Chongqing - "Life is precious in the confidant, the four seas meet flesh and blood relatives. I feel at home on the Chinese Poetry Conference," said Ifeoma Amuche Gladys, a Nigerian girl who studies in the International College of Southwest University in Chongqing.
The Chinese Poetry Conference brings together amateurs and scholars through a competition aiming to rekindle people's appreciation for Chinese poetry. Gladys, or her Chinese name, Chen Yue, is one of the enthusiastic poetry amateurs in this show.
"I hope to learn Chinese culture well and become a China-savvy," said Chen.
Ifeoma Amuche Gladys, or Chen Yue, a Nigerian girl, participated in the Chinese Poetry Conference. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Connected with Chinese poetry
Back in 2016, when Chen was in Nigeria, she contacted the Confucius Institute by chance. "I found that Chinese culture is so profound." So she set a goal to learn Chinese and go to China.
After more than two years of Chinese study, Chen came to Chongqing and got admitted into Southwest University in September 2019.
Before my bed, a pool of light—
O can it be hoar-frost on the ground?
Looking up, I find the moon bright;
Bowing, in homesickness, I'm drowned.
"Thoughts on a Tranquil Night" is the first poem that Chen studied after coming to China. Because of this poetry, Chen admires Li Bai, a Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Heaven has made our talents, we're not made in vain.
A thousand gold coins spent, more will turn up again.
This Li Bai's phrase has become Chen's motto, "I want to be like him. See my value, and live my life calmly."
Ifeoma Amuche Gladys, or Chen Yue, took part in the school activities at Southwest University. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Hope to be China-savvy
"To learn Chinese poetry, passion is important," Chen said. She gets her recipe - watching costume dramas.
"While watching the drama, I will take a pen to record the idioms that appear on TV." Chen opens her mobile phone album to show the notebook full of idioms, and the notes are clean and tidy.
"Many international students love Chinese poetry like Chen," said Qiu Rui, associate professor of the International College of Southwest University.
"The college has organized a Chinese poetry recitation group. It also held a poetry conference for international students, with poetry quizzes and role-playing activities to experience Chinese poetry vividly."
Qiu also admitted that it is difficult for foreigners to learn ancient Chinese poetry. For example, the moon is the poetic imagery of homesickness in Chinese poetry, but it is difficult for foreigners to understand at first. "After each class, Chen will discuss poems with me and learn and recite one every week," said Qiu.
22-year-old Chen has decided to study further, hoping to be a professional conference interpreter after graduation and become China-savvy.