Feature: Confucius Institute library opens doors to Chinese culture for Tanzanian students

DAR ES SALAAM, April 20 (Xinhua) -- For Zema Ayubu Saidi, a 21-year-old student at Tanzania's University of Dar es Salaam, her fascination with Chinese culture has led her to immerse herself in Chinese books at the Confucius Institute library. She reads about modern Chinese society, literature, food, and her favorite, giant pandas.

Saidi, majoring in education in both Chinese and English languages, believes that reading Chinese books not only teaches her about China but also opens up a window to the world, as Chinese is one of the most spoken languages globally.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, established in 2013, aims to be a leading Chinese language training and testing center in Africa, promoting cultural and academic exchange between China and Tanzania.

"I'm obsessed with Chinese culture because of the long-term friendship between Tanzania and China, and because of my love for Peking Opera, delicious Chinese food and lovely giant pandas," Saidi said, expressing her desire to visit China in the future. Since starting university a year ago, she has read eight Chinese books borrowed from the Confucius Institute library.

Ahead of World Book Day on April 23, students at the University of Dar es Salaam praised the institute's library for its wide selection of Chinese books.

Zhang Xiaozhen, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the Confucius Institute library provided convenience for Chinese learners to expand their knowledge about the Chinese language and Chinese culture.

"We have various books ranging from teaching materials, examination books, reference books, children's reading materials, Chinese culture, ancient Chinese literature, modern Chinese literature, politics, economics, and audio-video products," Zhang said, adding that students can choose what they like to widen their knowledge.

Jackson Laswai Barth, a first-year student, said learning Chinese opens up new opportunities and allows him to explore different aspects of Chinese history, culture, and tradition through the books available at the library.

"I also decided to learn Chinese because the language is an opener to new opportunities," said Barth. "I hope many Tanzanians will consider learning Chinese to broaden their horizons. The Chinese language is rapidly expanding, and with more Chinese people investing in Africa, knowing the language can open up numerous opportunities."