A great pleasure to witness China's achievements: Tajik student

The ink dripped on Xuan paper, and each stroke formed elegant Chinese characters. The writer is Nozimov Sharifkhuja, an international student from Tajikistan. His Chinese name is Hou Zimo.

Come to China to fulfill a dream

Sharifkhuja has fancied Chinese movies and culture since childhood. His father is also a huge fan of China. Ahead of his graduation from high school, Sharifkhuja’s father suggested that he learn Chinese, and go to China in the future. Having studied Chinese for two years in Tajikistan, Sharifkhuja finally came to China to pursue his dream.

After five years in China, the Chinese expert is currently a master's student of international education in the Chinese language at Nankai University. Chinese language and calligraphy have become a part of his life.

Sharifkhuja is amazed by China's development in the past five years. "China has scored remarkable achievements in science and technology, aerospace in particular, over recent years. It is a great pleasure for me to witness these achievements." China's online shopping prosperity impresses him the most. "My country has no online shopping. I have kept telling my friends that there is only what you can't think of in China, but (almost) nothing you can't purchase online."

Nozimov Sharifkhuja browses through books at the library of Nankai University. (Photo provided by the interviewee).

China's rapid growth a far-reaching influence on other countries

Fluent Chinese makes it easier for Sharifkhuja to understand China and its political system. He carefully studied the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. China's poverty alleviation efforts and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were the topics he cared about the most. 

"Many regions in Tajikistan also suffer from issues caused by poverty. In the report, I saw a number. In ten years, a total of 832 impoverished counties have been lifted out of poverty, which is very beneficial for China's economic development," he said.

The rapid growth of China has a far-reaching impact on other countries, Sharifkhuja said. “Many Chinese companies are expanding their businesses outside of China, and are creating jobs in countries that are still developing, such as mine."

Tajikistan is the first country in the world to have signed a memorandum with China on building the Silk Road Economic Belt, and Sharifkhuja is also an unswerving supporter of BRI. "After Chinese companies entered Tajikistan, more people in my country have better opportunities to land a job. Many of my friends now work in Chinese companies," he said, adding that Chinese enterprises constructed roads, bridges, and power plants in Tajikistan. More Tajik people now get a chance to study in China.

It is also consistent with Sharifkhuja’s understanding of "a community with a shared future for mankind." "While insisting on their own independence, each country should also help each other economically, accept each other culturally, and confront common problems such as environmental changes together." He said, "We should tackle problems, make progress, and develop together. I think in the next few years, more countries will join the initiative and achieve better development hand in hand."

A student at Nankai University, Sharifkhuja also stands up for "Continuing to give high priority to the development of education, build China's self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and rely on talent to pioneer and to propel development," delivered by the report. 

"Dedication to public interests, acquisition of all-round capability and aspiration for progress with each passing day" being its motto, Nankai University provides students with an excellent learning environment, cultural activities, and social practice opportunities. It is devoted to cultivating more high-quality talent. "Whether you are a Chinese student or from a foreign country, Nankai University has always encouraged us to become talents," said Sharifkhuja.

Nozimov Sharifkhuja shows his calligraphy work of "Hou Zimo," his Chinese name. (Photo provided by the interviewee).

Aspiring to be a cultural ambassador

In his first calligraphy class in Tajikstan, Sharifkhuja’s teacher told him that calligraphy writing needs to hold brushes steadily and sit upright. "You write calligraphy the same way you behave." He was told that gentlemen needs to act appropriately, humble, and confident, but not too arrogant. "To write with brushes is an amazing experience. Once the work is completed, I can feel the spirit of Chinese culture. Every stroke of Chinese characters is communicating with me," Sharifkhuja added.

The name "Hou Zimo" also comes from calligraphy. His calligraphy teacher said that in Chinese, "Zi" means "human beings," and "Mo," literally "ink," refers to "culture." His teacher hopes that he will become a well-educated person.

Besides calligraphy, the Tajik youth also enjoys traditional Chinese music and pop music, and even taught himself the cucurbit flute and bamboo flute. Sharifkhuja is willing to share his experience in China with his family and friends, while introducing Tajik culture to his Chinese pals.

Ready to graduate, Sharifkhuja is planning for the future. Having stayed in China for many years, he is reluctant to leave. He hopes to apply for a doctoral program or to work in the embassy, becoming a cultural bridge between the two countries. Meanwhile, he also plans on returning home as a Chinese teacher, presenting his compatriots with a view of the real China, and using the skills he acquired in China to improve the education of his motherland. "This is also my responsibility," he added.

However, no matter what Sharifkhuja chooses, his future will be closely related to the Chinese. "My love for Chinese has surpassed simply learning itself," he said.