At 19 PM on October 21, Germany time, the third stage “Chinese salon” activity hosted by Confucius institute was held on time at the Engels Fort student activity center. This activity, themed with "the differences and similarities of study and life between ChinaandGermany", was mainly divided into two parts. The first part: the speaker Jens Ganzer analyzed the differences and similarities of study betweenChinaandGermanyas well as the development history; the second part: Chinese and German students discussed their different way of life and study with each other.
At the activity, all the seats were occupied. With the warm applause, Jens Ganzer began to analyze the different cultural backgrounds of both countries and their historical roots. In the process of audiences expressing opinions freely, Mr. Jens also asked several small questions occasionally. Audiences also expressed their own views, which made the activity more wonderful. The speech of the first part nearly lasted for half an hour in which all the audience “rub their fists and wipe their palms”, preparing for the interactive session in the second part of the speech.
Entering the second part, participants formed “Chinese-German students mixed team” as requirement. Prepared notes were handed out to each group member. The first task was to sort out the number on notes and choose the corresponding countries. All team members gave their full attention to the task, discussing with each other actively. The team that finally completed the task fastest and best would get a gift for reward. The theme of the second task was “cross –cultural communication”. In the process, Chinese and German students not only understood the differences and similarities between Chinese and German culture, but also strengthened their friendship. The last task was that team members needed to cooperate to recite a Chinese classical poetry, which pushed this activity into a new high. Finally, with the help of Chinese students, all German students were able to recite two sentences of a Chinese poetry.
This “salon” activity made students realized the differences and similarities between Chinese and German culture, broadened their horizons, and learned various kinds of knowledge.