Chinese Language Student Shines at 2025 'Chinese Bridge’ Competition Eastern U.S. Finals

Liam Knotek, a student in the Chinese Program, competed in the final round of the 2025 annual "Chinese Bridge" Competition for elementary, secondary, and college students in the Eastern U.S. region. The event was held at the China Institute in Manhattan, on May 17, 2025.

Liam was one of 31 finalists in this year’s competition. Representing the College Group, he delivered a three-minute speech on a self-selected topic related to the theme “One World, One Family.” He also answered questions from a panel of three judges and performed Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art.

This year’s competition attracted over 80 students from across the region. After intense competition, Liam won third place in the College Group. Other finalists in this group included students from Columbia University, Montclair University, and Alfred University. Liam has studied Chinese for only nine months. Despite being a beginner, he gave a well-structured speech and responded to the judges' questions with confidence and clarity.

This past spring semester, Liam interned in Washington, D.C. Although he was away from campus, he continued studying Chinese online with his professors and also attended a weekend class at a local Chinese school in D.C. His strong performance in the competition is a remarkable achievement and a testament to his dedication to learning the language.

This is not the first time that students from Seton Hall University have excelled in the "Chinese Bridge" competition. Previous winners from Seton Hall have received scholarships and had the opportunity to study in China.

The Chinese Program in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers four levels of Chinese language courses, including Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Chinese, as well as fourth-year Modern Chinese Readings. In the upcoming fall semester, a new course—Introductory Chinese for Healthcare Providers I—will be offered for students interested in careers in healthcare.

Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, serving as a working language for many international organizations, including the United Nations. It is also one of the oldest and richest languages in the world, embodying the profound Chinese civilization and wisdom. Learning Chinese language and culture not only helps American youth broaden their international perspectives and enhance cross-cultural understanding but also builds a bridge of mutual understanding between China and the U.S., laying the foundation for a better future.

Categories: Arts and Culture