By Charlie Mtambalika & Promise Mandala (LCC3 Students)

Clever Chipembere, a fourth-year student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), recently returned from China where he observed the Chinese Bridge competition, a prestigious language proficiency contest.

Chipembere, who is studying Bachelor of Arts in Language, Communication and Culture, was in China for a week from 29 August to 4 September, 2024. He was selected as an observer after securing the second position at the Malawi national level competition.

During his stay in China, Chipembere said he gained valuable insights into the Chinese language and culture. 

“I was impressed by the historical and cultural significance of landmarks like the Great Wall and Pingtan Lake, which I visited. I also noted that the Chinese value their cultural heritage unlike us in Malawi, as we have allowed Westernisation to influenced our traditions,” he said.

Chipembere was inspired by the competitors' proficiency in Chinese and among others, learnt some techniques that would help improve his oral Chinese skills. 

“It is important to interact with native speakers to achieve fluency. To speak better Chinese, one needs to be in an environment where they can interact with native speakers," he said.

His Chinese experience has motivated Chipembere to practise his Chinese language skills more intensively. 

Chipembere hopes to apply the insights gained from the competition in his studies and future endeavors.

Mr Ouyang Yi, a Chinese lecturer at MUST and Chipembere's instructor, praised his student's initiative. 

"I've always encouraged my students to cultivate self-motivation in their academic pursuits, including learning Chinese. Consistent practice is key as it prepares them for the unexpected. Immersion in Chinese culture and language not only enhances their understanding but also opens doors to new career opportunities. By embracing this experience, students gain a competitive edge, unlock fresh possibilities, and develop a broader perspective, ultimately fostering meaningful global connections,” he said.

Chipembere's participation in the Chinese Bridge competition reflects the growing interest in Chinese language and culture among MUST students. 

His experience serves as a testament of the benefits of cultural exchange programmes and the importance of language proficiency in today's globalized world.