第七届“21世纪杯”全国英语演讲比赛冠军——孙宁

孙宁 北京外国语大学

Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for China's Younger Generation

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen:

       Today I'm very happy to be here to share with you some of my thoughts on the topic of Globalization. And first of all, I would like to mention an event in our recent history.

       Thirty years ago, American President Richard Nixon made an epoch-making visit to China, a country still isolated at that time. Premier Zhou Enlai said to him, "Your handshake came over the vastest ocean in the world - twenty-five years of no communication." Ever since then, China and America have exchanged many handshakes of various kinds. The fundamental implication of this example is that the need and desire to communicate across differences in culture and ideology is not only felt by the two countries but by many other nations as well.

       As we can see today, environmentalists from different countries are making joint efforts to address the issue of global warming, economists are seeking solutions to financial crises that rage in a particular region but nonetheless cripple the world's economy, and diplomats and politicians are getting together to discuss the issue of combating terrorism. Peace and prosperity has become a common goal that we are striving for all over the world. Underlying this mighty trend of globalization is the echo of E. M. Forster's words, "Only connect!"

       With the IT revolution taking place, traditional boundaries of human society fall away. Our culture, politics, society and commerce are being sloshed[1] into a large melting pot of humanity. In this interlinked world, there are no outsiders, for a disturbance in one place is likely to impact other parts of the globe. We have begun to realize that a world divided cannot endure.

       China is now actively integrating into the world. Our recent entry to the WTO is a good example. For decades, we have taken pride in being self-reliant, but now we realize the importance of participating in and contributing to a broader economic order. From the precarious role in the world arena to our present WTO membership, we have come a long way.

       But what does the way ahead look like? In some parts of the world people are demonstrating against globalization. Are they justified then, in criticizing the globalizing world? Instead of narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor, they say, globalization enables developed nations to swallow the developing nations' wealth in debts and interest. Globalization, they argue, should be about an earnest interest in every other nation's economic health.

       We are reminded by Karl Marx that capital goes beyond national borders and eludes control from any other entity. This has become a reality. Multinational corporations are seeking the lowest cost, the largest market, and the most favorable policy. They are often powerful lobbyists in government decision-making, ruthless expansionists in the global market place and a devastating presence to local businesses.

       For China, still more challenges exist. How are we going to ensure a smooth transition from the planned economy to a market-based one? How to construct a legal system that is sound enough and broad enough to respond to the needs of a dynamic society? How to maintain our cultural identity in an increasingly homogeneous world? And how to define greatness in our rise as a peace-loving nation? Globalization entails questions that concern us all.

       Like many young people my age in China, I want to see my country get prosperous and enjoying respect in the international community. But it seems to me that mere patriotism is not just enough. It is vitally important that we young people do more serious thinking and broaden our mind to bigger issues. And, there might never be easy answers to those issues such as globalization, but to take them on and give them honest thinking is the first step to be prepared for both opportunities and challenges coming our way. And this is also one of the thoughts that came to me while preparing this speech. Thank you.

【第七届】张洁璇 备稿与即兴演讲

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen;

       When I first say the topic set for this contest, I suddenly recalled a conversation with an Indian American lady during the annual forum of the Young President’s Organization. She told me she was impressed by the student volunteers in two respects. First, all the students could speak very good English. Second, many of them know a lot about western culture and society. But when it came to some issues of Chinese culture, from time to time, they stammered and stuttered. Why so, she was baffled. And I explained that for students in China fluent language with an authentic accent has always been the main, if not the only criterion, for good English. “Why you see,” she told me, “though I’ve been living in the States for many years, I’ve still got the Indian accent. And that is nothing to be ashamed of. What is more important is how to bring your own culture to the outer world by using this language.” Up till this day, this very moment, her words have still kept echoing in my ears.

       And I suddenly realize the process of globalization is somewhat similar to that of language learning. In the process of globalization, when every nation is busy learning the common rules, regulations, even the language, we also have to pay equal, if not greater attention, to our culture, to our national identity.

       How to preserve and maintain our own national integrity is the biggest challenge for us young people. When standing at the threshold of the new era, young people are provided with unprecedented opportunities. By the Internet, now we are just a click away from the most up-to-date information. Cooperation has transcended all the national boundaries and geographical distance. And now we can have our part to play in a broader stage——a global stage. Yet, when China accelerates its pace of opening up to the whole world, just as the case of language learning, many youngsters are also losing themselves in the ocean of western cultures.

       My dear fellow students ask ourselves when we are getting more and more attracted to Hollywood blockbusters, how many of us have ever enjoyed Peking Opera with the same enthusiasm? Ask ourselves, if we can tell foreign guests about our own culture as much as they may tell us about theirs. Ask ourselves, when we are busy following the fashion of those Korean hip hops, can we create our own style, which they may also exclaim, “Wow, that’s cool.” And here’s the crux of the matter.

       Globalization should not be a huge melting pot into which people of uniqueness only to come out all the same. It should not be a process in which countries gradually lose their identities. To my understanding, it should be a grand orchestra, an orchestra in which every player has his particular position and function, an orchestra where the uniqueness of every member is so cherished that anyone’s role is irreplaceable by anyone else, an orchestra based on the joint contribution of every participant which can and will produce the mist beautiful symphony of tomorrow’s peace and prosperity.

       My dear fellow students, our older generation has created a really splendid culture, and now it is our duty to carry the work on, to strive for a more beautiful future.

       I hope next time, when this lady again comes to China, she will not only marvel at our Chinese young people using fluent English introducing our magnificent culture, but also see that we are not only eager to learn, but also eager to tell. We are telling the whole world, “Yes, we have made a difference.” Thank you!

【第七届】张勇 备稿

Honorable judges, ladies and gentlemen,

       When I was preparing the speech contest and thinking about what we young people could keep abreast with globalization. The image of my uncle and his three mirrors popped up immediately in my mind.

       Believe it or not, my uncle is one of those who will attract you like a magnet at the very first sight. No wonder he won the heart of my mother’s charming sister. As a successful businessman in the international business circle for about 20 years, he definitely makes a pre-eminent example for how to win in the process of globalization. While I am filled with admiration for his achievements, I have always try to figure out why on the tidal wave of globalization after years of fierce competition, his business still keeps flourishing and he himself is still full of great vitality. A Confucian scholar Zeng-zi once said, ‘Each day I examine myself from three reflections.” So does my uncle, he examines himself every so often.

       Today, however, when I think about this, I have found what it is about my uncle. He’s got three mirrors within him that make him stand out so prominently. The first mirror I found is the mirror of modern wisdom. Being globalized, my uncle makes great effort to equip himself with broad-based knowledge and integrated skills which enable him to overcome every difficulty. He has always instructed me to keep an open eye on other fields of knowledge and try to participate fully in all kinds of social activities. Thanks to my uncle’s encouragement, I made my way here.

       The second mirror I’ve seen reflected his spirit of innovation. A good example is that when the Internet first came to China, he immediately used it in his business long before the term “E-business” emerged. He considered innovation as a vital quality for the young, so as to forge our unique way instead of simply replicating others in the era of globalization. And I feel sure the young in China will be more dynamic and creative on account of a more open environment and plenty of choices.

       Last but not least, it is true my uncle is a modern man, quick to respond to changes. But the essence of our culture has become part of his soul, which I call, the mirror of culture. I can find nothing more vivid than his words. “Each citizen in this global village must have a cultural export, by which one can be clearly identified.” Once when bidding for a project, promoting a sewing machine business, against some international competitors, my uncle started his speech as follows, “It is a Chinese woman who invented the first loom, and thus I am honored to introduce to you my products because our sewing machine combined with precious heirloom with modern technology. We will embroider on the tapestry of history this relationship between China and the outside world.” His inspiration derived from cultural treasures has turned his business into a smashing success and earned him the honor of being a real Chinese entrepreneur.

       I’m proud of my uncle because he is the embodiment of modern wisdom, innovation and cultural heritage, all of which have made him an outstanding man on today’s world stage. I’m also proud of my country, because I believe there are millions of people just like my uncle, devoting their efforts to the great cause of building a more perfect nation. In particular, I’m proud of my generation because never before have we had such a blessed opportunity, and therefore such a profound obligation to realize a strong nation in this globalized world.

       A couple of weeks ago, I felt so grateful to receive a phone call from my uncle again and his encouraging words, “show your best to the world”. Again his confident voice reminded me of those three mirrors, which I’m convinced, will guide our young generation so full of vitality and our flourishing nation on the way to globalization. Thank you！