‘Stories of China Retold in English’ launched in Beijing

The ‘Stories of China Retold in English’ event was launched in Beijing on Wednesday, aiming to provide a platform for young people to promote China's outstanding culture and communicate with the world.

The event, in the form of English speeches, will stimulate the creativity and vitality of young people, and show the world a colorful and vibrant China.

‘Stories of China retold in English’ launching ceremony held in Beijing. (Photo/China Education Television)

Foreign Internet celebrity tells stories of China

“Most countries in the world still don't really understand China. To open the world’s eyes, we need to rely on the efforts of the government and the media; besides, every one of us should do our best to tell the story of China,” said William Brown, the ambassador of ‘Stories of China Retold in English’.

Brown, the first foreigner granted permanent residence by Fujian province in 1992, was keen to be the "spokesperson" of this activity, and hopes to help Westerners gain a more comprehensive and objective understanding of China.

William Brown delivers a speech during the ceremony. (Photo/China Education Television)

In his opinion, “Stories of China Retold in English” is not only a way of learning English, but also a perfect model for the communication between China and other countries. Introducing Chinese history, culture and modern China to foreigners in proper, accurate and elegant language is the most popular way to promote cultural communication between the people of the world and China.

Helping Chinese teenagers go global

Li Xuewu, Deputy Director of China Education Television, delivers a speech during the launching ceremony. (Photo/ China Education Television)

“The theme of this activity is to show Chinese culture in two languages (English and Chinese) and to understand China through stories,” said Li Xuewu, Deputy Director of China Education Television. According to Li, this activity will not only promote teenagers' understanding of their motherland, but also promote understanding and communication between China and the world.

Hu Min, CEO of NewChannel International Education Group Limited, delivers a speech during the launch ceremony. (Photo/ China Education Television)

Hu Min, CEO of NewChannel International Education Group Limited, echoed Li’s view and said, “As an English educator, I have seen countless children go abroad to see the world through learning English. After going abroad, they have become used to listening to other people's stories and experiencing the culture of other countries, but there is no good way to introduce China to foreigners. At the same time, due to the information asymmetry, many foreigners still have the stereotyped impression of a backward China.” Therefore, telling Chinese stories is a good way to get foreign countries to know more about China.

The "Stories of China Retold in English” activity will motivate and guide more young Chinese to boost their cultural confidence and become storytellers, practitioners and spokesmen of Chinese stories, so that Chinese stories can be spread to other parts of the world.