Ai Xiaoqing, a Kazakhstani student, recently graduated from Northwestern University in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. At the graduation ceremony on June 21, she represented international students and shared her inspiring journey from the Kazakh grasslands to Xi'an. In her speech, Ai Xiaoqing highlighted how language bridged Chinese and Kazakh cultures, reflecting on her transformative experience in the historic city.
"In my speech, I shared how four years ago, I arrived in Xi'an with a passion for Chinese," Ai Xiaoqing reminisced, acknowledging her initial struggles with the language and uncertainties about her future in China. With guidance from her teachers, she dedicated late nights to poring over dictionaries and mastering pinyin, gradually unraveling the richness and inclusivity of Chinese culture through ancient texts.
She credits Northwestern University as the gateway to comprehending China, delving into the essence of Chinese culture by studying the teachings of Confucius on "benevolence" and Qu Yuan's expressions of "sorrow." Throughout her academic journey, Ai Xiaoqing actively participated in cross-cultural activities, sharing Kazakhstani narratives at international cultural festivals and volunteering as a translator at the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit.
Reflecting on her pivotal role as an interpreter for the presidential team at Northwestern University, Ai emphasized that language is not just a means of connection but also a profound responsibility, shaping her from a cultural "questioner" to a communicative "answerer."
Attending the recent "China-Central Asia Summit" in Astana, Kazakhstan, Ai Xiaoqing was deeply moved by the ethos of "mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance." Pledging to be a bridge between the two nations, she vowed to propagate the warmth of language and the richness of culture, fostering bilateral cultural exchanges through tangible actions.
Looking ahead, Ai Xiaoqing has applied to continue her studies at Northwestern University for a master's degree, aspiring to broaden her academic horizons and further champion narratives of cross-cultural understanding and friendship, perpetuating cultural dialogues between China and Kazakhstan.
原文链接：
http://education.chinadaily.com.cn/2025-06/23/c_1102404.htm
