South Sudanese medics start second phase of Chinese language course

JUBA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese medics on Tuesday started attending the second phase of Chinese language lessons aimed at deepening the mutual understanding and friendship between their people.

Mu Jianjun, the counselor for economic and commercial affairs in the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, said that language is an important bridge for communication and culture, noting that the Mandarin is currently popular across the world.

"Today, the second phase of the Chinese language training class starts as scheduled, which aims to help the staff of Juba Teaching Hospital better to communicate with the Chinese medical team, learn about the Chinese language and culture, and deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and South Sudanese people," said Mu during the opening ceremony in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The Chinese language lessons conducted at the Juba Teaching Hospital commenced last year, under the eighth batch of the China medical team which has since been replaced by the ninth batch.

On April 20, the United Nations Chinese Language Day will be celebrated across the world.

Ding Zhen, leader of the ninth batch of the China medical team, said South Sudan and China have over the years enjoyed cordial bilateral relations through medical exchanges.

"As we know, China and South Sudan have enjoyed many years of friendship with the people of South Sudan. The China medical team is here to provide free medical services, free drugs and free consultation to patients in South Sudan," said Ding.

Gift Gibson Natana, deputy director-general of the Juba Teaching Hospital, encouraged staff of the hospital to show commitment in learning Chinese language due to the unlimited opportunities it provides.

"Teaching our people Chinese language is very important because China is a leader in science and technology and economic development," said Natana.

"Learning another language is very important because it opens many opportunities. I would encourage all the staff of Juba Teaching Hospital to be committed to learning Chinese because you see the role of China in the world is expanding every year," he added.

Joseph Kenyi, a medical assistant with eight years of working experience with various Chinese medical teams, said attending Chinese language lessons will improve his communication skills.

"I have to improve my communication skills, so that I am able to teach my fellow South Sudanese to understand instructions from the Chinese doctors because most of the Chinese people speak only Mandarin and are not fluent in English," said Kenyi.

Alloace John, a 27-year-old dentist, said she sees great opportunities ahead in her medical career upon completing her Chinese language lessons.

"It's a difficult language, but you have to know different languages, so that if you find someone who speaks it you can communicate with him. If I want to study in China it will help improve my communication skills," said John.