By Dong Na

To celebrate the 15th UN Chinese Language Day, a special online event brought together students from Ningbo University, UC Berkeley, and Kent State University to recite and explore the San Zi Jing, or the Three-Character Classic.

Written by Wang Yinglin, a native of Yinzhou, Ningbo, the Three-Character Classic is revered for its deep moral and familial teachings. It has remained a cornerstone of values education in Ningbo and Zhejiang for generations

The students of Ningbo University showcased the richness of Chinese culture through engaging and vivid presentations, captivating their international counterparts. An interactive session highlighted the popularity of Chinese idiom stories, such as "Kong Rong Giving Away the Bigger Pears", among the students at Kent State University. "It was a lot of fun and very beneficial. I hope to have more opportunities to interact with Chinese friends," said Johathan, one of the American students.

The celebration was complemented by two in-person events in Ningbo and the United States, where students delved into discussions on the historical, cultural, and contemporary relevance of the Three-Character Classic.

Since January 2024, Ningbo University has stepped up its efforts to promote the Three-Character Classic internationally, exploring innovative ways to engage global audiences with Chinese culture.

A bilingual illustrated book version created by the students has already made its way into Confucius Institutes across Iceland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Serbia, Hungary, and France, receiving positive feedback.

"This new format has been well received by overseas learners with a foundation in Chinese, and we will continue to explore its value," stated Yang Huiling, a professor at the Confucius Institute in Krakow, Poland.

Professor Xin Hongjuan, vice president of East Zhejiang Cultural Research Institute, emphasized the global importance of promoting Chinese classics. "Introducing outstanding Chinese literature to the world greatly benefits the exchange between Chinese and international cultures and aids in the innovative development and understanding of the Chinese language in this era of globalization," she said.