Why Do I Study Chinese

Translator’s Note： The cross language year program — the Chinese Language Year in France and the French Language Year in China — initiated by Chinese and French leaders were held in 2011 and 2012 to promote cultural exchanges and further deepen the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. Taking advantage of the opportunity， the CPAFFC and the Federation of French-Chinese Associations （FFCA） held essay competitions respectively in China and France on the theme of My Fascination with the French Language and Why I Study Chinese， soliciting entries from China’s local people’s associations for friendship with foreign countries and various FFCA branches. Five essays from each competition were selected as prizewinners. The following are prize-winning essays selected by the FFCA.