Public Engagement

Visit to Dominican College | Chinese Culture Campus Event at the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway

Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway hosted a cultural event at Dominican College on November 11th with a focus on the traditional Chinese art of lacquered fans. Numerous students with an interest in Chinese culture were drawn to the event, which gave them a close-up look at the distinctive appeal of this age-old skill.

Enhancing Knowledge of Chinese Art and Promoting Traditional Culture

The significance of lacquered fans in traditional Chinese culture and its historical antecedents were first explained to the students by instructor Xiaojia Xie. Students discovered through an interesting presentation that lacquered fans are an art form that reflects a distinctive Chinese style in addition to being useful equipment.

Practical Knowledge and Creative Expression

Students had the chance to create their own lacquered fans during the practical session under the instructor's guidance. Every stage was exciting and challenging, from choosing fan frames and lacquering to painting patterns and finishing touches.

The students created distinctive lacquered fan pieces as a way to show their creativity by fusing their cultural knowledge into fan patterns.

Appreciating the Craft and Sharing Creations

Students obtained a profound understanding of the complexity and delicate nature of traditional Chinese art through this event, in addition to learning the fundamentals of lacquered fan-making. Many people voiced their desire for additional chances to interact with and learn traditional Chinese crafts at the end of the program.

Introducing Culture to Campus and Creating a Chinese Language Bridge

Ren Li, the Confucius Institute's Chinese Director, gave the school books including Chinese Fairy Tales and Journey to the West at the event's conclusion. The Confucius Institute received sincere gratitude from Aoife, the teacher in charge of the teaching location, who said that the event enhanced the students' cultural experiences and deepened their understanding of Chinese language and culture.

 

Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at University of Galway will keep providing middle and high school students with a variety of cultural activities, increasing their exposure to Chinese culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and enabling young people to experience the distinct allure of traditional Chinese culture.

The Fourth Chinese Bridge-Chinese Show for Primary School Students in Ireland - 11th May 2024

The Fourth Chinese Bridge-Chinese Show for Primary School Students in Ireland was Successfully Held at the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway

The highly anticipated Fourth Chinese Bridge-Chinese show for Primary School students in Ireland concluded successfully at the University of Galway on May 11th. Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and organized by the Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway. The competition attracted 10 young contestants from across Ireland. It aimed to provide a platform for primary school students in Ireland to learn Chinese to showcase their language skills and understanding of Chinese culture. Over 60 guests, including representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, Post-Primary Languages Ireland, Confucius Institutes at University College Dublin and University College Cork, as well as parents of the contestants, attended the event.

The competition consisted of three segments: Chinese speeches, questions and answers on Chinese language and culture, and talent shows. Contestants demonstrated their strong foundation in the Chinese language and their passion for and understanding Chinese culture in each segment. Whether it was the articulate Chinese speeches, insightful knowledge of Chinese culture, or diverse talent displays, the audience was impressed throughout.

Amid intense competition, Eli Brinza from Waterford stood out and was crowned the champion of the competition. There was also a presentation of second and third prizes, including awards for the most popular contestant, outstanding guiding teachers, and best organization.

As one of the most popular competitions in Ireland, the Chinese Bridge-Chinese Show inspires primary school students to pursue their dreams and showcase their Chinese proficiency and cultural understanding. It also promotes cultural exchanges between China and Ireland, fostering friendly exchanges between the two peoples. This competition attracted numerous participants and ignited a passion for the Chinese language and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture among more Irish primary school students. This cultural event has laid a solid foundation for nurturing a new generation of friendly cooperation between China and Ireland.

Students from the Confucius Institute at University of Galway Once Again Achieve Outstanding Results in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Irish College Students

On April 21st, the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Irish College Students was held at the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin. A team from the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway participated in the competition led by Prof Ren Li, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, and one of the teachers Ms Yuanyuan Tang. Karyna Mizerkevych (Chinese name Mu Lin), a student from the school of languages, ultimately won the third prize in this competition.

The competition attracted 18 students from various universities including University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Cork, and University of Galway, showcasing their achievements in Chinese learning and the charm of Chinese culture.

In the preliminary round, Karyna Mizerkevych chose the theme "The Kun in My Heart" to explain her understanding of the Chinese mythological figure "Kun Peng" – "The Kun transforms into a Peng, with wings like clouds hanging in the sky." This famous quote inspired her to challenge herself, explore the unknown, and persevere in learning Chinese.

In the talent show segment, she wore a red dress and performed the traditional Chinese dance "Bugua," blending classical and modern elements with an Eastern flavour. Her outstanding performance allowed her to stand out and advance to the finals.

In the final round, Karyna Mizerkevych centred her speech around the theme of "One World, One Family," sharing her insights into Chinese history and culture gained through learning Chinese. She hoped that through the cultural bridge of the Chinese language, a world without barriers could be constructed. In the talent show segment, Lin Mu performed a rap song titled "One World," winning applause from the judges and audience alike, ultimately securing the third prize in the competition.

It is worth mentioning that since its first participation in such competitions last year, the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway has continuously achieved excellent results. The institute has attracted students from different countries to learn Chinese and Chinese culture by offering Chinese language courses during university lunch breaks. Karyna Mizerkevych is one of them. Through systematic learning of Chinese, she has deepened her understanding of Chinese culture and developed a desire to further her studies in China.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Galway will continue cultivating Chinese Bridge contestants, encourage more students to participate in Chinese learning, jointly display the charm of Chinese culture, and promote communication and understanding between different cultures.

Our Cultural Programmes for the delivery of events highlighting the Chinese Language, Culture and Medicine in Galway

Confucius Institute at University of Galway Shines with Chinese Culture at Ireland's St. Patrick's Day Celebration 2024

Once again, the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway shone brightly as it joined local Irish communities in celebrating St. Patrick's Day. This annual grand celebration unfolded across the streets of Galway on March 17th. The team organised by the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway participated in the festivities, captivating widespread attention, and admiration with its showcase of projects rich in Chinese characteristics and performances integrating ethnic traditions. This celebration saw a record-breaking participation with over 2,700 individuals from 65 groups.

The team from the Confucius Institute at the University of Galway that participated in the St. Patrick's Day parade comprised nearly 50 Chinese international students and local Chinese residents, which was significantly larger in scale than in previous years. The procession prominently displayed vibrant Chinese elements such as dragon dances, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese ethnic costumes, while also delighting the local children with adorable panda mascots. The Confucius Institute team also distributed vouchers for institute courses and activities to parade participants, allowing more people to learn about and experience Chinese culture.

Attendees expressed their deepened understanding of Chinese culture and the exchange and integration of cultures between China and Ireland through the splendid performances and interactive experiences provided by the Confucius Institute team. This St. Patrick's Day event not only brought joy and surprises to local residents but also provided new opportunities for the promotion of the Confucius Institute at Galway University in the local community.

The Confucius Institute at Galway University will continue to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Ireland, tirelessly striving to strengthen friendship and understanding between the peoples of both countries.

The 2024 Chinese New Year Gala and the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Confucius Institute were grandly held

On February 23rd, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon and mark the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine at Galway University, a grand New Year Gala and fifth-anniversary celebration event was held at Galway University, hosted by the Confucius Institute. The event was supported by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, the Galway City Council, and The University of Galway. The theme of the event was "Dragon Soaring Across the Seas, One Family," bringing together over two hundred Chinese nationals, overseas Chinese, local residents, as well as representatives from the Confucius Institutes at the University of Dublin and University College Cork.

The cultural and artistic part of the evening centred around the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. The performance opened with the Chinese song "Jasmine" by the Galway City Indoor Choir, followed by diverse presentations from Galway University faculty, students, international students, and local Chinese residents, featuring magic, songs, and dances that showcased cultural diversity. The Tai Chi performance by the Confucius Institute demonstrated the concept of balance, harmony, and internal-external cultivation in Chinese culture, providing the audience with a visually soothing experience. Highlighted by the enchanting melodies of traditional Chinese and Western instruments such as violin, guzheng, erhu, and hulusi, the musical performance added a special touch to the evening.

Notice on the Final of the 3rd “Chinese Bridge” World Primary School Chinese Show in Ireland

Background of Project

The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese language competition and talent show for world students (excluding Chinese nationals) has been held in Ireland for more than ten years. The competition is hosted by the Embassy of the PRC in Ireland and has always received strong support from various Irish universities and Confucius Institutes in Ireland. Students participating in the competition are enthusiastic.

In 2023, hosted by the Embassy of the P.R.C in Ireland and hosted by the Confucius Institute of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway, the final of the third “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Language Competition for Primary School Students in Ireland will be held in Galway on May 13, 2023. The competition aims to provide a stage for young children and students in Ireland to demonstrate their Chinese language skills, and promote mutual learning and exchange of understanding of the Chinese language and Chinese culture through the competition. Welcome Irish primary school Chinese learners to sign up actively and look forward to your wonderful performance!

Host: Embassy of the P.R.C in Ireland

Organizer: Confucius Institute of Chinese and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Galway