GABORONE, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese community on Sunday celebrated International Chinese Language Day in the suburbs of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, offering the public a free, hands-on introduction to the Chinese language and traditional culture.

In alignment with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and organized by the Morejoy Chinese Culture Club, the event was held at a shopping mall in Phakalane, with the aim of showcasing the richness of both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture, inspiring local interest in learning Chinese, supporting the expansion of Chinese language programs in Botswana, and strengthening cultural understanding between Botswana and China.

Attendees enjoyed stage performances including a lion dance, a traditional drum show, a Tai chi demonstration, Chinese hulusi flute playing, guitar singing, and Chinese folk dance.

Barnard Seuh, one of the participants who joined in the singing, said it was a good experience. He added that he learned how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Chinese, noting that such events are important for connecting people and learning about each other's cultures.

Tumani Virginia Mmereki shared her excitement, saying, "I learned to actually write my name in Chinese and also got a new Chinese name. In the future, I would love to learn Chinese."

Visitors also had the chance to learn about Chinese characters, artworks, paintings, and books.

International Chinese Language Day is celebrated on April 20 each year, a date chosen to honor Cangjie, a legendary figure believed to have invented Chinese characters. ■