The first time I met Mina was in a small fruit and vegetable store. With her dark, curly hair and striking Central Asian features, she effortlessly conversed with customers in fluent Mandarin, even slipping into the local Shaanxi dialect. This Tajikistan native has formed a deep bond with the city of Xi'an, and her story is one of cultural integration and blossoming friendships.
Mina, now 20 years old, has just completed her undergraduate studies at the Chinese Language Institute of Xi'an International Studies University. Reflecting on her four years of study, she describes her experience as "rich" and "exciting." During this time, she participated in numerous cultural exchange activities, from performing Central Asian tea ceremonies and dances at the Tang Dynasty Everbright City to singing at the China-Central Asia Youth Leadership Program. These experiences have not only enhanced her language skills but also her ability to sing and dance proficiently.
One of Mina's most significant experiences was volunteering at the China-Central Asia Summit, where she introduced the Terracotta Warriors and the historical development of the Silk Road to guests and journalists. "The setup of the conference was incredibly impressive, and I felt honored to be a part of it," she recalls. The summit also brought many benefits to Central Asian students, including scholarships under the Belt and Road Initiative, which have been highly motivational and meaningful for them.
Overcoming Language Barriers
Today, Mina is a confident "Xi'an local," a far cry from her early days in the city. When she first arrived, she only knew a few basic Chinese phrases and found communication challenging. Her initial month was spent eating at the same Lanzhou noodle shop daily, where the owner soon memorized her order. Determined to overcome the language barrier, Mina enrolled in a year-long Chinese language course. By 2020, she passed the HSK 4 exam and was admitted to the Chinese Language Institute at Xi'an International Studies University.
Mina fondly remembers her first Chinese teacher, who patiently taught her the nuances of Mandarin pronunciation. "My teacher was very patient, going over each tone repeatedly until we got it right. This method helped me build a solid foundation in Chinese," she explains. Her Chinese name, "Mina," was also chosen by her teacher, as it sounded similar to her Tajik name and had connotations of beauty and grace.
Mina's fascination with China began in her childhood, influenced by her grandfather, who often shared stories about his business trips to China. Seeing "Made in China" labels on various products and learning about China in her schoolbooks and on TV sparked her curiosity. At 13, she began learning basic Chinese from a family friend who had worked in Shanghai. This early exposure laid the groundwork for her eventual decision to study in China.
In 2019, Mina boarded a flight from Tajikistan to China, embarking on her educational journey in Xi'an. Her aunt, who was studying in Xi'an, helped her with the school selection and application process. Once in Xi'an, Mina immersed herself in various cultural activities, from calligraphy and cooking to traditional dance and poetry. She particularly enjoyed wearing Tang Dynasty costumes and writing Chinese calligraphy, even attempting to write Spring Festival couplets during the Chinese New Year.
Building Lifelong Friendships
During the pandemic, Mina volunteered at the university's grocery store, which improved her spoken Chinese and led to a close friendship with the store owner. "The store owner is like an older sister to me," Mina says. "She taught me how to cook Chinese dishes like tomato and egg noodles, stir-fried mushrooms with greens, and spicy oil noodles." This friendship extended beyond the store, with Mina joining the owner on trips to her hometown in Baoji County to pick kiwi fruit.
Mina's journey in Xi'an has also been one of personal growth. Initially shy and hesitant to engage with others, she has become more outgoing, participating in and winning several speech contests. She has made friends from various countries, transforming from an introverted "I" person to an extroverted "E" person. In her spare time, she reads Chinese books to her mother over the phone, helping her learn simple phrases.
Mina is proud of the increasing ties between China and Tajikistan and feels a sense of contribution to cultural exchanges between the two countries. She recently shared her experiences in Shaanxi on a CCTV program, highlighting her love for Xi'an and her desire to stay and work there in the future. Mina hopes to use her language skills to promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and Tajikistan, envisioning a career that bridges the two cultures.
Deepening Connections and Future Aspirations
Over the past five years, Mina has grown deeply attached to Xi'an. The city's historic charm and vibrant culture have left a lasting impression on her. She has come to love local delicacies such as biangbiang noodles, lamb soup, and the spicy flavor of Shaanxi's famous chili oil. During her free time, she enjoys exploring the city's landmarks like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, and Qujiang Pool. Mina has also mastered traditional Chinese arts such as making dumplings, paper cutting, and practicing Tai Chi.
Her transformation from a shy, reserved girl to a confident, outgoing young woman is a testament to her perseverance and the welcoming environment of Xi'an. Mina recalls how she used to be nervous about speaking in public. Now, she has participated in several speech contests, often earning accolades for her eloquence and poise. The friendships she has formed with people from all over the world have enriched her experience, making her feel at home in Xi'an.
Mina's connection to her host city extends beyond the university. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a volunteer at the campus grocery store, where she met the store owner, who became like family to her. "The store owner treats me like her younger sister. She taught me how to cook various Chinese dishes, and we often spend time together, sharing meals and stories," Mina shares. This relationship blossomed into a genuine bond, with Mina even joining the family on trips to their hometown to experience the local way of life.
As she prepares to visit her family in Tajikistan during the summer break, Mina is excited to share her experiences and the flavors of Shaanxi with them. She plans to bring back local specialties like tea and snacks to give her family a taste of her life in China. "I'm eager to cook some Chinese dishes for them. Although my family isn't used to spicy food, I'm confident they'll enjoy the unique flavors," she says with a smile.
Mina's story is one of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. She has embraced the local customs and traditions of Xi'an, while also sharing her own culture with her Chinese friends. Her bilingual proficiency and deep appreciation for both cultures position her as a bridge between China and Tajikistan. Mina's ultimate goal is to contribute to the economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries, using her skills and experiences to foster greater understanding and cooperation.
Looking ahead, Mina envisions a future in Xi'an. She hopes to leverage her language skills and cultural insights in a career that promotes trade and cultural exchange between China and Central Asia. "I want to use my knowledge to help build a bridge of friendship between our countries," she explains. Mina sees opportunities in areas such as live streaming and e-commerce, where she can introduce Tajik products to the Chinese market and vice versa.
Mina's journey is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the enduring impact of educational opportunities. Her story highlights the importance of fostering international friendships and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. As she continues her studies and builds her career, Mina remains grateful for the support and experiences that have shaped her time in Xi'an.
Reflecting on her journey, Mina feels a deep sense of gratitude. "I am very thankful to Xi'an International Studies University for providing me with so many valuable opportunities. The friendships I've made and the experiences I've had are priceless," she says. Mina's story is a shining example of how education and cultural exchange can transform lives and build lasting bridges between nations.
With a heart full of dreams and a spirit of determination, Mina looks forward to a future where she can continue to grow, learn, and contribute to the beautiful tapestry of global friendship and cooperation.
