Sunday | 18 May 2025 | Reg No- 06
Bangla
   
Bangla | Sunday | 18 May 2025 | Epaper
BREAKING: ● Now ACC starts probe against Hasina for acquiring illegal wealth       ● SI killed in train accident at Uttara      ● Security adviser Khalilur rejects BNP's foreign citizenship claim      ● Gaza rescuers say children among 33 killed in Israeli strikes      ● Ishraque's supporters block Nagar Bhaban's main entrance, services suspended      ● BB reserve heist: Court defers probe report submission date      ● ADSM removes 3 key members in Ctg      

UN Chinese Language Day today 

Published : Sunday, 20 April, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 458
Mahmuda Begum Sinthia
Today, the 2025 United Nations Chinese Language Day is being celebrated worldwide on April 20, under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space." This annual observance promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity, honoring the Chinese language's historical and cultural significance.

From the earliest oracle bone inscriptions to modern regular and cursive scripts, each character serves as a timeless capsule preserving the essence of China's 5,000-year civilization. In the world, this language carries unique significance across different cultures. Its cultural evolution and the meanings it has taken on throughout Chinese history. It is more than a celebration of a language.

Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in international diplomacy. It is a global recognition of the richness, history, and influence of Chinese civilisation. Established by the United Nations in 2010, this day marks the legendary creation and highlights the importance of linguistic diversity, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding in a rapidly globalizing world.

"Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space" highlights the enduring and far-reaching impact of the Chinese language in several key ways”

"Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space" highlights the enduring and far-reaching impact of the Chinese language in several key ways. The Chinese language serves as a bridge connecting different cultures and eras, allowing history to speak to the present and fostering understanding between China and the world. With over 1.2 billion speakers, Chinese has evolved for thousands of years, preserving ancient wisdom and traditions while continuing to influence modern communication, art, and literature.

Chinese characters, rooted in logograms and pictographs, have been used since at least 1250 BCE, demonstrating the language's ability to transcend time and remain relevant across generations. The language is a vehicle for sharing cultural treasures, such as calligraphy, poetry, and philosophy, and plays a growing role in global cultural exchange and education. As a "gift," Chinese offers access to a rich heritage and opens doors for intercultural dialogue and cooperation, helping people worldwide connect and learn from each other.

In essence, the theme underscores Chinese as both a historical legacy and a living bridge that links people, ideas, and cultures across time and space. It is one of the world's oldest languages, with a written history spanning over 5,000 years. Chinese civilisation has also contributed major inventions like woodblock printing and papermaking, shaping global communication and knowledge-sharing.

UN Language Days, including Chinese Language Day, support the equal use of all official languages and encourage respect for cultural diversity. Events worldwide, ranging from exhibitions to performances showcase the depth of Chinese culture and foster cross-cultural appreciation.

The Chinese language acts as a bridge between past and present, connecting generations and communities through shared heritage. Learning Chinese opens a window onto a civilization rich in art, philosophy, literature, and wisdom. The day's celebrations promote dialogue and break down barriers, encouraging unity and mutual respect among peoples.

In a world facing geopolitical uncertainties, climate change, and social divides, language is a powerful tool for building trust and cooperation. For acquiring global reach and educational impact, Chinese is the supreme language power that is associated with the largest number of native speakers, making it a vital tool for global communication. The growing interest in learning Chinese worldwide is evident in the increasing number of educational programs and cultural exchanges. Mastery of Chinese offers new professional, economic, and academic opportunities, especially in international business and diplomacy.

UN Chinese Language Day stands as a testament to the enduring power of language in shaping human civilization. It is a celebration of history, a bridge for dialogue, and a catalyst for global cooperation. By honoring the Chinese language, the world acknowledges the value of cultural diversity, the necessity of multilingualism, and the promise of a more united and harmonious future The celebration emphasizes the connection between language, culture, and the bridges built between peoples, especially between China and other nations in the world.

The writer is a teacher, Imperial Int'l School, Dhaka (IISD)


LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
What the end of US sanctions means for Syria and the region
Need for quality apprenticeships
Interest free micro credit: Reviving an idea from Islamic golden age
Why our income inequality rising significantly 
Is it a call for protecting women's rights or realising some hidden agenda?
Peace in Taiwan Strait relies on one-China policy
Silent N-coercion in the region 
Steps needed to stop on-line rumors from turning violent  
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: [email protected], news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close