Chinese Language: Connecting Cultures through the Bridge of Mutual Learning
I. Background:
The United Nations Chinese Language Day is an annual commemorative event initiated by the United Nations, held on April 20th each year. It celebrates language and cultural diversity, advocating for the equal use of the six official languages of the United Nations in its work. Chinese Language Day was proposed in 2010, and April 20th was chosen to commemorate Cangjie, the mythical figure who is said to have created Chinese characters five thousand years ago. This choice commemorates Cangjie's contribution to the Chinese language, as described in "The Book of Huainanzi."
Date and Time: April 19, 2024, from 13:00 to 16:30
Location: Level 10, 67 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland
Event:
(I) Exhibition of Traditional Chinese Cultural Attire and Headwear Works by the 2022 Stage Makeup Class of the Central Academy of Drama
(II) Exhibition of Traditional Chinese Language - Quyi ( kuaiban Chinese Bamboo Clappers: Mr. Zhang Zhikuan, a renowned Chinese Quyi artist, and his student.
Zhang Zhikuan, born in 1945 in Shenzhou City, Hebei Province, is a national first-class actor, renowned for his performances in "Kuaiban Shu" (a traditional Chinese storytelling art form) and cross-talk.
He is also recognized as an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage for his mastery of Kuaiban Shu. He has served as the Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Quyi Troupe and the Secretary-General of the Tianjin Quyi Artists Association. Additionally, he has held positions as a council member of the China Quyi Artists Association, the President of the China Kuaiban Art Committee, and the Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Quyi Artists Association.
Zhang Zhikuan is honored to receive the "Special Government Allowance" awarded by the State Council.
张志宽，1945年出生于河北省深州市，国家一级演员，著名快板书和相声表演艺术家，快板书非物质文化遗产传承人。他曾担任天津市曲艺团副团长及天津市曲艺家协会秘书长，中国曲艺家协会理事、中国快板艺术委员会会长以及天津市曲艺家协会副主席等。张志宽享受国务院颁发的“政府特殊津贴”。
(III) Exhibition of Classical Chinese Musical Instruments: Gu Qin (ancient zither) and Guzheng (zither)
Gunqin, an ancient Chinese zither, embodies centuries of cultural richness and musical tradition. With its elegant design and delicate strings, Gunqin produces ethereal melodies that resonate through time. Revered for its role in classical Chinese music, this instrument symbolizes harmony, refinement, and the timeless beauty of Chinese artistry.
(IV) Exhibition of Tea and Incense in Traditional Chinese Culture: Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony
In the Song Dynasty, tea culture flourished, shaping China's social fabric and influencing global trade.
Embraced for its delicate flavours and therapeutic properties, tea became a symbol of refinement and hospitality. Scholars extolled its virtues in poetry and prose, while artisans crafted exquisite teaware.
Through serene gardens and bustling marketplaces, the Song Dynasty's love affair with tea captivated hearts and minds, leaving an enduring legacy.
Youth Roundtable Conference:
The Stories of Young New Zealanders and "Chinese Language"
Time: 13:25-14:00
Topic: "Gathering the Brilliance of Chinese Language: The Power of Language on an International Scale"
We sincerely look forward to seeing you all