CRI听力：Chinese Singing Contest among International Students in Beijing

The 2007 Chinese singing contest was held recently among international students from universities and colleges in Beijing. Many of the participants said they love Chinese music, which they consider to be a fascinating part of the Chinese culture. Let's follow our reporter He Fei to get a closer look.

Reporter:

About 200 international students from 36 universities in Beijing took part in the contest. They come from 35 countries, including Korea, Russia, Malaysia, the U.S. and Indonesia.

Lim Wen Suen is a Malaysian currently studying Chinese folk music at the Chinese Conservatory of Music.
Lim has had a keen interest in Chinese folk music since childhood. studying music here has further deepened her understanding of Chinese music.

"Chinese folk songs are very interesting. They are based on something like a pentatonic scale, or five tones, which I think is different from western music. The method of using the sound is also different. Chinese folk songs, like veteran folk singer Song Zuying's 'Spicy Girls,' as well as 'Little Running River,' and 'I Love You, Saibei Snow,' have rhythms that are all quite 'Chinese' -- very sharp and shrill, but really easy to listen to."

Sixteen singers made it to the final round of the contest, held at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing.
Noh Seung Woo from South Korea won the hearts of the audience with popular tune "I Believe."

Noh is a student at Beijing Normal University who was attracted to the city because of his admiration for the Chinese culture and language. Although he has only been in the country for three months, he has found both living and studying in China enjoyable, particularly when learning through song.

"Taking part in such a contest will help me learn the Chinese language, as well as the Chinese culture. In addition to the song I just sang, I have also learned many other Chinese songs by heart."

Most international students have come to China to experience the culture while learning the language. And Chinese music is an essential part of that culture. The singing contest provides a fun opportunity for them to enhance their understanding and communication.

Professor Meng Xinyang from the Central University for Nationalities was one of the competition judges. He said choosing the winners gave him a headache.

"Their overall performance was very impressive, which made it hard for the judges to decide. I think these foreign students all have a very deep understanding of our Chinese culture. It's not only a matter of language. They know what they are singing, and they have a clear understanding about the lyrics. That's what surprised me the most."

In the end, four singers won first prize in the contest.

The host of the contest is also an international student. Four years ago, Francis Tchiegue came here from Cameroon out of his admiration for Chinese culture and history. Now he speaks fluent Chinese.

"I think Chinese culture is really profound. Before I came here, I thought China was the same as other countries, with no big differences. The only thing I thought would be different was their skin color. But when you are here, you find it's just like another world, with such a rich culture. I would suggest more foreigners come and live in China for some time. I think China is great."

Every year, various cultural activities for international students take place in Beijing.

In 2005, a Chinese speech contest was held in the Beijing Century Theater. In keeping with the theme "Beijing, in My Eyes," participants told stories about their lives, studies and personal experiences in Beijing.

In 2006, international students participated in a table tennis competition.

Over 60,000 international students are studying in Beijing. These activities not only improve their friendships, but also help them feel more at home in China.