BelSU: A Hub for Aspiring Chinese Language Translators and Teachers

The Chinese Language Centre at Belgorod State University (BelSU) recently hosted a series of engaging events to mark Chinese Language Day.

The day's programme featured a variety of activities, including a literary salon titled A Book Is Like a Garden in a Pocket, a student research paper competition themed The Chinese Cultural Code, and an educational lecture on The History of Chinese Costume through the Prism of the Silk Road. These events were organised in collaboration with the Polyglot Language Centre in Belgorod and the Education Centre in Kursk, attracting participation from both Russian and Chinese students from local universities, as well as pupils from Belgorod schools.

Guests at the literary salon were welcomed by Natalia Nerubenko, a representative from the BelSU International Information Centre at the Department of International Cooperation. She provided insights into the origins of Chinese Language Day, established by the United Nations Organisation in 2010 to honour Cangjie, the legendary creator of the Chinese writing system.

The salon’s programme featured an array of poems by renowned Chinese poets spanning from ancient times to the modern era. Attendees enjoyed philosophical reflections on nature and human existence through the works of classical poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu, alongside elegant verses from medieval poets like Wang Anshi and Li Panlong. Contemporary voices, including Hai Zi, Yu Kwang-chung, and even Mao Zedong, were also represented, illustrating the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity. The atmosphere was further enriched by a performance of Li Zhiya's romantic piece Green Jasper Casket by Luo Guanlong, a student from the Belgorod Institute of Arts and Culture. Notably, young Daniil Glushko from Lyceum No. 9 received a standing ovation for his heartfelt performance. The open-mic format encouraged attendees to share their favourite poems in Chinese or their own translations, with commemorative prizes awarded for their contributions.

In addition to the literary salon, a student research competition was held under the theme The Chinese Cultural Code. Participants from the BelSU Institute of Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations (ICCIR) presented their findings on the interplay between philosophy, language, social norms, and mentality as reflected through language. Anastasia Kulina, an ICCIR student, earned first place for her insightful research on the three keys to understanding Chinese culture, mentored by Elena Yakovleva, Associate Professor in the Department of Second Foreign Languages.

The day concluded with an educational lecture titled The History of Chinese Costume through the Lens of the Silk Road, co-organised by two language centres: Belgorod’s Polyglot and Education in Kursk. Moderator Ivan Govorishchev from Kursk explored the historical significance of the Silk Road on Chinese fashion, while his colleague Veronika Govorishcheva led an engaging masterclass on creating traditional hanfu garments.