Applause echoed throughout Stohn Hall as Trent University’s Chinese Language and Linguistics Program hosted the Toronto region final of the 25th annual Chinese Bridge competition, the University’s inaugural hosting experience.

Trent University student Antonella Batchi, a Business and Psychology joint major, placed third in this year’s event, competing against postsecondary students from the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University and fellow Trent student Magali Nichol. Participants, who are all non-native Chinese speakers, deliver speeches and cultural performances in Chinese and are judged on linguistic ability, creativity, and appreciation of Chinese culture. In celebration of the events’ 25th anniversary, the theme for this year’s event was “One World, One Family”, which resonated strongly with Antonella.

“Learning a new language is like entering a whole new world,” said Antonella, who just completed the second year of her degree. “It opens up opportunities to communicate, connect with new people, and explore cultures beyond your own.”

Antonella began learning Chinese at the age of four. Interested in broadening her language skills, she enrolled in the Introduction to Chinese I course at Trent through the Chinese Program of the Department of Language and Linguistics.

“We spent a lot of time working with Chinese scripts and speaking the language in class, which helped deepen my understanding of the language and the rich culture surrounding it,” said Antonella. “I was initially hesitant to enter the competition, but Dr. Shaoling Wang motivated me and helped me feel confident in the abilities that I developed in class.”

Professor Wang is an award-winning Chinese language instructor and has led the development of Trent’s Chinese Program since 2007, with her students achieving first, second, and third place finishes at the competition in previous years.

“While Antonella and Magali do not come from Chinese heritage, it was inspiring to see their dedication to learning the language and their appreciation of Chinese culture,” said Prof. Wang. “It was an honour to watch them represent Trent at the competition, demonstrating the strength of language learning and cultural programming available at the University.”

Since 2002, the Chinese Bridge competition has brought together more than 1.2 million Chinese learners from around the world and is organized by the Center for Language Education & Cooperation in China and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, along with a host institution each year.

Learn more about Trent’s Chinese Language and Linguistics program.