April 20, 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of Chinese becoming an official language of the United Nations as well as United Nations Chinese Language Day. At Central China Normal University (CCNU), a growing number of international students are embracing Chinese language and culture, acting as bridges for cross-cultural communication.
Maral from Rostov, Russia, is a PhD candidate at the School of Politics and International Studies. Her Chinese name is Ma Xinyi, which she explains means “the horse of this year, the heart of sincerity, and the joy of happiness.” The character Ma (horse) was the first Chinese character she learned.
Over more than four years of studying Chinese, she has overcome challenges in tones and meanings while appreciating the beauty of Chinese characters. She joined the CCNU Calligraphy Association and regards writing characters as a form of painting. She has passed HSK Level 5 and communicates fluently in daily life. Chinese has also supported her academic studies. She readily helps international peers understand terms in Chinese politics and international relations. She says, “Chinese is not only a tool for communication but also a window to understand ancient and modern China, as well as the philosophy and values of the Chinese people.”
Ma Xinyi actively promotes Chinese culture in Russia. During vacations, she teaches Chinese to Russian children through songs and games. She also volunteers with the Foreign Lei Feng Volunteer Team at CCNU and joins cultural events such as “Happy Spring Festival in Hubei” and Silk Road story performances. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career related to Chinese language and culture, continuing to serve as an envoy of friendship between China and Russia.
Chinese