Source: School of Chinese as a Second Language
Written by: School of Chinese as a Second Language
Translated by: Kang Jie
Photo by: Zhang Min
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On September 17, a Chinese cultural salon on Mid-Autumn Festival was held in the office building of School of Chinese as a Second Language (SCSL). Nearly 80 international freshmen from 18 countries participated in the activity.

First, Ma Yujun, who used to be a Chinese volunteer teacher in South Africa, introduced the history and customs of Mid-Autumn Festival by a vivid animated film. Then, the international students got a comprehensive understanding of the Mid-Autumn Festival through moon cakes, Chinese lanterns, Chinese songs and poems of Tang Dynasty.

There was no doubt that moon cakes played a very important part in this salon. The students tasted different kinds of moon cakes, including traditional and new flavors. When the moon cakes imprinted with the logo and motto of Sun Yat-sen University appeared, the students couldn’t help cheering.
In order to increase interest participation, the salon also designed a painting lantern session. The international students used their artistic gift to create many beautiful works.

In the Chinese language session, the international students chorused the Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart” and intoned the famous Chinese verse — "Though far apart, we all share the beautiful moment when the bright moon rises above the sea".

Finally, the international students received blessing cards from students of Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL). And they also wrote their own wishes.

The Chinese cultural salons are hosted by SCSL with the aim to help international students get a better understanding of Chinese culture and to increase communication between Chinese and international students. Every semester, 3 or 4 salons are organized by MTCSOL students, which are welcomed by international students.