STORY: Learning Chinese brings Aussie teens new telescope to explore world
SHOOTING TIME: May 26, 2024
DATELINE: May 27, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:22
LOCATION: SYDNEY, Australia
CATEGORY: CULTURE/EDUCATION 

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Australia Final of the 17th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition
2. various of Hallie Richards
3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): HALLIE RICHARDS, Student, Methodist Ladies' College
4. various of participants taking group photos
5. various of China's acting Consul General in Sydney Wang Chunsheng speaking
6. various of City of Sydney Deputy Mayor Robert Kok speaking

STORYLINE:

For many teenagers in culturally diverse Australia, mastering a new language other than English opens up an avenue to bond with friends of a different background in the same community, explores alternative ways of life, and views the whole wide world with a broader horizon.

The Australia Final of the 17th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students wrapped up in Sydney on Sunday, with the participation of 12 young contestants from all across the Oceanian country.

After taking a written test on basic knowledge in the opening round, the Australian teenagers walked onto the stage, delivering speeches that echoed the theme of "Fly High with Chinese."

In the final round, a spectrum of talent shows brought the competition to a climax, where the contenders dressed up in elaborate Chinese traditional clothing, such as Hanfu, Qipao and an entire set of Peking Opera costumes, to demonstrate their understanding of Chinese culture.

Among these skilled polyglots, some sang classical Chinese songs, like "Tian Mi Mi," while others were gifted musical instrument performers. They were not only adept at interpreting Chinese music with instruments such as the violin, flute and piccolo, but also excelled in playing the cucurbit flute, known as the Hulusi.

Moreover, the final round also featured performances of both traditional Chinese dance and modern hip-hop, and some contestants displayed their calligraphy abilities as well.

Hallie Richards from Methodist Ladies' College eventually emerged as the winner of this year's Australia Final.

With the support of her mother, Richards has been studying Chinese since the age of five. This year marks her second time competing in this Chinese proficiency event.

Growing up in Australia, a melting pot of diverse cultures, Richards has numerous Chinese friends and often visits their homes, during which she can speak with their parents and familiarize herself with Chinese customs.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): HALLIE RICHARDS, Student, Methodist Ladies' College
"I chose to learn Chinese because when I was little, my mother said to me that there are many people in the world that speak Chinese, so I want you to learn Chinese. So now I am very happy that I can go to China for the final competition."

During the event, China's acting Consul General in Sydney Wang Chunsheng pointed out that the Chinese language embodies the extensive and profound history and culture of China, with the number of people learning Chinese in Australia having surged to 190,000.

He hoped that more Australian friends would love learning Chinese, pay more visits to China, share their first-hand experiences of China-Australia exchanges, and help enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
   
As per the Chinese consulate general in Sydney, the organizer of the Australia final, top performers are expected to travel to China for the global championship.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Sydney, Australia.
(XHTV)