Tianjin, January 12 (Xinhua) -- Title: Vietnamese Students' "Tomorrow": Translating the Vibrant Atmosphere of China Back Home
Reporter Wang Junyan
In front of the villas along the Five Great Avenues, Pei Mingri took photos with his phone, then wrote the captions in Vietnamese and posted them on social media. In the comments section, Vietnamese friends asked, "Where is this?" and "Tianjin is so beautiful!" This Vietnamese student at Tianjin Foreign Studies University said that his daily life in Tianjin often involves "translating" the street scenes and everyday details to his friends back home, "letting them also experience the vibrant atmosphere of China."
Pei Mingri, 22, is from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Translation at Tianjin Foreign Studies University, specializing in English interpreting. Due to congenital hand deformities, he has always spent more time than others writing, taking notes, and typing. "It was indeed slow at first, but I adapted after practicing for a while, and now I can basically do it all," he said.
Pei Mingri studies in the school library. (Photo by Wang Junyan)At 15, Pei Mingri decided to learn Chinese. His reason was straightforward: he had loved reading "Journey to the West" since childhood and developed an interest in Chinese culture, always longing for China. However, turning this "longing" into a plan wasn't without its concerns. Before coming to China to study, his biggest worries were insufficient language skills and the challenges of adapting to different lifestyles and cultures—"I was afraid I wouldn't understand, wouldn't keep up, and wouldn't be able to integrate." But he ultimately made up his mind. In his view, life is only once, and he wanted to "bravely walk the path he wanted to walk," even if it meant starting slowly, he had to take that first step.
After officially arriving in China, Pei Mingri first went to Qingdao to study for his undergraduate degree, and later came to Tianjin to continue his studies. Upon arrival, language and expression became the first hurdle he had to overcome: he was sometimes slow to react in class, and his inaccurate wording caused communication problems in daily life. He actively made friends, participated in class activities, and tried to seize opportunities to chat and discuss assignments with Chinese classmates. "Speak more, listen more, and gradually you'll adapt to life in China."
Photo shows Pei Mingri. (Photo by Feng Hongjie)When asked why he chose Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Pei Mingri said that the university excels in foreign language education, offers a complete range of languages, and the quality of its Advanced Translation Institute's training program is something he admires. On the other hand, Tianjin is a developed and modern city that also retains many classical elements, and life there is convenient; "it's easy to go anywhere."
Pei Mingri used three words to describe his daily life in Tianjin: friendly, beautiful, and very "strenuous." He said that the "friendly" aspect came from the warmth and care of his teachers, classmates, and those around him, which helped him integrate quickly; the "beautiful" aspect was more about the scenery in his life—the school is located in the city center, making it convenient to travel, and the surrounding streets and the night view of the Haihe River are all within easy reach; and the "strenuous" aspect was the fast pace of learning and the hard work of his classmates, which also pushed him to keep up with the pace.
Learning to interpret was not easy for him. Pei Minh Ri said that neither Chinese nor English are his native languages, so when translating, he often has to first "switch back" to Vietnamese in his mind before converting it into English or Chinese, which takes "longer" than for native speakers. But he also feels that as long as he masters this approach, "it will become my advantage in the future."
As the new year begins, red decorations are appearing more frequently on the streets of Tianjin, special sections for New Year's goods are being set up in shopping districts, and students are starting to discuss their Spring Festival plans on campus. Pei Mingri said that this is the first time he has systematically experienced the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year in Tianjin in advance: looking at paper-cutting and New Year paintings in the Ancient Culture Street, listening to the shouts and smelling the aromas at the snack stalls, and pausing in front of the steaming tea, "like Vietnamese mung bean cakes."
These details make him more willing to consider the two countries' New Year celebrations together. Pei Minh Ri said that both Vietnam and China use the lunar calendar, and both countries look forward to returning home for family reunions during the New Year. In Vietnam, people eat round rice dumplings (sticky rice dumplings) during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing reunion; while in China, rice dumplings are more often associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, and dumplings, rice cakes, and other festive foods are more common on the Lunar New Year table.
When discussing the similarities and differences between the two cultures, Pei Mingri spoke candidly to reporters: Vietnam also puts up Spring Festival couplets during the Lunar New Year, but the blessings are written in Vietnamese; Vietnamese people also eat bitter melon during the Lunar New Year, stuffing it with minced meat, "hoping that all bad luck will pass." He said that although the customs of the two countries seem different, they ultimately point to the same thing—hoping for the safety of the family and for a smooth year.
After arriving in Tianjin, Pei Mingri brought the flavors of his hometown to his classmates. He explained that Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife, where young people often go to the movies and drink beer with friends. "I really enjoy the life there," he said. In Tianjin, he makes Vietnamese spring rolls by hand and invites his Chinese classmates and international friends to try them. "We eat and chat, and we quickly become acquainted."
Pei Mingri captures the essence of everyday life in Yangliuqing Ancient Town, Tianjin, through his camera lens. (Photo courtesy of Tianjin Foreign Studies University)Pei Mingri also captured Tianjin's changing seasons in his photo album. When he first came to China in autumn, he and his classmates went to the Five Great Avenues to see the yellow leaves, and also visited the Tianjin Eye and the Century Clock. "Many tourists visiting Tianjin go to these places," he said. After the photos were posted on social media, his Vietnamese friends often asked, "Is this really Tianjin?" They were surprised to find so many Western-style buildings in Tianjin.
Pei Mingri enjoys using TikTok and Facebook to document his studies and life in China. He says that before coming to China, his family and friends didn't know much about the country. After seeing his content, they would comment, "Wow, China is developing so fast!" Pei Mingri says the misunderstanding he most wants to correct is the perception that China is only about high-speed rail and skyscrapers. In his videos, China also shows everyday life: the warmth of street food, the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, and the care and consideration between people.
Speaking of the future, Pei Minh Ri said he hopes to continue his doctoral studies, focusing on international relations; if given the opportunity, he would also like to stay and work in China. He hopes to become a "bridge" for cultural exchange between the two countries. "Vietnam and China are neighbors, and we naturally share many life experiences, each with its own strengths. I want to combine these two strengths so that we can learn from and understand each other."
Before the interview ended, Pei Mingri mentioned his Chinese name. "Mingri" means "tomorrow's sun" in Chinese. He said his teacher told him this name suited him: no matter what difficulties he encountered today, there would always be a new sun tomorrow. For him, this explanation wasn't grand, but it was very practical—to teach his classes well every day, to practice his expressions accurately each time, and to clearly explain what he saw in life. The sun will rise as usual, and he will continue to move forward as usual. (End)
