Confucius Institute successfully hosts international Mandarin language competition
The language abilities of top performing Victorian tertiary students were on display last weekend as the Confucius Institute at the University of Melbourne hosted the 14th annual ‘Chinese Bridge’ competition for the Melbourne region.
The Chinese Consul General, Song Yumin joined Dr Gabriele Suder, Director- International Relations at the University of Melbourne and the Minister for Finance and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Robin Scott MP joined over 120 guests at the competition.
A total of 7 students from La Trobe University, Monash University, RMIT University, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne joined the competition, which was divided into two parts, a speech on the theme of “My Chinese Dream” and a Chinese cultural performance.
After two hours of intense competition, David Kral from Monash University won the competition and will be one of the Australian representatives who will join the global finals in China later this year, together with his runner-up, John (Jack) Daly from the University in Melbourne and other winners in different Australian cities. Carter Harris-Smith from RMIT University was awarded third place.
During the performance section David wowed the audience with his own interpretation of “little apple” which had an opera and musical twist, Jack performed a saxophone piece “Fisherman’s Boat at Dusk” which blended western and eastern elements and Carter impressed the judges with his DJ performance of a selection of popular Chinese songs.
The 14th “Chinese Bridge” competition, a Chinese language contest for tertiary students that are non-native speakers of Chinese is currently underway around the world.
This competition was launched in 2002 and plays an ever growing role in promoting the study of Chinese language and culture.
