Chengdu, China – The streets of Chengdu resonated with the harmonious melodies of Chinese folk songs as a group of overseas adolescents gathered to express their deep connection with Chinese culture. On the evening of August 31, three young individuals from Germany, Ghana, and Zambia came together at Yu Lin Three Lane – Folk Music Street to sing the popular folk song Chengdu, drawing applause from the audience.
A Melodic Journey
Organized from August 26 to September 4, the Singing to Learn Chinese – A Journey Through Chengdu study camp brought together 21 foreign adolescents from 13 countries, including the United States, Germany, Thailand, and Zambia. These young enthusiasts, passionate about both Chinese and music, immersed themselves in a musical experience to consolidate their Chinese language skills and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
A Personal Connection
The song Chengdu holds a special place in the heart of Wang Yuan from Ghana. It’s the first Chinese song I learned, and it was through this song that I began to understand China, he shared. Since 2020, Wang has been using Chinese songs to improve his language proficiency. The lyrics of Chengdu allowed him to imagine the city’s silhouette, and now, standing in the real city, he felt as if he were living in a dream. The scenes in the song are just like the ones here, he exclaimed. Wang believes that many Chinese songs embody the stories and lifestyles of the locals, adding to their allure.
Embracing Chinese Culture
Sun Xiao, a 22-year-old participant from Thailand, took to the stage in a black horse-face skirt paired with a Chinese-style shirt, singing The Sound of Snow Falling. Sun’s journey with Chinese began in fifth grade when she participated in a Chinese singing competition, sparking her interest in Chinese culture. Now a junior majoring in Chinese, her second visit to China has only fueled her desire to continue learning the language. I hope to continue studying Chinese and, in the future, have the opportunity to study or work in China, she expressed.
A Love for Chinese Music
Zhou You, from Kyrgyzstan, received cheers from the audience as he sang The Moon Represents My Heart. Since starting at the Confucius Institute in 2019, Zhou has fallen in love with Chinese songs, Peking Opera, and traditional Chinese instruments like the bamboo flute. His first visit to China has been an exciting experience. It was learning Chinese that gave me the chance to visit the hometown of giant pandas and explore this charming country, he said.
A Dream Come True
Meng Anan, an 18-year-old participant from Bulgaria, has always loved singing. A Chinese song captivated her in eighth grade, leading her to attend a Chinese school for systematic language study. During the camp, Meng learned the Sichuan folk song Kangding Love Song. The typical Sichuan folk melody and the song’s fluctuating musical lines allowed her to experience the magnificent natural landscapes of Kangding, its unique cultural heritage, and the touching love story in the lyrics. My dream since childhood has been to become a singer. I want to stand on a bigger stage and share the beautiful sound of Chinese songs with the world, she shared.
Conclusion
The Singing to Learn Chinese – A Journey Through Chengdu camp not only provided these overseas adolescents with an opportunity to improve their Chinese language skills but also allowed them to connect with Chinese culture through music. As they sang and shared their experiences, they brought to life the timeless charm of Chinese folk songs, creating a harmonious blend of cultures and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for China.
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