To celebrate the upcoming 2025 International Chinese Language Day, which falls on Sunday, April 20, 2025, a series of vibrant events took place in Beijing and Zambia, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and global significance of the Chinese language.
On Friday, April 18, 2025, Chinese language learners, enthusiasts of Chinese culture, international Chinese educators, and diplomats gathered at the Beijing Foreign Studies University for a launch ceremony themed "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space." The event featured a variety of cultural activities including exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy and digital art, lectures on Chinese films and sci-fi novels, and demonstrations of traditional Chinese dress. Hundreds of foreign students studying Chinese in China participated, emphasizing the global reach and appeal of the language.
Established in 2020 by the Ministry of Education's Center for Language Education and Cooperation and ChinesePlus, the International Chinese Language Day aims to promote the learning and appreciation of the Chinese language worldwide. Over the past five years, more than 1,000 organizations in over 160 countries have organized over 5,000 activities to celebrate this occasion.
Meanwhile, on April 16, 2025, a similar celebration was held in Zambia, hosted by the Chinese Embassy and organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (CI-UNZA). This event also embraced the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space." Minister Counsellor Wang Sheng and Professor Mundia Muya, Vice-Chancellor of UNZA, attended and delivered speeches, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges between China and Zambia.
Wang emphasized that the Chinese language is a "cultural gene of the Chinese nation and a treasure of world civilization." He expressed China’s readiness to strengthen cultural ties with Zambia, aiming to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between the two nations. He hoped that Chinese language learners could act as envoys of friendship, contributing to the development of a shared future for both countries.
Professor Muya expressed gratitude for China's strong support for Zambia’s educational initiatives and youth development. He noted that the bilateral relations between the countries have evolved from political solidarity and economic cooperation to cultural bonds through education and people-to-people exchanges. "UNZA is always committed to supporting the Confucius Institute and the teaching of the Chinese language in Zambia," he stated.
The lively atmosphere of the event was further enriched by performances from CI-UNZA’s teachers and students, who showcased Chinese folk dances, poetry recitations, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. Guests also participated in various cultural activities, including calligraphy, paper cutting, and making Beijing opera headdresses, allowing them to engage hands-on with the splendid Chinese culture.
These events reflect a growing recognition of the Chinese language as a vital component of global culture and communication. As more people around the world embrace the language, the efforts to promote it through events like the International Chinese Language Day continue to foster understanding and appreciation across cultures.
With the increasing number of learners and cultural exchanges, the significance of the Chinese language is likely to grow, further solidifying its place as a key player in international dialogue and cooperation.
The International Chinese Language Day not only celebrates the language itself but also serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the connections between nations and peoples.
As the world moves forward, events like these remind us of the importance of language in bridging gaps and creating a more interconnected global community.
