There was a time when she was "scared to look at", Nguyet Quynh gradually loved and passed the Chinese language class, winning second prize in the world's largest Chinese speaking contest.
Le Nguyet Quynh, who lives in Hanoi, is a 12th grader majoring in Chinese at the Foreign Language High School, Hanoi National University. Last month, Quynh was the only Vietnamese student to participate in the Chinese Bridge Competition in China, competing with 110 contestants from 96 countries and territories. In the end, the female language major won second prize.
"When my name was called, my emotions were mixed, a little regretful, but more than that, I was happy. At first, I only set a goal of being in the top 30," Quynh recalled.
Nguyet Quynh at the 2023 Chinese Bridge Competition. Photo: Provided by the character
Quynh said she started learning Chinese in 6th grade, following her mother's direction. Her mother advised her to learn another foreign language, besides English. Because her best friend also chose Chinese, thinking she would be able to study with her friend, Quynh followed her mother's lead even though she didn't like the language yet.
Quynh was overwhelmed when she asked to join the extra class when her friends had already been studying for two weeks. "Every time she saw the words, she was scared." She received 1-2 private tutoring sessions from her teacher and was praised for her "talent in learning languages". Quynh was encouraged to try to catch up with her friends.
Knowing that Quynh was studying Chinese, one time when she returned to her hometown in Nghe An, her grandparents asked Quynh to help them read the words printed on the banner in the church. Seeing their granddaughter read clearly and explain the meaning to them, the grandparents were very excited. As for Quynh, that was the time she felt her own progress most clearly, becoming the motivation to continue pursuing Chinese.
The more she studied, the more she improved and loved this foreign language. Quynh changed her orientation from taking the Math exam to taking the Chinese class at the Foreign Language Specialized High School. She was one of the few candidates who registered for the entrance exam in Chinese, scored more than 9 points in this subject and was admitted.
"I officially started studying Chinese systematically and deeply from then on," Quynh said.
The Chinese Bridge Competition is organized annually by the Confucius Institute. This is the world's largest international competition for students and university students who love Chinese (two separate groups compete). To represent Vietnam in the international competition, students must win first prize in the national round.
At the end of 10th grade, Nguyet Quynh tried this contest for the first time. She did not perform well in the talent competition, so she only received a consolation prize and did not have the opportunity to compete internationally. In April this year, although her family was worried that the competition would be too much for Quynh because it was the time to review for semester exams, the student was determined to try again.
"Because I was better prepared, I won first place. After several years of online competitions due to Covid, this year's final round was held live in China. I have never been abroad before so I am very happy," Quynh said.
Quynh had 5 months of studying with her teacher - Master Chu Minh Ngoc, Chinese teacher, Foreign Language High School. Ms. Ngoc said that the two of them read a lot of books about Chinese culture and history, practiced exam content such as eloquence, arranging words into sentences, explaining words...
In addition to studying with Ms. Ngoc, Quynh practices public speaking, sings opera, and records videos every day. This helps Quynh correct mispronounced words, improve her expressions, and improve her performance. Because she still follows a class schedule, there are days when she has to study until 2 a.m.
Quynh watches Chinese programs and movies both for entertainment and to improve listening comprehension skills and learn the speaking intonation of native speakers.
Quynh got to visit the Great Wall while participating in the contest. Photo: Character provided
The final round took place from October 17 to 31. More than 100 contestants went through knowledge, eloquence and talent competitions to select the top 30. Because Asian contestants have an advantage in learning Chinese, to ensure fairness, the organizers divided the contestants by continent, with the same quota for each region to enter the next round. After that, the contestants continued to compete in knowledge and eloquence with the questions given one day in advance.
This year’s speaking section required contestants to talk about an animal that is a close friend for two minutes. Quynh assessed that the topic was familiar, but difficult to talk about, so she chose the safe option and shared memories of her pet dog at home.
The contestants had to perform outdoors, in front of a panda cage in the hot sun. Because she was so nervous, Quynh forgot what she had prepared and left a lot of time empty.
"I tried to think but couldn't remember, sweating profusely. When the organizers showed the time remaining, 30 seconds, I had to quickly end my essay with regret," Quynh said.
To make up for her less-than-desirable speaking performance, Quynh completed the knowledge test well with 13/15 correct answers. In the end, the Vietnamese female student won second prize, received a trophy and a one-year scholarship to study international Chinese at any university in China.
Ms. Ngoc assessed that Quynh spoke Chinese fluently, had standard pronunciation, good colloquialism, and was able to respond to questions on the spot. According to the teacher, Quynh's current Chinese proficiency is at HSK6, the highest level on the international Chinese proficiency scale.
In addition, the female student also has many talents such as singing, playing guitar, piano and dance sports, is very active when communicating and sociable with friends.
"I think Quynh is suitable to become a teacher," said Ms. Ngoc.
Quynh and Ms. Ngoc after receiving the second prize in the final round of Chinese Bridge 2023. Photo: Foreign Language High School
Coming to Chinese by chance, Quynh never thought she could go this far and win an international award. In the immediate future, the female student is trying to complete her final year at the Foreign Language High School, while preparing her application for a scholarship to study in China in 2024.
"I want to study Economics at a school in Beijing. I hope that winning second prize in the Chinese Bridge contest will be a plus point in my study abroad application," Quynh said.
Vnexpress.net
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