Language gives voice, youth shines bright. Chinese language learning extends far beyond textbooks--it is a bridge to classics, a medium for self-expression, and a force for critical thinking and growth. In late May, the SHSID Middle School Chinese Department launched a series of vibrant language practice activities.

Tracing Classics, Enlightening Journey to the West

Grade 6: Journey to the West Fun Carnival

Recently, the Grade 6 "Journey to the West Fun Carnival" was held in the 600-seat auditorium. Featuring knowledge quizzes, creative speeches, voice acting, and original theater performances, the event breathed youthful vitality into the timeless Journey to the West.

The carnival opened with a highlight reel of class performances, instantly warming the atmosphere with thunderous applause and cheers. Distinguished guests included Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School; Ms. Chen Fan, Head of the SHSID Middle School Chinese Department; Ms. Cheng Liyan, Grade 6 Supervisor; Mr. Klimmek and Mr. Guo Lei, Grade 6 Deputy Supervisors; as well as student judges: Angelina Shang (6-9), Clio (6-9), and Elodie (6-11).

The competition sessions unfolded in full swing. The final round of the Journey to the West Knowledge Contest featured two progressive stages, with three students emerging as winners and earning the title of "Buddhist, Taoist, and Immortal Realm Encyclopedic Scholars."

Next came the "82nd Ordeal" Creative Speech session. Students imagined new stories of the journey from a modern perspective. Six speakers delivered sincere, engaging, and humorous talks, earning rounds of applause.

The voice acting segment was particularly delightful, with non-native Chinese students dubbing classic scenes from the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, bringing endless joy to the audience.

The grand finale featured original short plays, where student-written and student-performed works reimagined the classic tale with modern insights, vividly portraying perseverance, unity, and growth through new trials.

Awards for knowledge quizzes, scriptwriting, story creation, and creative speeches were announced.

This carnival brought the classic to life in young hearts, allowing students to imagine through creation, grow through performance, and gain profound insights as they immersed themselves in traditional culture.

Humor for Youth, Bold Expression Freely

Grade 7: "Smiling, Proud Wanderer" Stand-up Comedy Competition

Concurrently, the Grade 7 "Smiling, Proud Wanderer" Stand-up Comedy Final was held enthusiastically in the 300-seat lecture hall. Through original stand-up comedy writing and performance, the event encouraged students to observe life and express themselves creatively.

From classroom guidance and draft revisions to class performances and semi-finals, all finalists refined their scripts and performances through repeated practice. Judges included Ms. Wu Wenyi, Grade 7 Supervisor; Ms. Chen Lu, Grade 7 Deputy Supervisor; Ms. Liu Qiong from the Teacher Development Center; and Ms. Xu Chen. Student judges were Angela (7-3) and Julien (7-5). Hosted by Aidan (7-12), the event opened with a lighthearted speech that immediately energized the audience.

Drawing from daily life, students transformed travel anecdotes, shopping experiences, school troubles, family dynamics, and internet phenomena into humorous routines. Their authentic, relatable jokes resonated deeply--whether complaining about crowded tourist attractions during holidays, sharing funny shopping moments, or poking fun at height-related growing pains, the performances were witty and down-to-earth.

After the show, Ms. Wu Wenyi and Ms. Chen Fan delivered professional feedback, praising the students' observational skills, originality, and stage presence.

The event also featured fun videos from non-native Chinese students: the AI comic The Tale of the Milk Tea Fairy stood out; the impromptu speech "From Clumsy to Fluent: Learning Chinese with Fun"; and the boldly adapted play Aladdin and the Magic Lamp--all showcasing non-native students' creativity.

Debating for Clarity, Speaking for Graduation

Grade 8: "Graduation Talks" Debate Final

As summer approached and graduation neared, Grade 8 hosted the "Graduation Talks" Chinese Theme Showcase, guiding students to explore growth through debate and reflect on youth through dialogue, leaving precious memories of their middle school journey.

Distinguished judges included Mr. Ni Minxue, Director of SHSID Middle and Primary School Teaching Affairs Center; Ms. Liu Qiong from the SHSID Middle and Primary School Teaching Affairs Center; Ms. Chen Fan, Head of the SHSID Middle School Chinese Department; Ms. Liu Dong, Grade 8 Non-native Chinese Coordinator; Ms. Ma Xinyu, Debate Club Advisor; and Ms. Shen Ying, Grade 6 Supervisor. Student judges were Mili (8-2) and Ricky (8-6).

The debate topic was: In adolescence, which matters more--where you go or whom you walk with? The affirmative team ("No Matter the Direction") argued that clear goals guide growth, asserting that only with a firm direction can one forge ahead. The negative team ("Love the Company") maintained that companionship fuels resilience, arguing that the warmth of shared journeys and the support of peers sustain young people through life's challenges. Both sides presented profound, complementary arguments. The intense debate showcased Grade 8 students' critical thinking and linguistic prowess, earning continuous applause.

The lighthearted "Banter Bonus Round" extended the fun, with witty "devil's advocate" debaters keeping the energy high.

In the judge feedback session, teachers praised the debaters' performances and offered encouragement and wishes for their future.

The event also featured original videos and non-native students' Chinese learning retrospectives, capturing graduation from a youthful perspective.

Debating clarifies truth; thinking lights the way forward. This graduation-themed debate honed students' logical reasoning, teamwork, and communication skills while inspiring deep reflection on growth, choices, and companionship--nurturing maturity through critical thinking.

Grade 6 understood and innovated classics; Grade 7 embraced life and expressed themselves bravely; Grade 8 pursued truth through debate and acted with purpose. The SHSID Middle School Chinese Department consistently enriches Chinese instruction through diverse activities, providing platforms for every student to showcase and surpass themselves.

May all middle school students take language as their wings, passion as their light, and thought as their strength, soaring toward a brilliant, vibrant youth!

(Written by Xinyi Zhang

Pictures by Jing Xu, Peiyao Tang, Lijiao Tian, Photography SL Group

Reviewed by Fan Chen, Jing Jin, Xinwen Yu, Qinyou Xu, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)