In an impressive display of linguistic talent, Caleb William Locke Foust, an American student, clinched first place in the annual Mandarin-speaking competition at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. The competition, which aims to foster cultural exchange, saw participants from various countries showcase their Mandarin skills in a speech contest that emphasizes both language proficiency and cultural understanding.
The Road to Victory
Foust, a former Silicon Valley engineer, was awarded the NT$20,000 (US$616) top prize for his compelling speech on the theme of “perseverance and abandonment.” He shared his personal journey, recounting his repeated efforts to secure a diplomatic position despite numerous rejections. His message centered on the importance of persistence and dedication in achieving one’s goals, especially in the face of adversity.
Foust revealed that his dream of becoming a diplomat began at a young age and has driven his pursuit of Mandarin, a language he first encountered through his former girlfriend from Beijing. After visiting Taiwan, he decided to immerse himself in the Mandarin language and culture, a decision that led him to enroll in Taiwan’s language programs.
“I will keep working until I become a diplomat,” Foust said, reflecting his determination and optimism despite previous setbacks.
The Contestants and Categories
The competition drew 60 contestants from 17 different countries, all of whom were studying at various universities across Taiwan. They were tasked with delivering a five-minute speech in Mandarin on one of five topics:
- Perseverance and Abandonment
- How to Make Good Use of Social Media
- My Biggest Worry in Taiwan
- My Viewpoint on Taiwan’s Taboo
- What Age is the Best in Life?
Foust’s speech on perseverance stood out among the other entries, earning him the top spot, but the competition was fierce. American students John David Kaltenbach and Camille Kathleen Byrne secured second and third prizes, respectively, winning NT$16,000 and NT$12,000.
Other Notable Winners
Peter Geert Albert Oortmann, a student from the Netherlands, earned the NT$8,000 fourth prize. Several contestants received superior awards for their outstanding performances, including:
| Contestant | Country | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Fathiya Adiba | Indonesia | NT$6,000 |
| Emily Eleanor Darlene | United States | NT$6,000 |
| John Edward Kaulakis | United States | NT$6,000 |
| Ethan Reiter | United States | NT$6,000 |
| Manowang Warunee | Thailand | NT$6,000 |
| Arisa Yabuta | Japan | NT$6,000 |
These winners were praised for their eloquent speeches and their excellent command of Mandarin.
Judges’ Remarks and Future Plans
Peng Ni-se, head of the jury and a professor at Chung Yuan Christian University, praised the contestants for their well-prepared speeches. She noted that their pronunciations, intonation, and posture contributed to the overall effectiveness of their presentations.
Wang Lan-sheng, the director-general of the Hall, emphasized that the contest aligns with Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s ideals of fostering global fraternity and mutual understanding. He also mentioned that discussions are underway to introduce a Taiwanese Hokkien language category in future editions of the contest to further diversify the event.
Conclusion: A Platform for Cultural Exchange
The Mandarin-speaking contest not only serves as a platform for linguistic achievement but also plays a crucial role in cultural exchange between Taiwan and the international community. Through their speeches, participants from all corners of the globe share their perspectives on Taiwan, while also learning about the island’s rich culture and history.
As the competition continues to grow in popularity, it is expected that more students from various countries will take part in future editions, further enhancing Taiwan’s role as a hub for international education and cultural exchange.
FAQ
1. What was the topic of Caleb Foust’s winning speech?
Caleb Foust’s winning speech focused on the theme of “perseverance and abandonment,” where he shared his personal experiences of aspiring to become a diplomat despite multiple setbacks.
2. How many countries participated in the Mandarin-speaking contest?
This year, 60 contestants from 17 different countries participated in the contest.
3. What other awards were given besides the top three prizes?
Superior prizes were given to six contestants, each receiving NT$6,000 for their exceptional performances.
4. What languages are considered for future competitions?
The National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is considering adding a Taiwanese Hokkien language category to future editions of the contest to increase its diversity.
5. Who were the top three winners of the contest?
The top three winners were:
- First Place: Caleb William Locke Foust (USA)
- Second Place: John David Kaltenbach (USA)
- Third Place: Camille Kathleen Byrne (USA)
