-As CIUL Celebrates International Chinese Language Day
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
The Confucius Institute established at the University of Liberia to promote Chinese language and culture, fostering mutual understanding and educational exchange between Liberia and China, is continuing to expand the China quest for global Enculturation.
The Institute which serves as a platform for students and the public to learn Mandarin and gain insights into Chinese traditions, thereby strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties, on Saturday, April 19, 2025 celebrated the 2025 – International Chinese Language Day under the theme “Chinese Language; A Gift Across Time and Space.”
Giving an overview of the program, the Coordinator of the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia Professor Joanne Zhou, intimated that the importance of celebrating International Chinese Language Day is the bridge language barrier between nations.
Professor Zhou stated that learning the Chinese language does not only provide an opportunity to enhance their academic and professional potential to students, but deepens mutual understanding between Liberia and China.
“Learning the Chinese language is important because as a bridge that breaches the gap between language barriers.
Chinese language does not only provide academic and professional opportunities for Students, but deepens mutual understanding between Liberia and China.”
The day celebrated globally on April 20, was established by the United Nations in 2010 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to highlight the importance of the Chinese language as one of the six official languages of the UN.
For her part, Professor Huang Yu revealed that the date was chosen to honor Cangjie, a legendary figure in ancient China who is credited with inventing Chinese characters. According to Professor Yu – Cangjie was a historian of the Yellow Emperor, and his creation of characters was so profound that it caused the heavens to rain millet and ghosts to cry. April 20 roughly corresponds with Guyu on the traditional Chinese calendar, a day also associated with Cangjie and the spirit of cultivation—both agriculture and language.
Meanwhile, International Chinese Language Day came out of the UN Initiative in 2010, the UN Department of Public Information (now the Department of Global Communications) designated specific days to celebrate each of the UN’s six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. These language days aim to increase awareness and appreciation of the history, culture, and achievements associated with each language.
The celebration was marked with events such as language competitions, calligraphy exhibitions, and cultural performances promoting Chinese language learning and understanding of Chinese culture and as well as encourages dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations.
