Speak Luohu Competition bridges cultures through language

Contestants with multinational backgrounds shared their stories associated with Luohu District during the "Speak Luohu" Foreign Language Competition held on Friday at KingKey 100 Party and Mass Service Center.

The competition attracted a diverse array of participants from countries including China, Egypt, the United States, Malaysia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, with an age range spanning nearly half a century — from a 7-year-old primary school student to a 54-year-old retiree.

Group photo of guest contestants. Photos courtesy of the event organizer

Featuring a dual-group format, the event had Chinese contestants deliver speeches in English, while international contestants spoke in Chinese. Through two key segments — themed speeches and impromptu challenges — participants demonstrated their language skills and highlighted the value of cross-cultural communication.

Top three winners were selected in each group. Yuliia Kolotnitska from Ukraine, who won the champion title in the international group, captivated the audience with her speech titled "Luohu is a Bridge." She vividly illustrated how Luohu connects the past and the present, the mainland and Hong Kong, as well as China and the world. 

Yuliia Kolotnitska

Currently pursuing a master’s degree at Shenzhen University (SZU), Kolotnitska began learning Chinese in 2019. “I wanted to overcome my lack of confidence and improve my Chinese through this competition. I’ve participated in several events before, but they were all held online during the pandemic. It’s very exciting to be here in person today,” she said after her victory.

Omair Gazouly

Omair Gazouly from Egypt, awarded second prize in the international group, shared amusing stories about learning Chinese that drew continuous laughter from the audience. Attracted by China’s development and economic opportunities, he started learning Chinese six years ago and is now studying English teaching in a master’s program at SZU.

Gazouly described Luohu as a blend of modern and traditional elements. “Every participant shared different topics. I learned a lot and made new friends — it’s been a great opportunity,” he remarked.

Siha Ali Rasouli and his younger sister shared details of their life and studies in Luohu in fluent Chinese. Rasouli credited his Chinese language skills to regularly speaking with Chinese friends.

Siha Ali Rasouli and his younger sister shared details of their life and studies in Luohu in fluent Chinese. 

Chen Zhang, a general practitioner with Luohu Hospital Group who won second prize in the Chinese group, shared his experiences in international medical exchanges and treating foreign patients during his speech. He saw the competition as a valuable chance to meet other English enthusiasts and build confidence in speaking English.

Having grown up in Luohu, Chen described the district as an open, international area full of the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Luohu District Foreign Affairs Bureau aims to use the competition to promote Luohu’s development as a pioneering international district and contribute to Shenzhen’s vision of becoming a modern, global metropolis.