A total of 57 students representing Jordan University, the Language Institute of the Jordanian Armed Forces, in addition to students of TAG-Confucius Institute competed in the event...

AMMAN ------- April 28, 2010-------- Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Confucius Institute (TAG-Confucius) hosted the first "Great Wall-Petra" Chinese language contest organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Amman on April 24, 2010.

A total of 57 students representing Jordan University, the Language Institute of the Jordanian Armed Forces, in addition to students of TAG-Confucius Institute competed in the event.

Mr. Salah Abu Osbeh, director of professional partnerships welcomed the attendees saying "This competition will act as a launching pad for other programs conducted by TAG-Confucius and Chinese Embassy."

The contest consisted of two phases; firstly, the contesters previously attended a written test where they used their written capabilities and skills in Chinese language writing.

In the second phase, contesters took turns for an oral test in front of a judging committee, consisted of teachers from the three participating parties. The contesters showed their capabilities in pronunciation, reading in addition to conversation.

Children also took part in the event and participated in the "Chinese for Kids" program, where they performed Chinese traditional songs and other related activities.

Mr. Mohammad Sami al-Kharouf, manager of TAG-Confucius Institute expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for giving students this opportunity to compete. He also congratulated the students for the strong language capabilities they displayed during the contest.

Ten students who achieved the highest average for the written and oral phases were awarded; five of them representing TAG-Confucius took the first three positions.

The final phase of the contest will be held at the Chinese Embassy on May 15th with only one student to earn the honor of representing Jordan in the international Chinese language contest, which will take place in Beijing.