Beijing, July 10 (IANS) A total of 31 diplomats from 16 countries attended the first Chinese language programme that included classes on culture, opera, paper cutting, calligraphy and shadow boxing.
The study programme concluded Saturday, Xinhua reported citing the Chinese Language Council International.
The programme, which started Feb 27 with a two-hour class every Saturday, attracted 31 diplomats from 16 countries, including Slovenia, Benin, Poland, Cameroon, Kenya, Nepal, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Mexico, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.
‘We have a lot to do in China and that makes us feel that it is necessary to learn Chinese. Not only have we learnt the Chinese language, we have also made friends with the dedicated teachers and volunteer students,’ Tadeusz Chomicki, Polish ambassador to China, was quoted as saying.
During the classes, the diplomats learned how to greet others, shop and ask the time in Chinese.
‘Their enthusiasm towards the Chinese language has moved us a lot,’ Xu Lin, director-general of the council, said.
To meet the demand of more foreign diplomats willing to learn Chinese, the next Chinese language programme will be held in September, Xu said.
