What made you decide to learn Chinese?

Ibrahim: When I was eight or nine years old, I saw a Chinese martial art performance in Sudan. It was so fascinating that I told my mum I wanted to go to China to learn kungfu, but she said, "Are you mad? Your father will never allow that!" So when I entered college, I chose Chinese as my major. It was a wonderful choice that I will never regret making.

Mashakada: I have always been interested in learning languages, and I hope that doing so will help me see the world. I was born in Zimbabwe and have lived in Europe and America, but knew little about Asia. I believe that learning Chinese can help me travel here to understand the culture and the people.

What's your secret for improving your proficiency in Chinese?

Mashakada: I began to learn Chinese at a Confucius school in Zimbabwe in May, 2012. Luckily, I had a good teacher, who taught me patiently. He also often invited me to dinner where he shared with me stories about his family and their life in China. I couldn't have achieved this without his help. Chinese and English have different systems, so learning Chinese, especially at the beginning, requires patience, determination and confidence. But to be honest, until today I still have no confidence in my Chinese, even though I have made some progress after a year's study. I have to make more efforts.

Ibrahim: In Sudan, children are required to learn English in high school. At the time, I didn't like to learn languages at all. But things changed when I began to learn Chinese in university, and I met a great Chinese teacher who encouraged and tutored me. He would be happy about any advances I made, so I always felt motivated to do better. The moment when I heard my teacher say, "You speak just like a Chinese," was the happiest time for me. I'm so into Chinese martial arts and culture, so I read a lot of kungfu novels and watch many TV series. All of these also help me better understand Chinese culture.

Is this your first time in China?

Mashakada: It's my first time in China. Attending the Chinese Bridge competition is my first "Chinese experience." Here I not only improve my Chinese, but also learn how to perform on the stage. It's a great experience.

Ibrahim: This is my first time, too. Actually, I have attended Chinese Bridge's qualifying competition in Sudan three times, but I was not declared the winner, who is offered the opportunity to attend the final held in China. They awarded me a book for my participation, but I felt so upset holding that book. I wanted to go to China so much that I dreamed about it. In that dream, I stood on stage in China, dressed in tuxedo, which is exactly what I'm doing right now. I feel so happy to have this dream come true.

What are your future plans?

Ibrahim: I have studied Chinese for three years, and my study will never cease. I want to do it all my life because I love China and its language. My dream is to become an anchor at the Chinese Central Television (CCTV.) It's a job that will allow me to make full use of my Chinese competence and my understanding of Chinese culture. So I pay a lot of attention to pronunciation practice now.

Mashakada: When this year's Chinese Bridge competition is over, I will spend a year in Beijing learning Chinese, and meanwhile, I am preparing for college admission. I hope to study at a Chinese university. I'm interested in economics, and I read a lot about the Chinese economy. The whole world knows that China has developed rapidly in the past three decades. I think its experience is very important for other developing countries. I want to learn about its growth model and bring it back to Zimbabwe. CA