New Zealand launches language week to promote Chinese study

From Sept 12 to 18, varies of Chinese cultural activities will be held in the country. The culture week is aimed at encouraging more Kiwis to try speaking Chinese in an attempt to bridge the cultural and linguistic knowledge gap between China and New Zealand.[Photo/Xinhua]

The House of Chambers in Nelson also seeks help from the Confucius Institute to understand Chinese market legislations and even the table manners for Chinese business dinners.

As Ambassador Browne said, New Zealand can't conduct or continue to conduct the largest trading partnership on the bases that Chinese all speak English and the Kiwis do not need to learn anything about China.

"It is not something come to play with. It is commitment and acknowledgment of something that has long term importance for our country."

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel regarded the Chinese language as "icebreaker" during the launching ceremony on Sunday.

She encouraged people in Christchurch using the language to bring down barriers and show mutual respect with Chinese people.