Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition UK Regional Final: Build the Bridge of Exchanges and Understanding
尊敬的伦敦董事协会主席拉马尔先生，
各位评委，
各位选手，
老师们，同学们，
女士们，先生们，朋友们：
大家晚上好！
很高兴再次出席“汉语桥”活动。每次来“汉语桥”致辞，我都为一件事感到纠结，那就是不知道该讲中文还是讲英文。王永利公参建议我讲中文，因为这是一场中文演讲比赛，选手们都说中文。去年我用中文致辞，但发现除参赛选手外，现场多数英国听众不懂中文，我们未能充分沟通。看来，学习语言并非一日之功，不能急于求成，所以今天我还是讲英文。为了保险起见，我们做个现场调查，请不懂中文的英国听众朋友举手。果真不少。看来我今天讲英文的决定还是正确的。希望在不久的将来，我用中文在“汉语桥”致辞。
Chairman David Stringer-Lamarre,
Judges and Contestants,
Teachers and Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends:
Good evening!
It is a real delight to join you again at the "Chinese Bridge" competition. Every time I speak at the "Chinese Bridge", I struggle over whether I should speak Chinese or English. Last year Minister Counsellor Wang Yongli suggested I speak Chinese, because this is a Chinese proficiency competition. I accepted his suggestion and spoke Chinese, but I found that most British friends in the audience could not understand, and it was not a communication success. Language is not learned in a day. So I have decided to speak English tonight. Before doing it I would like to double-check if my decision is right. Let's do a survey. Those who don't understand Chinese, please raise your hand. It seems I am right in choosing to speak English. Nevertheless I hope that in the near future, I could speak Chinese at the "Chinese Bridge".
女士们，先生们，朋友们，
今天的“汉语桥”活动有特殊意义。这是第十八届“汉语桥”世界大学生中文比赛全英大区赛决赛。在中英两国，18岁都是法定成年的年纪，是人从青涩到成熟的里程碑。18年来，“汉语桥”从最初的鲜为人知，到如今已成长为中外人文交流的知名品牌。它的成长，离不开在座各位的热情支持与积极参与。在此，我谨为所有致力学习中文的同学们点赞，向长期在英从事汉语教学、传播中华文化的老师们表示敬意，向所有关心和支持“汉语桥”的中英各界人士表示感谢！
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Tonight's "Chinese Bridge" is special. It is the 18th"Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition UK Regional Final. In China as well as the UK, the age of 18 is a milestone in life. It marks the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood. In the past 18 years, the "Chinese Bridge" has grown from obscurity to international fame. It is now a brand name for cultural exchange between China and the world. This could not have been possible without the ardent support and active participation of all of you present today. I would like to give the thumbs up to all the students who have been devoted to learning Chinese! I would also like to pay tribute to all the teachers. Thank you for your hard work over the years to impart knowledge about the Chinese language and culture to the British people! My thanks also go to those from both our two countries who have given their care and support for the "Chinese Bridge"!
今年是中英建立代办级外交关系65周年。65年来，教育始终是推动中英关系发展的重要动力，始终是滋养中英友谊的厚沃土壤，也是中英合作最具活力、最有潜力的领域之一。中国古代典籍《庄子》谈到“其作始也简，其将毕也必巨”。“汉语桥”不仅是汉语教学的“质检中心”和“成品展示会”,更是中英教育合作的瑰宝。它起步于语言，而超越语言；它发源于中国，而走向世界；它产生于课堂，而走进心灵。不忘初心，方得始终，在“汉语桥”的“成年礼”上，有必要再问一个问题，为什么要学习汉语？对于这个问题，我愿与大家分享三点体会：
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the level of chargé d'affaires. In the past 65 years, Education has been an important driving force for China-UK relations. It has provided nourishment for China-UK friendship. And it has been one of the most dynamic and promising areas of China-UK cooperation. Ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi said, "A simple endeavour could have significant influence." The "Chinese Bridge" is such a simple endeavour of great significance. For Chinese language proficiency, "Chinese Bridge" is a "centre of quality inspection" and a "display of excellent results". It is also a crown jewel of China-UK cooperation. It begins with language learning but is more than language learning. It originates in China and gains popularity all over the world. It starts in the classrooms and ends in people's heart. To know where we are going next, we should never forget why we started in the first place. At this coming-of-age moment for the "Chinese Bridge", it is necessary to ask yourself this question: Why do you want to learn Chinese? This is what I think:
上一篇：2019年4月9日外交部发言人陆慷主持例行记者会（中英对照）
下一篇：2019年4月4日外交部发言人耿爽主持例行记者会（中英对照）
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