The 12th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition Successfully Held in Latvia

On April 21st, 2015, the 12th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition was held in Latvia. The competition is hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Latvia, organized by Confucius Institute at University of Latvia, co-organized by Faculty of Humanities at University of Latvia, Confucius Centre at Stradins University, Riga Technical University, Vidzeme University, Daugavpils University, Rezekne University, Riga Culture Secondary School, Riga 34th Secondary School and Riga 68th Secondary School, Smiltenes Center Secondary School and Smiltenes Gymnasium, sponsored by SIA Huawei Technologies Latvia. Officials from Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia, renowned sinologists, Chinese language teachers, university and school students, enthusiasts of Chinese language from various circles of Latvia and friends from the press circles, more than 150 people, participated and observed the competition. The event achieved a complete success.
Ambassador Yang Guoqiang pointed out in his welcome remarks at the beginning of the event that “Chinese Bridge” Competition has been increasingly making a far-reaching effect on students who are learning Chinese in Latvia. He also conveyed thanks to the Latvian government for their support and to all the sinologists and Chinese teachers for their long-term commitment to the cause of Chinese teaching in Latvia. At the same time, he emphasized the important role of Chinese language in exchanges, cooperation and development between the two countries. Finally, he expressed encouragement and blessing to all the players.
This year, a total of 36 participants, divided into Adults and College Students Division, Teenagers Division and Children Division. The youngest participant is only 9 years old and the eldest is 39 years old. Their standard pronunciation, fluent expression as well as the diverse and colorful performance deeply impressed the judges and guests. Finally, Nadina Rode and Sabīne Penka from University of Latvia, Vsevolod Burenin from Riga Technical University won the first prizes for the Advanced, Intermediate and Primary Level in the Adults and College Students Division respectively. Ivans Nilovs from Riga 88th Secondary School, Monta Ozola from Riga Culture Secondary School and Karīna Čimbaraite from Daugavpils University, Kristīne Bērzupe from Riga Culture Secondary School (paralleling) won the first prize for the Advanced, Intermediate and Primary Level in the Teenagers Division respectively. They will have the chance to separately attend the semi-final and final of the 14th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for foreign college students and the 8th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for foreign secondary school students, which will be held in China.
As the first country starting Chinese teaching among the three Baltic countries, Latvia has become the most energetic Chinese teaching country with the largest teaching scale. So far, the Latvian students studying in China have been nearly 200 and over 1000 Latvian people have learned Chinese language. Confucius Centre at Stradins University established in 2005 and Confucius Institute at University of Latvia established in 2011 are the core institutions in Latvia to develop Chinese teaching, HSK test, “Chinese Bridge” Competition and Chinese culture research and promotion. So far, there are already 6 universities and 5 secondary schools opening Chinese courses in Latvia.