Malaysian-Chinese youths trace their roots in Chaozhou
The 2024 "Root-Seeking Tour in China" Winter Camp in Guangdong's Chaozhou, initiated by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and executed by the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Chaozhou Overseas Chinese Federation, has kicked off with 36 participants from the Federated Teochew Associations of Malaysia and Teochew Eight Districts Association. Over the next ten days, these young Chinese descendants will immerse themselves in Mandarin and the Chaozhou dialect, engage in traditional paper-cutting, and explore cultural landmarks like the Guangji Bridge to delve into the region's rich history and culture.
The opening ceremony at ChaozhouYouth Palacewas a spectacle of rhythmic drumbeats and powerful steps as the Yingge dance troupe performed. Campers enjoyed the famed Chaozhou Gongfu tea, capturing the vibrant scene on their phones. Chen Duiyi, Chairman of the Chaozhou Overseas Chinese Federation, expressed his aspirations for the campers to embrace the allure of traditional culture in Chaozhou and to appreciate the harmonious blend of ecological civilization and urban progress, fostering a deeper affection for the land.
In cultural sessions, instructor Liu Yiyun delved into the "Red-headed Boat Spirit" (the entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit of the Chaozhou people), elucidating the motives behind their ancestors' overseas ventures and the significance of the "three-piece set for emigration." The interactive session, which included conversations in Chaozhou dialect and recitations of emigrant ballads, was steeped in cultural vibrancy.
Malaysian participant representative Cai Siquan articulated the group's desire to "comprehend the quintessence of Chaozhou culture and forge profound bonds with Chaozhou youth from across the globe." Echoing this sentiment, Chen Jiaqiang, the general leader of Youth Group of the Federated Teochew Associations of Malaysia, emphasized the duty to safeguard and propagate the cultural heritage of Chaozhou, aiming to introduce its distinctive charm to a broader audience.
Source: Lingnan on the Cloud
马来西亚华裔青少年到潮州“寻根”
近日，由中国侨联主办、广东省侨联和潮州市侨联承办的2024“中国寻根之旅”冬令营——广东潮州营正式开营。此次活动吸引了来自马来西亚潮州公会联合会和柔佛潮州八邑会馆的36名华裔青少年参与。他们将在10天里学习汉语及潮州话，体验潮州剪纸制作，探访广济桥等文化古迹，深入了解潮州的历史与文化。
伴随着激昂的锣鼓声，英歌队员踏着整齐有力的步伐表演英歌舞，开营仪式在潮州市青少年宫拉开帷幕。营员们一边品尝潮州工夫茶，一边用手机记录下这段精彩瞬间。潮州市侨联主席陈堆义表示，希望海外潮籍青少年通过这次冬令营，在“海滨邹鲁”潮州感受传统文化的魅力，了解生态文明与现代城市发展，进一步爱上这片土地。
在文化课程中，授课老师刘宜云带领营员们探索潮州人的“红头船精神”。她讲解了祖辈南渡海外的原因以及“过番三件套”的由来，随后，师生们用潮州话交流并诵读过番歌谣，现场洋溢着浓厚的文化氛围。
“我们希望通过活动，更好地理解潮州文化的精髓，并与来自世界各地的潮籍青年建立深厚友谊。”马来西亚营员代表蔡楒权说道。马来西亚潮州公会联合会青年团总团长陈家强也表示，潮州承载了祖辈离乡奋斗的足迹，他们有责任保护和传播潮州文化的精华，让更多人认识并了解这片土地的独特魅力。
文、图｜羊城晚报记者 曾柯权 通讯员 潮侨宣
译｜史洋溢
英文审校｜林佳岱
