After demonstrating her Chinese-language skills and performing a Chinese poem, an Indian student at Shenzhen University named Muskan won the top prize at Nanshan District’s first Chinese-language competition for foreigners held at Nanshan Book City yesterday.
Muskan is now a sophomore majoring in International Economics and Trade. She recited a poem written by the ancient poet Du Fu and gave a speech themed “Please call me Chinese.”
“I have been living in Shenzhen since I was 3 years old, so I actually consider myself Chinese,” Muskan told the Shenzhen Daily after the competition. “I want people around me to see me as Chinese and not a foreigner.”
For years, Muskan has been sharing Indian culture with her Chinese friends and vice versa, spreading culture and knowledge she has learned in China with her family and friends back in India.
The competition was themed “I Am Ambassador — the First Foreigners Chinese Competition in Nanshan District” and was aimed at promoting communication between expat communities and Chinese residents. The panel of judges for the competition praised Muskan’s efforts at bridging the cultures of the two countries.
Hosted by the Bairui Social Integrated Service Center, the competition was held under the guidance and support of the Nanshan District Civil Affairs Bureau, Nanshan’s foreign affairs office, Zhaoshang Subdistrict Office and the service center of Yanshan Community.
Thirteen candidates from 12 countries participated in the final competition yesterday. A preliminary contest was held from April to May to select the finalists.
Most of the competitors were students from Shenzhen University, and the others were recommended by language training institutions or expat residents living in Nanshan District.
South Korean Shin Moonsub won the second prize. He sang a popular Chinese song and delivered a speech titled “Shenzhen, a place where dreams begin.” Shin is a graduate of Shenzhen University, and currently works at a research institute for trade and economic ties between China and South Korea.
Fujiwara Yoshiko, from Japan, took third place with a performance of a piece from the renowned Peking opera, “Farewell My Concubine,” and a speech about life principles she has learned in China.
A Norwegian named Caisa Quinn won the award for best stage manner. Raphael Genis, from Israel, won the award for the most popular candidate in the online vote.