The 2024 Nigeria Chinese Speech Competition highlights the growing interest in learning Chinese among Nigerian youths, with contestants competing for prizes while demonstrating the cultural and professional benefits of mastering the language.
The growing interest in the Chinese language among Nigerian youths highlights a significant trend toward globalisation, where language proficiency is becoming increasingly important in a competitive job market.
This was evident at the 2024 Nigeria Chinese Speech Competition, organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN) and held in Abuja, the capital.
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Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of CCCN, emphasised that the Chinese language serves as an important bridge for fostering cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.
He hopes that by learning the language, Nigerian youths can become ambassadors, promoting the cultural ties between both nations.
“I hope that through learning the language, they can become good ambassadors, serving as treasures of both countries,” Mr. Yang said.
The competition, which saw participation from students of various Chinese language schools across Nigeria, showcased the increasing enthusiasm for Chinese language learning.
Contestants competed for a grand prize of N250,000, and their performances demonstrated the level of engagement and proficiency in the language.
One of the standout participants, Chinecherem Ugwuanyi, a student at the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, won the competition.
Chinecherem shared her personal motivation for learning Chinese, stating that her primary goal was to provide a better life for her family by working as a translator.
She expressed optimism about the financial prospects within the translation field, highlighting the career opportunities that fluency in Chinese could provide.
Ugwuanyi also acknowledged the challenges of learning Chinese, noting that while it can be difficult at first, persistence is key to mastering the language.
“The beginning is always difficult, but as long as you persist to the end, you will succeed,” she advised aspiring learners.
The event underscores the growing importance of multilingualism in today’s globalised world, with Chinese becoming an increasingly valuable skill for Nigerians looking to tap into international business, cultural exchange, and career opportunities.
Mr. Yang’s call for more Nigerians to learn Chinese reflects the broader vision of enhancing bilateral relations between China and Nigeria through language and cultural engagement.
