On Saturday, March 29, the Beijing-based Training Department of the Chinese Language Alliance (CLA) welcomed 30 Russian students from Moscow 548 Middle School for a 21-day visit to study Chinese culture. For this, the first such hosting of young Russian guests by CLA, the staff was meticulous in their preparations: from preparing delicious food to providing highly proficient translation companions.
Under the joint auspices of the CLA, established by Beijing Youth Concern International Education Consulting Center, and Moscow 548 Middle School, the visit offered the Russian youngsters an opportunity for immersion in Chinese culture. During their first visit to Beijing, besides attending language and culture classes, the kids visited many important historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Yonghe Lamasery.
Among the group, with an average age of 12, was Katia, a spirited girl who began her study of the Chinese language in second grade of her elementary school, after developing a fascination with Chinese martial arts. She has mastered many Chinese words and is able to speak in simple, but distinct Chinese. For instance: “I live in Moscow and I love China,” she says.
The children were earnest in class but, as children are apt to do, were playful during dinner. They relished in the many “strange” and “mysterious” Chinese delicacies, and laughed while learning to master chopsticks.
Although only in China for a short stay, a foundation for future friendship was laid. For the students, China, Russia, Beijing and Moscow are no longer only geographical concepts. Vania, a usually quiet girl cheered when she saw the Great Wall. “I love China! Long live the friendship between Russia and China!” Guo Mengxia, a teacher with the Training Department took that opportunity to teach him a phrase expressing permanent friendship. Perhaps the phrase was still a bit of a challenge, but the seed of friendship was sowed.
Maria Valentinovna, the Moscow 548 Middle School teacher accompanying the children, revealed that many Russian kids volunteer to study the Chinese language now, and the acquired skill bodes well for future employment. However, the students have not had much real-world opportunities to practice their acquired skills. And there are not enough Chinese language teachers, especially those with truly professional skills. This is why such communicative activities are useful.
During the visit, the students were able to improve their language skills while becoming better acquainted with China. Sun Wen, director of Beijing Youth Concern International Education Consulting Center, stated that their goal is to promote the popularization of the Chinese language and carry forward Chinese culture. In the future there will be more such programs. CLA also plans to establish cooperative partnerships with universities, high schools, educational organizations and cultural institutes. An experimental program, this 21-day campaign served as a warm-up for the 2009 Chinese Language Year in Russia.
Twenty-one days is not long enough for these young Russians to become truly acquainted with the attributes of ancient and modern China, but just this tip of the iceberg proved to be an unforgettable experience for them.
 |
| Under the guidance of their teacher, Russian students hone their Chinese language skills. |
|
