By Omonu YG Nelson
The Chinese Embassy and China Cultural Center in Nigeria has hosted a celebration of the 2024 International Chinese Language Day on April 20th.
The International Chinese Language Day celebration which was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, highlighted the growing popularity of the Chinese language around the world and its significance in promoting cultural diversity.
“We are very delighted to see so many friends gather here in China Cultural Center,” said Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy and China Cultural Center in Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to attend 2024 International Chinese Language Day Celebration!”
The event marked the 15th anniversary of International Chinese Language Day, established by the UN Department of Public Information to promote multilingualism within the organization. Li Xuda noted the increasing interest in learning Chinese in Nigeria, particularly among high school and college students.
“We are also delighted to see that in recent years, there has been a growing interest in learning Chinese in Nigeria,” Li Xuda said. “More and more Nigerians has started learning Chinese language and its rich culture.”
The celebration highlighted the role of Confucius Institutes and Chinese language learning centers in promoting Chinese language learning in Nigeria. Two Confucius Institutes have been established in Nigeria, with plans to explore the possibility of opening more in the future.
“Until now, we have established two Confucius Institutes, one is at Lagos University, another is at the University of Nnamdi Azikwe,” Li Xuda said. “Next step, we will work with more Nigerian universities to explore the possibility of establishing a Confucius Institute.”
The China Cultural Center in Nigeria was also recognized for its contributions to language learning, having offered Chinese language courses for over 10 years.
“The China Cultural Centre in Nigeria have been teaching Chinese over 10 years since its establishment in 2013,” Li Xuda said. “Many friends living or working in Abuja find their chances to learn Chinese here in our cultural center.”
Li Xuda emphasised the importance of celebrating both Chinese and Nigerian languages.
“Dear friends, Language is a great creation of mankind, It witnesses the evolution and development of human civilization,” Li Xuda said. “In my eyes, Nigeria is the cradle of African Civilization with about 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba. While we celebrate ‘International Chinese Language Day’, never forget to celebrate Nigeria’s amazing languages, which are definitely important parts of world culture.”
In a remark, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, James Sule, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China, emphasising that cultural exchange goes beyond trade and politics.
He acknowledged the role of language as a tool for sharing stories, traditions, and dreams. He specifically mentioned the beauty of the Chinese language and the rich tapestry of Nigerian languages.
Sule stressed the importance of multilingualism in fostering understanding and unity between nations. He believes that learning each other’s languages opens doors to new cultures and ways of thinking.
According to him, “The Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives that promote Chinese language learning in Nigeria. This includes collaborations with institutions like the Confucius Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.”
Sule concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace the study of all languages and become ambassadors for cultural understanding.
The celebration of International Chinese Language Day in Nigeria reflects the growing appreciation for linguistic diversity and the importance of cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.
The celebration featured cultural songs and dance by various languages and cultural groups and secondary school students