On March 27, a delegation from China visited Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University. The delegation included representatives from Shihezi University – from the institutes of Chinese literature and culture and physical education.
For four days, from March 27 to 29, they conducted master classes at the Confucius Institute and the Department of Architecture and Design at Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, as well as at the “Kind Hands” boarding house. During the sessions, students and other participants, who were encountering Chinese writing and calligraphy for the first time, were introduced to the history of Chinese writing. They had the opportunity to try writing some characters, although the word “draw” seems to come to mind. However, it should be clarified: the characters used in modern Chinese writing are not drawings, as they once were in the early stages of written language. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that characters are written or, at the very least, inscribed. It is important to write them in the correct order and direction of the strokes, otherwise, it results in nonsense. This is why, alongside calligraphy, master classes in drawing were also held.
The choice of students from the Department of Architecture and Design was not accidental. As the university teachers decided, they were better prepared for the calligraphy and drawing master classes than others. And they were not wrong in their choice. Students from all groups who participated in the master classes were able to handle the tasks set by the guests with relative ease.
The master classes were also interesting for more advanced students studying at our Confucius Institute. The sessions were led by experienced Chinese teachers – Wu Yan (calligraphy) and Chen Min (drawing).
It is worth noting that despite having to communicate with most of the participants through interpreters, they managed to find an approach to everyone.
The master classes on the basics of Tai Chi, a popular Chinese martial and wellness system, were also held at a high level. This is because learning Tai Chi forms helps develop valuable personal and spiritual qualities, improves physical and mental health, and boosts mental activity.
Liu Guofeng, a teacher from the Institute of Physical Education, conducted sessions with students, who eagerly repeated simple movements after him. Even in just one hour, they were able to feel the effectiveness of these exercises and received a good boost of energy for the entire day.
Overall, the master classes were very interesting and informative. They allowed the guests and hosts to learn more about each other, enriched everyone with valuable experience, and contributed to further deepening and strengthening the cooperation between our universities.
