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E
very morning before I am completely awake, I
have had my dear clappers. The noise of my
clappers in the corridor must wake up the oth-
er students in the overseas students’ dormitory
of the Central Academy of Drama, but I don’t
care. When I look at myself in the mirror, with wild hair, I
have already chanted a few rhythmic tongue twisters, with
a tooth brush in my mouth. I put the bag, full of books,
on my shoulder and then go to the wonderful wonton
shop. A new day begins in Beijing.
My friends say I am obsessed with Chinese language
and culture. I am afraid they are right. Since I made up my
mind to study Chinese five years ago, my life has been cen-
tered on China. Let me give you some examples. Among
the friends I made this year, quite a few are Chinese. Every
morning I browse Chinese news websites. My diet is much
like traditional Beijing residents (including the fermented
beans drink, though I look rather weird after drinking it).
Most of the novels in my room were written by Chinese
writers. However, I find that I am not the only one that is
so obsessed with Chinese culture.
Last summer, I was so honored to take part in the
ninth “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition
and then experienced an adjustment. The first day when
I met those other participants, I couldn’t believe my own
eyes. There were so many “old China hands” in the world.
They knew much more about China than I. Their tongues
were much more nimble than mine and their tongue
twisters much more f luent too. It’s true that the reason
for learning a language is not just to compete with others.
I should always bear it in mind that it’s more important
to participate.
Learning Chinese is a pleasure for us. No matter our
background, the Chinese language can bring us together.
Through the “Chinese Bridge,” I found so many compan-
ions and gained unforgettable experience. You may well
say my life is changed because of “Chinese Bridge.” Since
then, I have been using Chinese subconsciously and have
never felt nervous or frustrated when speaking on stage.
Whether in a role in a Peking Opera skit or a guest on a
TV program, these have become a part of my life in China,
about which I feel very happy.
VIEWS OF CHINA
Confucius Institute
VOLUME 17 | NO.6 NOV. 2011