"Chinese Bridge" language competition held in Melbourne

(Xinhua)

10:35, May 12, 2013

MELBOURNE, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The 12th annual Melbourne " Chinese Bridge" Proficiency Competition for students of Chinese language and culture was held here Saturday at the University of Melbourne in association with the local Confucius Institute.

Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne Shi Weiqiang told the 150- strong audience and students who attended the opening ceremony that the competition is a bridge of friendship and culture exchange, through which Australian students would know more about Chinese language and culture.

"Chinese language has a history of thousands years, and the Chinese civilization has immense impact on the world, with efforts from both sides, I strongly believe Chinese culture will eventually become popular in the vast land of Australia," said Shi.

A total of 8 students from local universities joined the competition, which was divided into two parts -- a speech on the theme "My Chinese Dream" and a Chinese cultural performance.

After nearly three hours of intense competition, Alistair Bayley from Monash University won the competition and he will be one of the Australian representatives to join the finals in China later this year together with his runner-up Jessica Wagstaff and other winners in different Australian cities.

The 12th "Chinese Bridge" competition, a Chinese language contest for non-native Chinese speaking college students is underway around the world.

Launched in 2002, the "Chinese Bridge" project played an ever- growing role in promoting the study of Chinese language and culture.

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