2024 “Chinese Bridge” Competition for Eastern United States Region
Organizer: Chinese Consulate General in New York
Host: China Institute in America
To provide a platform for young Chinese language learners in the United States to showcase their proficiency and talents, ignite their interest and enthusiasm, and promote Chinese language education in the U.S., the 2024 “Chinese Bridge” Competition in the Eastern United States Region is officially launched for college students, secondary school students, and elementary school students. This event is organized by the Chinese Consulate General in New York and hosted by China Institute in America. We warmly welcome all eligible Chinese language learners to apply.
Eligibility
- Applicants must currently enroll in an accredited school in the United States.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a native language other than Chinese.
- Applicants must currently reside in the Consular District of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, which includes New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island.
Students who attended the 2023 final “China Bridge” global competition in China are NOT eligible to apply.
Format and Requirements
This year’s competition consists of two rounds: the preliminaries and finals. It is divided into three groups: college students, secondary school students, and elementary school students, each with their own preliminary rounds and finals. The themes for each group are as follows:
College Students Group: One World, One Family
Secondary School Students Group: Fly High with Chinese
Elementary School Students Group: Chinese, Joy & Fun!
The Preliminary Round
Registration is open now for the preliminary round for all three groups.
To enter the competition, applicants must submit the following materials.
A Chinese Speech Video (80% of the total score) that:
- is no more than 3 minutes in duration
- is in MP4 format
- is shot clearly
- is named according to the format “Participant’s Chinese and English Name + School English Name + State Abbreviation (Speech)”. For example: 李大卫David Leary + Temple University + PA (Speech).
Participants are encouraged to select topics of their own interest. Typical topics include self-introduction, aspects of Chinese culture, or personal stories related to China.
A Chinese Cultural Talent Performance Video (20% of the total score) that:
- is up to 4 minutes
- is in MP4 format
- is shot clearly
- is named according to the format “Participant’s Chinese and English Name + School English Name + State Abbreviation (Talent)”. For example: 李大卫David Leary + Temple University + PA (Talent).
Content may include a showcase of Chinese cultural talents, such as dancing, singing, martial arts, calligraphy, paper cutting, or stand-up comedy. In group performance, the applicant must be one of the main performers.
Deadline for Preliminary Round Entries: 5:00 PM, Wednesday , May 1, 2024
Applicants to the preliminary round must complete the information form and submit their videos through one of the following links:
College Students Application and Videos
Secondary School Students Application and Videos
Elementary School Students Application and Videos
The Final Round
The final round will feature winners from each group of the preliminary round.
In the final competition, contestants must compete in the following areas:
- An impromptu Chinese Speech (60% of the total score) that is no more than 3 minutes in duration;
- A brief dialogue with judges following the speech (20% of the total score);
- A Chinese Cultural Talent Performance (20% of the total score) that is no more than 4 minutes in duration.
*To further recognize participants with similar or closely matched scores, a reading competition may be introduced for the winners.
The Final Round Time and Location
10:00 AM, Saturday, May 18
(Registration starts at 9:30 AM)
China Institute in America
100 Washington Street, New York, NY 10006
Awards
All preliminary and final rounds participants will receive a participation certificate. For the finalists, one first prize, two second prizes, and several third prizes will be awarded based on scores from the judges, and presented by distinguished guests.
The first prize winners from each category will have the chance in the 2024 “Chinese Bridge” global final competition in China, representing the Eastern United States Region.
Highlights of the global final competition from previous years can be accessed here:
College Students in Chinese Bridge
Secondary School Students in Chinese Bridge
Elementary School Students in Chinese Bridge
Inquiry and Contact Information
Yongqiang Lin
ylin@chinainstitute.org
(212)744-8181 ext.141
China Institute “Chinese Bridge” Competition Committee
This series is made possible through the support of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, and generous supporters of China Institute in America.