Chinese Language Day celebrated

• Published date: 20 April 2024
• Author: Venecia Valentine
• Publication title: Weekend Argus

The launch event, aptly, took place in the Power of Rock Art Gallery – an ode to this art form and its creators – an ancient art incorporated into modern modes, at the Iziko South African Museum yesterday

Globally, the most ancient art of all human societies can be found as paintings or etchings in natural materials including rock, bone and wood. The creation of art and imbuing its forms with symbolism is an intrinsically human attribute.

Ancient art is of great significance and provides insight into the development of human culture and forms.

Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Cape Town, You Wenze, was among the special guests invited and also did a special handover of educational material to the Iziko Museum’s acting executive director Fahrnaaz Johadien.

You told guests: “Thank you to those who are teaching Chinese language in Cape Town. Today marks the 15th International Chinese Language Day. Chinese is one of six official languages in the UN and one of the most spoken languages in the world.

“Many countries have held diverse activities to mark this day, we are happy to see that more and more foreign friends are getting to know the Chinese language.

“South Africa is one of the earliest countries in Africa to offer a Chinese language course. Chinese characters have come through evolutionary versions, one is Oracle Bone Script. This will be presented in the arts showcase we are launching today.”

The Art Showcase will be on display in the Iziko Education Centre at Groot...