Suzhou expat wins second prize at Jiangsu Chinese speech contest

The final of the 3rd Jiangsu Province "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" Chinese Speech Competition concluded successfully in Nanjing recently. Michael James Hinds, a high school math teacher from Arkansas, USA, who had been working in Kunshan for only a month, represented Suzhou and won the second prize. With his strong Chinese language skills and insightful understanding of Chinese characters, he captivated the audience with a speech that combined "explaining Chinese characters" with his cross-cultural experiences.

The competition was jointly organized by the Jiangsu Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (JSPAFFC) and Xinhua Daily Media Group, and hosted by the People's Associations for Friendship with Foreign Countries of 13 cities within Jiangsu, as well as the Yangtse Evening Post.

The competition's theme was "Beyond Mountains and Seas, A Connection to Jiangsu," focusing on diverse interpretations of the word " 超 " (to exceed). This theme not only echoed the spirit of unity, hard work, and courage inherent in the "Jiangsu Football City League" but also used language as a bridge to promote mutual cultural understanding. After a rigorous selection process from the 13 cities of the province, 13 contestants from 12 countries across four continents advanced to the finals.

Although Michael had just arrived in Kunshan, he already deeply appreciated the unique charm of the city. Holding a bachelor's degree in pure mathematics and a master's degree in educational research, he chose Kunshan as his new home after more than ten years of teaching experience in both China and the United States. In the final, Michael centered his speech on the art of "explaining Chinese characters," analyzing the structure and meaning of the word " 超 ." He combined his personal experiences of living and teaching across borders, as well as his thoughts on different cultures, to vividly illustrate how language collisions and the fusion of thinking can lead to "exceeding" limits. His fluent Chinese expression, innovative perspective, and sincere emotional delivery were highly praised by the panel of judges, composed of university scholars, senior media professionals, and cultural experts. This foreign friend, who candidly expressed his wish to "spend his life in China and care for his mother-in-law," conveyed a deep recognition and love for Chinese culture through his speech.

At the end of the competition, the 13 contestants, each holding their respective national flags, took the stage to interact warmly with the representatives from the PAFFC of 13 cities within Jiangsu, as well as their mentors, who held Chinese flags. The vibrant display of both Chinese and foreign flags, along with the energetic city slogans, vividly embodied the theme of the competition, "Beyond Mountains and Seas, A Connection to Jiangsu." Michael James Hinds's award not only showcased his personal achievements in learning Chinese but also highlighted Kunshan's continued success in optimizing its international business and living environment, attracting global talent.

Source: Kunshan Foreign Affairs