Source: CCTV.com

11-03-2006 14:24

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region shares a border with the Republic of Vietnam. And, from chopsticks to Buddhism, there's been a cultural flow, across the line, for centuries. These days, people in Vietnam show a re-kindled interest, in learning Chinese language.

These Vietnamese students have received new stationery, a gift from CCTV reporters. Here, many universities offer Chinese programs. But young people begin learning daily expressions well before college.

Their understanding of China is much more than skin-deep.

Middle school student Pan Cuiheng said:"China is a major country in the world. Its history and culture draw me like a magnet. Great things have been achieved since its opening-up. Someday, I will tour China, and maybe study there, hopefully with a scholarship."

Culturally, Vietnam and China have an iron bond. The zodiac is the same, with only one exception. The Chinese year-of-the-rabbit was changed to the-year-of-the-cat.

Chinese philosophy and values have strongly influenced Vietnamese society. And Chinese characters can be seen everywhere: Universities, storefronts, and on A-T-M's.

Ruan Wenmei, an excellent Mandarin speaker, says Vietnamese is written a lot like pinyin, the standard system of romanized Chinese.

Ruan Wenmei said:"Chinese-speaking youth are in great demand - especially by Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao-based finance firms. With a command of basic Mandarin, students stand a much better chance of finding a job, after graduation."

The Chinese influence is ubiquitous in Hanoi, be it through a popular T-V series, or the latest radio chart-topper. These simple bits of entertainment help form a fundamental link, binding the two cultures together.

 

Editor:Lu Yuying