Confucius Institute Welcomes New Mandarin Teachers with Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
Release Time: 2024-09-19Views:
On 17 September, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Chinese lunar calendar, the USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (DMU CI) hosted a festive reception to welcome its new cohort of Mandarin teachers. This event also served as a celebration of one of China’s most cherished traditional holidays.
The gathering was graced by several distinguished attendees, including Ms. GU Wei, Co-Director of the USTB-DMU Confucius Institute, Professor Louise Peacock, Chair of the DMU CI Management Board and Head of the School of Humanities, Ms. Lisa Lewis, Interim Head of Faculty Operations of ADH and other Board Members of DMU CI as well.
Ms. GU Wei opened the event with a warm and heartfelt speech, extending her welcome to the newly arrived teachers and honoured guests. She took the opportunity to briefly introduce the origins, customs, and symbolic foods associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering insight into the rich traditions and cultural significance of this celebrated reunion holiday.
Following Ms. Gu’s address, Professor Louise Peacock expressed her warm greetings to the new teachers, highlighting the critical contributions and enduring support of the Confucius Institute in fostering cross-cultural exchange. She commended the CI's achievements and stressed DMU's commitment to furthering cultural understanding through language and education.
In an engaging and convivial atmosphere, each new Mandarin teacher introduced themselves, sharing their personal excitement and aspirations for the year ahead. Their introductions created an atmosphere of anticipation and camaraderie. Other guests also expressed their warm welcome to the new teachers and their best wishes.
As the formal proceedings concluded, guests were treated to traditional Mid-Autumn delicacies, including the iconic mooncakes, which were met with much appreciation. The new teachers then delighted the audience with a captivating talent showcase, including performance of traditional Chinese bamboo flute, Chinese folk dances and a stunning Tai Chi Fan dance, earning resounding applause and cheers from the audience.
As the event drew to a close, the CI teachers extended their heartfelt wishes to the attendees and took a group photos with the guests to mark the event.
The celebration not only welcomed the new Mandarin teachers but also reinforced the family-oriented spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival, fostering a sense of belonging among the teachers in their new environment. Moreover, the event also successfully brought the vibrancy of Chinese cultural traditions to DMU, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the cultural richness behind the Mid-Autumn Festival.
First Draft: Jiaying LIU
Revision: Wei GU & Jieli LIU
