S Africa celebrates Chinese Language Day with art exhibition

To commemorate the 15th UN Chinese Language Day which falls on Saturday this year, an exhibition titled "The Soul on the Turtle Shell and Animal Bones" kiced off one day earlier in Cape Town, South Africa. 

The exhibition aims to deepen the understanding and recognition of different cultures through art.

Over 70 pieces of oracle bone script art, a result of a three-year collaboration between oracle bone script experts, picture book experts, and typography design experts, were showcased.

The works cover a variety of themes, including astronomy and geography, mythology and legends, and the miracles of life and they were presented by 10 young artists from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. 

"Very impressed with China's work and the impact of indigenous art and how that indigenous art has impacted how we think today and how we view the world today," said Guy Redman, chief director of Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.

One of the visitors came to the exhibition out of her love for Chinese.

"From the movies, I saw Chinese culture, which values wisdom, harmony, and integrity. So, I feel that these values have made me fall in love with China and Chinese culture, and then I feel that it naturally opened the door for me to learn Chinese," said visitor Aluwani Marhungu.

The exhibition also introduced the late Stone Age rock paintings of the indigenous people of South Africa. 

These rock paintings, created by the San people, are known for their depth and detail. They depict images of humans, deities, and animals, echoing the heritage of oracle bone script art and emphasizing the significant impact of ancient indigenous art on social development.

"The type of writing that was born here in the southernmost tip of Africa, through this type of art writing does reflect and coincides with that in a distant country of China. So, to have witnessed this and to see the exhibition, rock art in all its forms is something very special," said Elias Links, professor with the Stellenbosch University.

"My father is a South African and my mother is from Malaysia. I was born in Malaysia. And I grew up here in Cape Town. So I didn't really have much exposure to Chinese language and Chinese culture growing up. I get to fall in love with the language that I've been wanting to learn since I was a young child, and it's really awesome," said a local visitor.

The exhibition was jointly organized by the Iziko South African Museum, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, and the Chinese Language Union, and will run till May 5.

S Africa celebrates Chinese Language Day with art exhibition

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth