The final of the Chinese Bridge Competition concluded with a spectacular showcase of talent, as students of Mandarin took the stage to demonstrate their language proficiency through singing, poetry recitation, and dance. The event, organized with the aim of fostering enthusiasm and interest in the Chinese language and culture, witnessed the recognition and celebration of outstanding university students who participated in the First International Chinese Competition in El Salvador, held as part of the 22nd Global Chinese Bridge Competition.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of El Salvador (UES) and the Chinese Embassy in El Salvador, honored the dedication and achievements of the participants. This competition served as a significant platform for Salvadoran university students studying Mandarin to showcase their language skills.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Zhang Yanhui, the Chinese envoy in El Salvador, commended the Salvadorans’ determination to learn Mandarin and emphasized the opportunities it presents for personal growth and advancement. He expressed his delight in joining the final round of the 22nd Chinese Bridge Competition for university students in El Salvador and acknowledged the efforts made by the Confucius Institute at the University of El Salvador, which has enrolled over 3,000 students to date. Ambassador Yanhui also highlighted the commitment shown by various government ministries, including the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture, in organizing language learning initiatives, with some ministers themselves undertaking Chinese language studies.
Néstor Hernández, the Secretary of National and International Relations at UES, praised the collaborative efforts between the University of Science and Technology of Southwest China, the Confucius Institute, and UES in promoting Chinese language and culture. He announced that the first batch of students who completed all six levels of Mandarin would soon graduate, reflecting the significant progress made in the dissemination of Chinese language education.
Xu Ziqhian, the Director of the Confucius Institute from China, stressed that the teaching of Mandarin contributes to creating opportunities for Salvadoran youth. He highlighted the Confucius Institute’s role as the first official institution promoting language education between China and El Salvador and expressed satisfaction with the integration of Mandarin into the lives of Salvadorans. Ziqhian also emphasized the institute’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young Salvadorans and its students to visit China and experience its culture firsthand.
For the students at the Confucius Institute, learning Mandarin has opened new doors for personal and professional development. Yanira Quijada, one of the students, described the experience as enriching, stating, «I have gained profound knowledge about Chinese culture and made many friends. My aspirations include achieving fluency in Mandarin and having the opportunity to travel to China and study in the country.»
The winners of the Chinese Bridge Competition were announced, with Irma Cerón securing the first prize, followed by Édgar Ángulo in second place, and Laura Mármol in third. In addition to these awards, special recognition was given for oratory skills and social media popularity, with Fátima Salazar, Cristian Menjívar, Yanira Quijada, and Emerson Rodríguez among the distinguished recipients.
The achievements of these talented students not only highlight their linguistic abilities but also signify the growing interest in Chinese language and culture within El Salvador’s educational landscape. Through initiatives like the Chinese Bridge Competition and the efforts of institutions such as the Confucius Institute, the future holds great promise for fostering cultural exchange and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships between El Salvador and China.