On the afternoon of June 11, the finals of “FLTRP·ETIC Cup” “Understanding Contemporary China” The 24th English Public Speaking Contest concluded in Bingling Hall, Kechuang Building. The event was hosted by Jianghan University and co-organized by the Academic Affairs Office, the School of Foreign Languages, and the School of International Education. Vice President Liu Jiyan attended and gave remarks.
In his remarks, Liu noted that language serves as both a bridge for communication and a bond for mutual learning among civilizations. This year’s contest, he said, is intended to guide young people to reflect deeply on how China can showcase its Eastern charm and contribute Chinese wisdom in the garden of world civilizations. He encouraged students to use the contest as the catalyst for learning, to convey Eastern wisdom through foreign languages, and to build bridges connecting China and the world.
Under the theme “China in the Garden of Civilizations,” the contest aimed to guide young students in telling China’s stories effectively and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. In the prepared-speech and impromptu-speech rounds, ten finalists competed fiercely on the theme. Skillfully selecting concrete imagery—tea, silk, and high-speed rail, among others—and weaving it together with personal experiences, they vividly interpreted the inheritance and mutual learning of civilizations, demonstrating quick thinking and strong intercultural competence. After the contest, judge Fu Shiwei shared her feedbcak: while commending the contestants for their effective use of personal narratives, she advised future participants to place greater emphasis on factual accuracy, natural delivery, and logical construction.
The finals awarded two first prizes, four second prizes, and four third prizes, with attending leaders and judges presenting the awards. As a flagship foreign-language event at JHU, the contest not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also served as a vital practical classroom for honing international communication skills and fostering a deep sense of national pride and responsibility. It vividly demonstrated the open, inclusive and confident demeanor of contemporary Chinese youth.
By Wang Liang, Chen Minying, Li Sha and Liu Jin