To further promote cultural exchange between China and other countries, help international students adapt to life in China, and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills, the college held the "Setting Sail, Embracing Culture" event on April 26th. This activity attracted participation from international students representing multiple countries alongside Chinese students.
Names Hold Stories, Characters Reveal Worlds
During the lecture, the speaker used the classic work "Hundred Family Surnames" as the foundation. Starting from the familiar sequence "Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li," he delivered an engaging and accessible presentation on Chinese surnames. He firsttraced the originsof the "Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li" order,detailingits historical background and cultural significance. This revealed the profound implications hidden within this sequence, reflectingdynastic shiftsandsocial strata.Subsequently, the speakerdelved intothe historical evolution of Chinese surnames from ancient times to modern society. Heelaborated onthe origins, development, and changes of surnames, as well as theirclose connectionto social history. Through vivid case studies, heillustratedthe trajectory of surname evolution across different historical periods.
Fun Games, Interactive Exchange
To help everyone deepen their impression of each other's names, the event featured two carefully designed interactive games. First came theName Relay Game, where a brightly colored ball was passed among the participants. Accompanied by cheerful music, the ball moved swiftly through the crowd. When the musicsuddenly stopped, the international student holding the ball had to quickly say the Chinese names of the students who had held it just before them. This game not only tested everyone's memory but also added a lot of joy to the gathering.Next came theNon-Woven Fabric Crafting Session. The instructor demonstrated the process live and provided detailed guidance. International students gathered around the instructor, carefully observing each step. Eagerly, they then tried their hand at crafting personalized name plaques imbued with unique meaning. As they worked,they shared their experiences and reflections, deeply appreciating the unique charm of this traditional Chinese handicraft art.
Deep friendship, a successful conclusion
Through these diverse activities, the event showcased traditional Chinese culture and offered international students animmersive cultural experience. Participants expressed that the event not only enhanced their understanding of Chinese naming practices but also allowed them to feel the warmth ofcross-cultural collaborationthrough interaction. The college will continue to host such activities in the future to promotemutual appreciation between Chinese and foreign civilizationsand help foster anopen and inclusive campus culture.
