People watch a public speaking competition of the Chinese language in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
by Abdul Haleem
KABUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- About two decades ago, very few Afghans could speak Chinese. Nowadays, the number of Chinese-speaking Afghans and Chinese learners is on a constant rise as many students prefer to learn the language.
"I prefer to learn Chinese, because China is a rich country from any angle, and my future is brighter with speaking Chinese," Afghan student Sayed Karim Nemati told Xinhua.
"Anyone learning Chinese can easily progress and will be provided with opportunities for jobs and education in the future," he said.
Nemati, a sophomore in the Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University, said, "My objective is to learn about Chinese culture, its trade relations with Afghanistan and cultural relations between the two neighbors, as we have good relations with China and could learn from China's rich culture."
Another Afghan youth Jawad who learns Chinese in east Afghanistan's Nangarhar University believes that the number of youngsters learning Chinese is on the rise in the eastern region.
Despite challenges like textbook shortage, lack of teachers, and discouragement from learning foreign languages due to the local tradition, many young Afghans, according to Jawad, prefer to learn Chinese.
Contesting in a public speaking competition of the Chinese language at Kabul University on Sept. 27, Jawad noted that China, boasting a rich culture, has been rapidly developing its economy. The nation's progress makes more Afghans believe their life can also be on a fast track if they learn the language.
The Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University marked the "Confucius Institute Day" in Kabul with organizing the competition among Chinese language learners.
"Five teams competed in the public speaking competition of Chinese language, which was hosted by Kabul University and 17 persons found their way to the final," lecturer of the department Hamid Ghulami told Xinhua.
Themed "Chinese Language and Me," the competition attracted some 120 guests from inside and outside the university. Competitors in their speeches revealed how and from when they began learning the Chinese language, their experience in China, and their moments during the Chinese language courses.
The Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University gives admission to some 50 students each year, Ghulami said, adding that currently, some 80 students are learning the Chinese language in the department.
"We should serve as a medium of communication and translate books from Chinese to our own language and make a source of knowledge," Jawad said. ■
A student participates in a public speaking competition of the Chinese language in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)