Confucius institute holds Chinese singing competition

As part of efforts to boost the study of the Chinese language in the country, the Confucius Institute of the University of Yaounde II on Friday, April 10, 2015, in Yaounde, held a national song contest in the campus of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon, IRIC. The event was also to celebrate the Chinese Cultural Month.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Confucius Institute, Yu Guoyang, said the National Chinese Song Competition, now in its second year, was popular with Chinese language learners.

He explained that the occasion provided the opportunity for intending Chinese language learners and those already doing so to take greater interest in it. The Director of Confucius Institute pointed out that the competition was also an avenue for understanding Chinese art and culture.

The event under the theme, “Cameroon Super Wave Singing Contest of Chinese Songs,” saw the participation of students from the Confucius Institute, the University of Maroua, the African Institute of Computer Science, IAI, Yaounde and other secondary and tertiary institutions from Douala and Yaounde.

Among the songs presented were, “The little apple,” “Father,” “When you get old,” “Give me reason to forget you,” and “My wife is the most important one.” At the end, Cecile Gaelle Mbarga of the African Institute of Computer Science was adjudged the best Chinese language singer.

Other prize winners were Djoko Tchudjo Moyo Dimitri of Sup de Co, Yaounde, and Mechi and Kewou Nduchi Florence, all from Confucius Institute, Yaounde. Prizes were also offered to outstanding participants during the Chinese Cultural Month.

Meanwhile, Jonglafia Raymond of the Cameroon Association of School Administrators, CASA, signed a cooperation agreement with Confucius Institute on promoting and facilitating the learning of Chinese by Cameroonians.

According to the terms of the deal, schools interested in learning Chinese will have their task facilitated by CASA. The event was attended among others by the Rector of the University of Yaounde II, Prof. Oumarou Bouba.