In a significant step toward deepening cultural relations, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) celebrated the unveiling of a pioneering collection of translated classic literary works from Chinese-Arabic and Arabic-Chinese languages. This initiative, presented at the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing, marks a new chapter in literary exchange within the framework of China-GCC cooperation.
The event, which commemorates Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s 2022 proposal at the China-GCC Summit, symbolizes a shared commitment to cultural exchange. The collection includes a diverse range of literary treasures, such as the Chinese ‘Book of Songs’ and ’15 Lectures on the Silk Road Civilization’, as well as the Saudi Arabian classic ‘Mother Zubeida’.
Attended by around 2,000 participants from over 160 countries, the World Chinese Language Conference served as the perfect platform for this significant release. The three-day conference attracted sinologists, scholars, and educators, providing a global stage for discussing China’s role in the world and the importance of cultural collaboration.
This literary project aligns with the vision set forth by President Xi during his keynote speech at the China-GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. The speech, titled ‘Building on Past Achievements and Jointly Creating a Brighter Future of China-GCC Relations’, laid the groundwork for initiatives like the “Chinese Bridge” summer/winter camps, the China-GCC language and culture forum, and the bilingual library for cultural exchanges. This inaugural collection of classics is among the first offerings from the library, signifying a tangible realization of these goals.
Liu Xinlu, Dean of the School of Arabic Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University and a key contributor to the library project, revealed plans to expand this literary repository with 50 more works in the next three to five years. This effort will create a broader platform for exchanges between China and the Arab world, responding to the growing enthusiasm among Arab youth, particularly in Gulf countries, to learn the Chinese language.
The initiative has garnered significant support from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, which has incorporated Chinese as a second official foreign language in its national education system. The introduction of Chinese into the Saudi school curriculum, including dedicated teaching periods, reflects the country’s commitment to fostering close ties with China.
Deputy Minister Assistant of the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, Salim Al Anazy, emphasized the value placed on the Chinese language in Saudi Arabia, noting the significant role of Chinese instructors in Saudi schools.
The China National Convention Center, host of the World Chinese Language Conference, witnessed a convergence of language enthusiasts and experts, underscoring the global reach and influence of the Chinese language. The conference theme, “Chinese for the World, Openness into the Future”, focused on promoting high-quality development of international Chinese language education and intensifying international understanding.
In Europe, the establishment of a new Chinese Proficiency Test site at the China-Italy Cultural Education and Exchange Research Center (CRID) in Florence, Italy, further demonstrates the growing interest in Chinese language studies. Maria Omodeo, Chairperson of the Chinese Language Learning and Testing Center at CRID, highlighted the center’s role in fostering people-to-people exchanges between China and Italy.
British sinologist Robert L. Chard also shared his vision for a more open and interconnected world, emphasizing the role of sinologists in nurturing a new generation of scholars and encouraging broader understanding and harmony between cultures.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the translated literary works is a landmark in the China-GCC cultural collaboration, symbolizing a shared dedication to deepening understanding and strengthening ties through literature. This initiative, alongside the broadening scope of Chinese language education worldwide, paves the way for a future enriched by cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning.
READ MORE: