Bilingual stories: China in 25 languages

For Luo Zhuobin, Beijing's subway is more than just a means of transportation — it's a window into the city's heartbeat.

Luo, a 19-year-old student at the Communication University of China (CUC), brought this perspective to life in his video for the second Global Youth Bilingual Broadcast Announcing and Anchoring Contest, where he won a gold prize.

The contest, organized by CUC's School of International Studies, invites young people worldwide to create short videos on social media platforms in Chinese and at least one other language, telling their personal stories about China.

This year, 524 participants from 26 countries and regions entered the competition, with an average age of 21. The entries were submitted in 25 languages, including English, Spanish, Bengali, and German.

"In the era of social media, young people have a unique platform to express their ideas," said Wen Chunying, president of the School of International Studies. "We encourage global young cultural ambassadors to join us, and we hope to see authentic and lively works that reflect their real experiences in China."

Luo's video, for example, is deeply rooted in his own experiences. He found inspiration at a subway station near CUC on Beijing's Line 1, which runs through the heart of the city, connecting key commercial districts and historical landmarks.

Narrating the story in Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese, Luo chose to highlight three notable landmarks along the line: the Capital Museum, Tian'anmen Square, and Universal Beijing Resort, each representing a different aspect of Beijing's history and contemporary life.

"As young people, we need to be aware of our own lives as well as the world around us. The connection between these two perspectives is the story I want to share," Luo explained.

One standout feature of this competition, according to Luo, is its ability to attract many non-professional media participants.

Among them is 29-year-old Tewele Ayubu Damiani from Tanzania, who has been living in China for six years while studying at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, Zhejiang province.

This is his second time participating in the contest. Last year, he won a silver prize with a bilingual video in Chinese and English, and this year, he took home a gold prize with a video in both Chinese and his native Swahili.

Tewele often posts his experiences in China on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, focusing primarily on China's emerging industries and technology sectors. "I hope my videos can inspire African audiences to improve living conditions and boost technological development in Africa," he said.

Idris Qasemi, a 24-year-old trade professional from Afghanistan, now lives in Yiwu, Zhejiang. He moved to China in 2004 when his father started a business there. In the competition, he offered a glimpse into his life as a foreign businessman, documenting his daily routine in both Chinese and English.

Qasemi has visited 46 cities across China due to his frequent business trips and, like many others, enjoys sharing his experiences on social media. One of his most popular videos features him and his foreign friends trying fried stinky tofu, a Chinese snack that has intrigued many young people overseas.

"I see myself as a cultural bridge," Qasemi said. "I want to show my friends abroad the cities I've explored in China so they can see its stunning scenery and unique cultural traditions."

Cultural reconnection

The competition not only gave young people from around the world the chance to tell their stories about China, but it also provided a way for many overseas Chinese to reconnect with their roots.

Yu Junwu, director and president of the Australian Chinese Performing Artists Association, has lived in Australia for 37 years. He observed that the event resonated strongly with Chinese families there, who hope it will inspire their children to rediscover their cultural heritage.

"The deep bond that overseas Chinese have with Chinese culture is a powerful force," Yu said.

One of the participants, 10-year-old Jiang Yujun, moved to Australia with his family at the age of 2 and has always been passionate about Chinese culture. He often watches Chinese cultural TV programs like China in the Classics and Readers.

In this competition, Jiang imitated his favorite Chinese TV anchor, Sa Beining, to introduce the traditional Chinese text Chuci (Songs of Chu).

In his video, Jiang also showcased his kung fu skills. "I started a club at school to teach kung fu to my classmates from other countries," he said.

Jiang's mother mentioned that their family places great importance on exposing their children to Chinese culture. In turn, the children are not only eager to learn but also confidently share Chinese traditions with their foreign friends.

Yu observed that Chinese elements have naturally woven into the lives of overseas Chinese and, through mutual respect, have also been embraced by local cultures.

"This process has helped Chinese culture spread into the mainstream of local societies. The shift from grassroots adoption to broader acceptance demonstrates the unique inclusiveness of Chinese culture," Yu said.

mengwenjie@i21st.cn