Trent University Chinese Program of Languages and Linguistics On Display at Its 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition

The Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition for Foreign University Students was successfully at Trent University on Saturday.

Dr. Shaoling Wang (left) and third-place winner Antonella Batchi (right). Batachi competed and placed in the top three despite having studied only one semester of Chinese. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The event was organized by the Chinese Program of Languages and Linguistics (L&L) and sponsored by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation in China, as well as the Education Division of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto.

This year’s competition was especially significant as it marked the 25th anniversary of the globally recognized event. The theme, ‘One World, One Family,’ which emphasized cross-cultural understanding and global connection.

The competition consisted of two parts: a speech and a cultural talent performance. According to a press release, participants demonstrated not only linguistic ability but also creativity and cultural appreciation through performances tied to Chinese traditions. The event also featured special guest performances, including a Comic Cross Talk presentation by Mr. Qining Wang and Heliang Yu of the Toronto Happy Laughing Association, and a traditional dance by students from Queen’s University, adding further cultural richness and audience engagement to the program.

Dr. Shaoling Wang from Trent’s Chinese Program of L&L has long been involved in the event, serving both as an adjudicator and as a dedicated mentor preparing students for participation. In earlier years, Trent University had limited recognition and support for the event, with most funding directed toward larger institutions. Through continued effort and advocacy, Dr. Wang successfully secured funding this year, enabling Trent’s Chinese Program to host the competition—an important milestone for the university.

Students trained by Dr. Wang have achieved notable success in past competitions, earning first-, second- and third-place prizes. This year, two of her students, Antonella Batchi and Magali Nichol, participated in the contest.

Although Magali Nichol was unable to compete in person due to a recent move, she submitted pre-recorded entries for both components of the competition. Her talent performance featured a traditional Chinese folk song played on the piano, demonstrating both musical skill and cultural appreciation.

Antonella Batchi earned third prize, despite that she had studied Chinese for only one semester. Batachi recited a poem by a Tang Dynasty poet reflecting on enduring friendship despite distance, aligning with the competition theme.

The competition brought together participants from multiple institutions, including Trent University, the University of Toronto (Scarborough, St. George, and Mississauga campuses), and Toronto Metropolitan University. The first and 2 second prize winners came from the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and Mississauga campus, and they are Thuy Nguyen, Brendan Webster and Harshita Nagireddy, respectively, while the remaining two third prize winners (a total of three) are Alon Averbouch and Bobbi Rimrott, represented the University of Toronto St. George campus and Toronto Metropolitan University. The remaining contestants also contributed to the strong level of competition. The MC of the event was last year’s first prize winner of the competition, Elizabeth Schunner, who graduated from the University of Waterloo. She used both Chinese and English to connect the contestants and the audience.

To make the competition more transparent and fair, the organizing committee invited adjudicators experienced in Chinese language teaching outside the university system. They are: Mr. Tian Yang from the International Language, Peel District School Board; Ms. Yuanzhi Cai from the International Language, Toronto District School Board; Ms. Ling Yu, retired from Havergal College; Ms. Jinghua Li from Hong He Chinese School, Waterloo and Ms. Jingming Li from Upper Canada College.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Trent University’s Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and Languages and Linguistics Coordinator, Dr. Martin Boyne; Counselor Meng Zhang and Consul Ying Wang of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto – Education Division; and Allie Bonner from the office of Peterborough MP Emma Harrison. They delivered opening and closing remarks, recognizing the importance of the event and celebrating participants' achievements.

As Dr. Shaoling Wang noted, events such as the Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition not only promote awareness of the Chinese language and culture and highlight the host institution, but also, most importantly, provide valuable opportunities for student volunteers to develop teamwork and organizational skills.

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