The Story of Me and Chinese Language
My name is Eugene, an undergraduate student at Kenyatta University. My major is English Literature. I started learning Mandarin Chinese because I wanted a new experience in a new world. I had interacted with people of other races before and thought it was wise to learn a foreign language that could broaden my perspective as a literature student. Mandarin Chinese was my first option. I knew from projects such as the Thika Super Highway that China and Kenya have good relations. I thought that the adventure was worth undertaking. The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University has given me the platform to connect with other learners and compete in different activities as motivation for learning the language. During my learning of Mandarin Chinese, I have made contact with numerous Chinese people, taken part in Chinese cultural activities, studied Taiji Quan, and traveled to China alongside other international students.

Before learning Mandarin Chinese, I did not have a close connection with Chinese people. However, after deciding to learn, I connected with numerous Chinese people in Kenya and China. Contact with Chinese people has positively impacted my personality during my learning of the language. I have been challenged in many ways and continue being challenged as a student. I have made many Chinese friends and connect with them to learn from each other. For me, globalization means that different races come together to work towards making a better world for all mankind. Uniting for a common cause means it is easier to handle different challenges while exposing learners to different cultures and systems of education.

Taking part in Chinese cultural activities is one of the interesting highlights of my journey. I have been part of activities in Kenya and China. I was eager to learn Taiji and some dance moves which enabled me to perform on various occasions. The Confucius institute enabled me to perform during events held at Kenyatta University and outside venues such as the Chinese embassy in Kenya. Some of the celebrations include the Spring Festival and the Mid-Autumn festival. During these events, I got the chance to taste Chinese food in its different varieties. Additionally, when I was in China, I enjoyed hotpot, Beijing duck, dumplings, and many other dishes. During my stay, I enjoyed Peking Opera and learnt Chinese calligraphy and painting. I also tasted different types of Chinese tea and performed alongside other international students at the Beijing Language and Culture University. One performance was that of a famous Chinese song, ‘Molihua’

I have learned and continue to learn the art of Taiji Quan. When I joined Kenyatta University, a friend showed me the Confucius institute where I met other students with the same interest. The Taiji teacher was understanding and friendly. He spoke to us in both Chinese and English languages. This was helpful because it gave us confidence in meeting and interacting with other Chinese teachers. Taiji gave me contact with Chinese culture, an opportunity that was hard to find outside the university. I was able to meet other Chinese language students at the institute who also practiced Taiji. Our Taiji teacher, Mr. Wangsen was an experienced Taiji expert. He trained us and gave us exposure through performances inside and outside the university.

My first trip to China was for the Taiji Summer camp for countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. I met Taiji practitioners from all over the world. My Taiji teacher helped me secure the chance to China. He helped me apply for a spot by showcasing my videos and profile as a student. In China, the whole group was one and took part in activities together. We became good friends who interacted in many ways. Mandarin Chinese was the means of communication on most occasions. Together, we took part in Chinese Cultural activities. We played together, ate Chinese food and lived in the same hotel. Most of these international students came from other Confucius institutes around the world. The memories we had are my best highlights as a student. Now we keep connecting and sharing about our motherlands.

In conclusion, Mandarin Chinese has broadened my perspective and view of the world during this age. My decision to learn it is the reason I got a passport and a visa to explore the world. It is one of the widely spoken languages of the world with more than 1Billion speakers. On my Chinese journey, I have connected with foreigners from many countries and become personal friends. China was the place I met foreigners of different origins. Now I see that Mandarin Chinese and culture are a unifying factor for people of different races. I cannot wait to graduate and begin my profession with Mandarin Chinese as a bridge to a broad world of opportunities.