A spectator asks a speaker a question during the China Daily “21st Century Cup” competition in Chengdu, Sichuan, on Oct 5. TEENS
From Oct 4 to Oct 6, the China Daily “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition was held in Chengdu, Sichuan province. A total of 1 million people, ranging from kindergarten kids to young professionals, participated in this year’s event.
10月4日至6日，中国日报社“21世纪杯”全国英语演讲比赛在四川成都举行。今年共有100万人报名参赛，选手年龄段下至学前班幼儿，上到青年精英。
During the three-day event, young contestants gave speeches on various themes, including History As a Mirror, The Promise of Youth and The Power of Ideals. They demonstrated their English ability and shared their perspectives as members of Generation Z, or Gen Zers.
在为期三天的比赛中，年轻选手们就“以史为鉴”、“青年责任”和“信仰的力量”等不同主题发表演讲。选手们展现了自己的英语能力，也分享了作为Z世代成员的观点。
The “21st Century Cup” was initiated by the China Daily Group in 1996. It encourages students to improve their English public speaking skills, utilize creativity and broaden their international perspectives. When the competition was launched, the aim was to train college students to be proficient in another language and communicate clearly with the world. However, in the 25 years since then, the competition has gone far beyond this simple goal. It now plays a role in helping document every major step the country takes in its development, while also encouraging young people to share China’s stories with the world and providing a stage for those who will shape the future.
中国日报社“21世纪杯”全国英语演讲比赛创办于1996年，比赛鼓励学生提高英文公共演讲技能，发挥创造力，拓宽国际视野。“21世纪杯”创办之初旨在训练大学生精通另一种语言，以清楚地与世界交流。然而，在此后的25年里，比赛已经远远超出这一简单的目标。现在，“21世纪杯”全国英语演讲比赛的作用是帮助记录国家发展的每一个重大步骤，同时鼓励年轻人与世界分享中国故事，并为那些塑造未来的人提供舞台。
Mei Deming, a professor of English and linguistics at Shanghai International Studies University, said that to tell China’s story to the world, Gen Zers must first love their motherland, the Party and the people. In addition, they should have a global perspective and understand the importance of building a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.
上海外国语大学英语与语言学教授梅德明表示，Z世代要向世界讲述中国故事，首先必须热爱祖国、热爱党和人民。同时，Z世代要树立全球视野，认识到构建人类命运共同体的重要性。
Wang Guan, a former “21st Century Cup” contestant and a news anchor and host at CGTN, said that Gen Zers need to tell China’s story well with empathy and nuance. They should have empathy for other cultures and for what their counterparts are experiencing. Moreover, they should have the ability to present nuanced explanations of what China and Chinese culture are.
“21世纪杯”往届选手、中国国际电视台(CGTN)新闻主播和主持人王冠说，Z世代想讲好中国故事，要有感同身受的能力，还要有细致入微的体察。Z世代应该对别国文化、对别国同龄人的境遇有感知的能力。此外，中国Z世代要跟同龄人解释清中国是什么、中国文化是什么。
