UIC's Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLCC) of the School of General Education hosted its Chinese Talent Show on 11 December 2024, bringing together students and faculty to celebrate language, culture, and creativity.
Group photo
The event, held in a lively and festive atmosphere, has shown the impressive linguistic and cultural achievements of exchange and international students enrolled in Chinese language courses. Hosted by Ms Angela Liu from CLCC and Claudia Gandini from the Intermediate Chinese I class, the show included activities such as stage comedy, pitch-pot, Chinese song performances, and charades.
Dr Wilhelmus Warmenhoven (left) and Mr Andrew Peat (right) perform the comedy "Food Ordering (Dian Cai)"
Chinese folk game "Pass the Parcel (Ji Gu Chuan Hua)"
Participants play the traditional Chinese game "Pitch-pot (Tou Hu)"
CLCC teacher Ms Michelle Wang (left) present the Lucky Draw 3rd Place Prizes to recipients
Students from the Intermediate Chinese I class perform the Chinese song "Snowflakes Float (Xue Hua Piao Piao)"
Students from the Intermediate Chinese II class present the show "Gold-Medal Tour Guide (Jin Pai Dao You)"
Students playing charades in Chinese
CLCC teacher Ms Candy Cai (middle) presents the Lucky Draw 2nd Place Prizes to the student recipients
Students from the class of Elementary Chinese I performing song "Super Idol (Re Ai 105 Du De Ni)"
Students of the class of Elementary Chinese I teach participants the dance "Subject Three (Ke Mu San)"
CLCC teacher and course convener Dr Jenny Cui (left) presents the Lucky Draw 1st Place Prize to Nil Colakoglu (right)
This year's talent show held special significance as it continued to build on the success of previous years, symbolising the growing cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among the diverse UIC community.
International and exchange students watching performances
Participants also shared how learning Chinese had deepened their understanding of Chinese culture and strengthened their bonds with classmates and teachers.
"When I use phrases that I've learned in class to order food in the canteen, the Shifus are always so kind and encouraging. They smile when I try my best to order without a translator, which makes me feel how welcoming and supportive Chinese culture is. It's not just about learning the language, it's about connecting with people from different cultures and their kindness," said Amal Tleuliyeva from the Elementary Chinese I class.
Danelya Serik (left) and Amal Tleuliyeva (right) from Kazakhstan
"Chinese talent show gave me a chance to develop stronger bonds with teachers because I happened to know some of them and being there makes me feel like we share the same stuff," said Christopher Owen from the Intermediate Chinese I class.
The Chinese Talent show was also a great opportunity for both students and teachers to relax during the final weeks, "I am happy to see that everyone's having fun and catching some breaks during final weeks," said Alesia Tykhonova, who is currently studying for HSK 2 by herself.
Ms Candy Cai (left), Avril Wu (middle) and Alesia Tykhonova (left)
The event concluded with heartfelt speeches and a celebratory farewell to mark the end of a fruitful semester. The students expressed their gratitude for the enriching experience, promising to carry the lessons and memories of their time at UIC with them.
New year gifts
Overall, this celebration provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions, explore the richness of the language, and build connections across cultural boundaries. It not only showcased the talent of the class, but also brought a diverse community together and closer.
From SGE and MPRO
Reporter: Avril Wu
Photographers: Season Li, Hanna He
Editor: Peter Erickson, Cecilia Yu
