CHINESE ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding says mandarin is gaining momentum in Zimbabwe and other countries, adding that it will soon become a global language.
Mandarin is a group of Chinese language dialects that are natively spoken across the Asian country.
Addressing delegates during the 23rd Chinese Bridge Competition Finals held in Harare yesterday, Zhou said he was delighted by how Zimbabweans had adopted the Chinese language.
“One year ago, I assumed the post as the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe. I am delighted to see the increasing enthusiasm for learning the Chinese language in Zimbabwe,” said Ding.
“When I visit local communities, it has become a common occurrence to be warmly greeted with ‘Ni hao’ (how are you?) and ‘Xie xie’ (thank you) by the local people. An increasing number of Zimbabweans have gained deeper understanding of China, as China and Zimbabwe continue to strengthen our long-standing friendship, and our interactions and co-operation have become more dynamic than ever.”
A number of high schools and tertiary institutions participated in the finals that saw winners walking away with lucrative prizes.
“Chinese is the most spoken language in the world and one of the six official languages of the United Nations,” Zhou said.
“Today, Chinese is being taught in more than 180 countries and 200 million non-Chinese people have been learning and using the language, including all of you present here today.
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“I am glad to know that some of the young people with knowledge of Chinese language have found employment in Chinese enterprises and projects currently underway in Zimbabwe, thus becoming proud contributors to the economic prosperity of Zimbabwe.”
