The Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast has held the 2020 Chinese Spring Festival on campus with a call on students to learn the Chinese language and culture.

The Ghanaian Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Mensah, observed that learning the Chinese language and culture would offer Ghanaians the opportunity not to be short-changed when engaging in business with the Chinese. He said China had become Ghana’s largest trading partner, and, therefore, there was the need for Ghanaians to take the Chinese Language and Culture seriously.

Prof. Mensah made these remarks when he joined Chinese nationals, staff and, students of the University as well as the general public, to celebrate this year’s Chinese Spring Festival at the Amissah Arthur Language Centre.

Advantages of Learning the Chinese Programme

Prof. Mensah called on Ghanaians to clear up the popular misconception that the Chinese culture would overshadow the Ghanaian culture in the not-too-distant future. Rather, he said the learning of the Chinese culture would enhance the bilateral relations between Ghana and China. “I don’t foresee the Chinese Culture overshadowing the Ghanaian Culture. To me, it will rather enhance our understanding and mutual exchanges between China and Ghana”, he added.c

Performance

At the event, students from the University exhibited their proficiency in the Chinese language and performed some Chinese music and dance at the function.
The Chinese Spring Festival has a history of more than 400 years and it is celebrated to welcome the new Lunar Year. It is said to have originated from a belief in deities that had to be sacrificed to every year. Red lanterns are hanged in the streets, red couplets pasted on doors, banks and official buildings are decorated with red New Year depicting images of prosperity.