Searching the Meaning of善at Shandong University

By Cristian-Mihai COSTENAR (胜利)

You may wonder dear readerswhy did I use善as part of an essay about my experience at Shandong University. During the time at Shandong University, my Chinese friends have asked mewhat could be the possible translation of善in English language. Before I could reply, they have told me that the dictionary translates it as goodness. However, it does not convey the message exactly, does it now?好and良(among thousands of Hanzi)can mean goodness, yet they are differentfrom善. Off the top of my head, I had one single answer:virtue.

At Shandong University, we the students have been given the chance to improve ourselves. Subjectively speaking, the Qingdao campus is in the middle of nowhere. A detriment to some people, yet I believe that it nurtures strength. It can be arguedthat our lives resemble the livesthatthe old hermits used to live. While we do not face the tough conditions they had endured, one thing we both have in common is the searchingof true virtue.

By the virtue of character, we have been selected to study at Shandong University. Shandong University has given us the tools,andnow it is our duty to reap the benefits of our work. However, keeping only tooneselfwould certainly hinder any efforttopromoteand spreadknowledge. The duty of international students and Chinese students is to communicate with each other in order to develop mutual understanding.

From the interactionsI had with Chinese people,I can say without a doubt that Chinese people are eager to learn about foreign cultures. It is pleasant to be warmly welcomed to Shandong University, which is why I wish to learn the Chinese perspective as well. Moreover, English, or any other foreign language, certainly have a limited ability of conveying the Chinese language. Therefore, my purpose as a guest of Shandong University is to remove the language and cultural barriers by familiarizing myself with Chinese culture.

While difficult tobecomprehended, the Sino-world has been the source of continuous interest for foreigners. It is however the openness of Chinese universities that will enhance the attractiveness of China abroad. Shandong University providesthe means to get in touch with Chinese culture. Yet to comprehend it, one must have peace of mind and souland the uncanny ability to walk the journey of 1000 li.

In conclusion, the Hanzi character of善has multiple meanings in Chinese languageanda foreigner could only understand its meaningsby embracing China. Personally speaking, Shandong University acted as a gracious host and for that reason alone, I can repay Chinese hospitality in two ways:learning and teaching.