“For the past 30 years, Latin America has been my hometown for literature.” When Chinese writer Mai Jia first set foot in Latin America, he couldn’t conceal his admiration for Latin American literature.
The Spanish version of Mai's novel Decode was recently published in 24 Spanish-speaking countries. With a growing number of Chinese modern literary works beginning to catch the eyes of Latin American readers, China and Latin America have become culturally closer.
Another scene of cultural exchange appears in the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A group of 15-year-old children from China are training at a pitch in Phyllis Harbor on July 9. Invested and built by Luneng Co., this youth training base is the first oversea soccer base. Chinese children can feel the culture shock of this football kingdom after arrivinv in Brazil. “Football is a part of Brazilian culture. Brazilian children still play very hard without coach. At 7 am every morning, they come to the training ground on time,” a Chinese child told one reporter.
The traditional project of student exchange ha expanded in recent years. Brazil will send 241 students to China this year. In Cuba, more than 3,000 Chinese students have entered their universities since 2006. The Cuban government carried out a Special Scholarship Program to provide food, lodging, medical care and study costs for the Chinese students. It has been the largest educational exchange program since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which embodies Cuban people’s friendship with Chinese people.
In Venezuela, three technicians Thomas, Catherine and Gosti Torvald with satellite ground control station told reporters that they have learned and lived very happily in China, thanks to the help and guidance of Chinese engineers and technicians, and they have been honored to be the first generation of “space people” in Venezuela.
With a long history, Chinese culture has had profound cultural roots in Latin America. The in-depth exchanges of two cultures will continue to have a worldwide impact. Some Chinese scholars and writers regard this as a bridge, while the Brazilian scholar Seville Illinois Cabral who is proficient in Chinese culture, views China as a way to know the world.
In Rio de Janeiro, some of those who love Chinese culture set up a small theater for Chinese movies only, which are mostly watched by intellectuals. These movies present a completely different view on China.
Many Chinese people born in 1950-1960 were first introduced to Brazil from a television drama called Escrava Isaura. Lucélia Santos, the actress who played Izola, told reporters she was surprised by its popularity in China. The experience of Escrava Isaura in China has demonstrated the power of cultural exchange.
“I love China, and I will encourage more kids to learn Chinese in Argentina.” Deputy Secretary for Education Bureau of Buenos Aires Carlos Javier Regazzoni said to reporters in Chinese.
Earlier, Argentina opened the first public bilingual school of Chinese and Western language in South America due to his efforts.
In some countries in Latin America, more people are choosing the Confucius Institute. Dr. Gao Ruina, professor of Law in Argentina Buenos Aires University, told reporters the influence of Chinese culture in Argentina has improved significantly in the past decade. Two Confucius Institutes were opened in Argentina and many local schools now offer Chinese language courses. Moreover, all students can now participate in the Chinese Proficiency Test in Argentine.
Brazilian scholar Angel who has been engaged in the translation of Chinese literary works told reporters with the continuous development of the political, economic and trade relations, a growing number of Brazilian intellectuals have realized that the broader prospects in the future will be based on cultural exchanges.
“It’s not only me but also China and Chinese writers who have touched the Spanish-speaking world through this novel. China needs to communicate with the world by literature that can touch our hearts.” Maijia’s words revealed the inherent power of cultural exchange.
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