The growing interest in the Chinese language among Nigerian youths reflects a globalisation trend, where proficiency in multiple languages is viewed as an asset in a competitive job market.
This trend was clearly highlighted at the 2024 Nigeria Chinese Speech Competition organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, CCCN, and held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Director of CCCN, Mr. Yang Jianxing, stated that the Chinese language serves as a bridge for fostering cultural exchange between both countries.
“I hope that through learning the language, they can become good ambassadors, serving as treasures of both countries,” he said.
Mr. Yang explained that many centers have been established across the country to support Chinese language learning, and that the competition encourages individuals to engage more deeply with the language.
Also Read: China, Nigeria Reaffirm Commitment to enhancing cultural ties.
He encouraged Nigerians to learn the Chinese language, highlighting the significant opportunities fluency in the language could provide for both individuals and the nation.
The contestants, comprising students from Chinese schools across the country, showcased their skills in the rapidly growing language as they vied for the grand prize of N250,000.
The winner, Chinecherem Ugwuanyi, a student at the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, shared her motivation for learning Chinese: “My primary motivation is my family. I aspire to work as a translator in a company to provide a better life for my family.”
She highlighted the financial opportunities in the field, believing that a translation job could lead to a better future.
Ugwuanyi acknowledged the difficulty of the Chinese language, emphasizing that dedication is essential for mastering it.
“The beginning is always difficult, but as long as you persist to the end, you will succeed,” she said.
She encouraged aspiring learners to remain persistent in their quest for fluency.
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