophy Behind the Brush: Bamboo in Chinese Painting", contestant THIN THAZIN skillfully connected the "brush techniques" of painting bamboo in Chinese art with the "integrity" of human conduct, explaining how the qualities of bamboo—"humility", "resilience" and "strength"—are reflected in the nuances of ink shades and the density of branches and leaves. This revealed that Chinese art is not merely visual representation but an externalization of philosophical thought and personal ideals. This interpretation, tightly integrating artistic form with spiritual essence, demonstrated a precise grasp of the deep connotations of traditional Chinese culture. In "The Mystery of Chopsticks", contestant ZAW LIN AUNG started with the everyday dining utensil, vividly illustrating the ideas of "unity" and "harmony" embodied by chopsticks—two complementary sticks representing yin and yang, and the "moderation" and "balance" reflected in the use of force when handling them. This interpretation elevated an ordinary object to the height of cultural philosophy, allowing everyone to deeply appreciate the profound accumulation and unique charm of Chinese culture in the details of daily life. Both works showcased the contestants' insight and innovative thinking.
These outstanding achievements are the fruits of our college’s long-term commitment to cross-cultural education and active promotion of people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. The Department of General Education has consistently provided international students with in-depth, immersive platforms to experience and understand Chinese culture. In terms of systematic curriculum design, in addition to language teaching, the department offers a wide range of cultural courses inside and outside the classroom, covering Chinese philosophy, art, history, society, and more, helping international students build a systematic knowledge framework. Through rich cultural practices, such as organizing cultural investigations and social activities in calligraphy, painting, tea art, and folk music, international students are given the opportunity to experience the essence of Chinese culture firsthand. In terms of in-depth cross-cultural dialogue, the department encourages and creates opportunities for international students to engage in extensive exchanges with Chinese teachers, students, and the community, deepening understanding and promoting cultural mutual learning through genuine interaction. It is in this vibrant cross-cultural learning environment that international students gain a profound understanding of the internal logic and aesthetic values of Chinese culture, demonstrating advanced cross-cultural understanding and communication skills in their speeches.
These awards fully demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of our college in cultivating international talents who understand China, are friendly toward China, and possess strong cross-cultural communication skills. The Department of General Education will continue to deepen reforms in cross-cultural education and teaching, enabling more international students to showcase their talents on various platforms, becoming friendly ambassadors who disseminate Chinese culture and promote mutual learning among world civilizations, contributing educational strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
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