STORY: China's rich culture, booming economy inspire more Afghans to learn Chinese
DATELINE: Oct. 8, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:22
LOCATION: Kabul
CATEGORY: EDUCATION

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the "Confucius Institute Day" activities held by Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): HAMID GHULAMI, Lecturer of the Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University
3. various of the "Confucius Institute Day" activities 
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): JAWAD, Student of Chinese Language and Literature at Nangarhar University
5. various of the "Confucius Institute Day" activities 

STORYLINE:

About two decades ago, very few Afghans could speak Chinese. Nowadays, the number of Chinese-speaking Afghans and Chinese learners is on a constant rise as many students prefer to learn the language.

Sayed Karim Nemati, a sophomore in the Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University, said, "My objective is to learn about Chinese culture, its trade relations with Afghanistan and cultural relations between the two neighbors, as we have good relations with China and could learn from China's rich culture."
   
Another Afghan youth Jawad who learns Chinese in east Afghanistan's Nangarhar University believes that the number of youngsters learning Chinese is on the rise in the eastern region.
   
Despite challenges like textbook shortage, lack of teachers, and discouragement from learning foreign languages due to the local tradition, many young Afghans, according to Jawad, prefer to learn Chinese.     
   
Contesting in a public speaking competition of the Chinese language at Kabul University on Sept. 27, Jawad noted that China, boasting a rich culture, has been rapidly developing its economy. The nation's progress makes more Afghans believe their life can also be on a fast track if they learn the language.
   
The Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University marked the "Confucius Institute Day" in Kabul with organizing the competition among Chinese language learners.
   

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): HAMID GHULAMI, Lecturer of Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University
"Five teams competed in the public speaking competition of Chinese language, which was hosted by Kabul University and 17 persons found their way to the final."
   
Themed "Chinese Language and Me," the competition attracted some 120 guests from inside and outside the university. Competitors in their speeches revealed how and from when they began learning the Chinese language, their experience in China, and their moments during the Chinese language courses.
   
The Chinese language and literature department of Kabul University gives admission to some 50 students each year, Ghulami said, adding that currently, some 80 students are learning the Chinese language in the department.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): JAWAD, Student of Nangarhar University
"We should serve as a medium of communication and translate books from Chinese to our own language and make a source of knowledge."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul.
(XHTV)