2025 "Why Learn Chinese" Competition

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An essay/talent show video competition 

For all the middle school and high school students 

Two ways to participate:

1. An essay of 400-800 words regarding this prompt:

"Connecting the World through Chinese Language and Culture"

We chose "Connecting the World through Chinese Language and Culture" as the theme for our competition to highlight the power of language in fostering global understanding and collaboration. Learning Chinese opens doors to meaningful connections through exchange programs, study trips, pen-pal friendships, cross-country collaborations, community outreach, and global trade opportunities. Whether students engage in cultural exchanges, international projects, or professional opportunities, Chinese serves as a bridge that brings people together, fostering mutual respect and a deeper appreciation of the world.

​OR

2. A cultural performance video of yourself or your group 

Essay

• Limit of 1 entry per contestant 
• The work should be completely original and presented in either English or Chinese.
• Contestants will be judged by certified teachers and professionals looking for superior ideas, stories, messages, and content.

Video

• Minimum length 1 min but should NOT exceed 4 minutes, in high-resolution, and recorded horizontally.
• All performance videos need to be appropriate in content and demonstrate talent in representing the Chinese language and culture. Performances may include but are not limited to, songs, rap, traditional musical instruments, folk dance, martial arts performances, folk art, poetry recitation, etc. Subtitles are not required but are recommended.
• Contestants will be judged by certified teachers and professionals looking for preparation, creativity, and quality.

Separate prizes for both categories
1st Place: $100 (1 winner)
2nd Place: $80 (3 winners)
3rd Place: $50 (5 winners)

Finalists (top 10%):
$5

We also offer an Outstanding Contribution Award to a teacher or an organization who has demonstrated dedication and support to the competition by encouraging the greatest number of participants. The award carries a cash prize of $100. Please make sure to include your teacher’s name on the registration form.   

New this year, Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy will sponsor the "Cultural Ambassador Award." The winning student will have the opportunity to bring a Shaolin Kung Fu lesson to their school, either in-person (if the school is located in Washington State) or online.

Timeline

We ask that you add president@whylearnlanguages.org to your trusted list of senders, contacts, or address book. If you do not see an email from president@whylearnlanguages.org in your Inbox, our email may have mistakenly been sent to your spam folder. Award ceremony video will be published on the YouTube channel of the "Why Learn Languages" organization by mid-May. We will announce the winners in the video.

SUBMISSIONS DUE April 12, 2025
Questions? president@whylearnlanguages.org

Upload your file to the registration form HERE with a Gmail account.​ 

If you have any questions or encounter a tech issue, always feel free to contact us.