The final round of the 2004 Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, also known as the "Chinese Bridge" competition, will be held in Beijing from August 7 to 12. The contestants' Chinese language ability and knowledge of China and its culture will be tested.
The preliminary rounds, which were held abroad, were conducted jointly by the education and culture sections of the Chinese embassies and consulates general, Chinese teachers sent abroad by the government and local universities. A total of 75 contestants were selected in 35 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, the United States, France, Italy, England and Australia.
The annual event is sponsored by the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (NOCFL).
"The theme of this year's competition is 'China, a Country with a Splendid Culture,' showcasing the splendid history and culture of country and helping the world understand more about it," said NOCFL Deputy Director Zhang Guoqing at a Friday press conference in Beijing.
As in previous years, the three top prizewinners will be given the title, "Envoy of Chinese Language" and will receive full scholarships to study for a degree in China as well as roundtrip air tickets. The five second-prize winners will receive scholarships for a 4- to 6-week study program in China during summer vacation, plus roundtrip air tickets. The eight third-prize winners will receive roundtrip air tickets and a 15-day China Culture Tour.
This year, a series of new individual awards is being introduced: best presentation skill, best scholarship, best charisma and best stage presence.
The semifinal round was canceled this year. The 75 contestants will be divided into five groups and there will be five final contests. Scores awarded by the evaluation panel will determine the final winners.
In the first Chinese Bridge competition in 2002, 49 contestants from 21 countries entered; 63 contestants from 28 countries made it to the semifinals last year.
All the contestants this year plan to take the opportunity to visit Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai after the contest.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Lin, July 31, 2004)
