To enhance the cross-cultural communication skills and global competence of students across the university, Xidian University held its first Cross-Cultural Competence Competition on the afternoon of May 20 at the Chang’an Campus. Ten teams from various schools across the university gathered to deliver compelling presentations and engage in lively intellectual exchanges centered on the theme of multiculturalism.

In his opening remarks, Ji Qingyang, Director of the University’s Publicity Department, noted that in today’s era of deepening globalization, cross-cultural communication skills have become one of the core competencies of high-caliber talent. He encouraged students to strengthen their cultural confidence through mutual exchange and learning, improve their overall competence, and proactively tell China’s stories and amplify China’s voice.

The competition featured segments such as case analysis, concept presentations, and Q&A sessions with the judges, comprehensively assessing the contestants’ cross-cultural understanding, communication skills, and adaptability. Topics covered Chinese and Western clothing, tea culture, kuai ban (Chinese rhythmic recitation), opera face painting, and tai chi. Through role-playing, physical displays, and multimedia aids, each team vividly recreated cultural scenarios and provided in-depth analyses of cross-cultural conflicts and pathways to integration.

“The Charm of Qin Pepper” vividly illustrates the transition from conflict to complementarity between high-context and low-context communication by juxtaposing the ‘family’ culture of Chinese livestreaming with the performance-driven logic of the U.S. market; “Two Truths in the Ward” skillfully resolves ethical differences between two generations in China and the U.S. regarding medical disclosure through a “Medical Information Preference Form”; “Harmony Beyond Speed” brought an injured American sprinter into contact with Tai Chi, interpreting the cross-cultural philosophy of “cooperating with the body rather than fighting against it.” The contestants not only showcased the unique charm of traditional arts but also, through cross-cultural communication case studies, conducted in-depth analyses of the opportunities and challenges faced by cultural symbols in the context of global dissemination.

This Cross-Cultural Competence Competition provided students with a platform to showcase their talents and exchange ideas, demonstrating the broad cultural perspectives and solid comprehensive skills of Xidian University students.