Chinese scholar pitch tent at Kenya varsity to cement friendship

Chinese Xu Jing Rotich wearing an African themed dress on Thursday walked to the podium to present a seminal paper on the status of indigenous dialects in Kenya and China.

The audience gathered at the University of Nairobi for a conference to discuss the role of native languages in a rapidly evolving world were impressed by Xu's intellectual vigor, charm and flexible demeanor.

An accomplished public speaker, Xu stressed that language was crucial to cement bonds among people from diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.

She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in linguistics at the University of Nairobi's Department of Linguistics and Languages.

Xu's life history is not only uplifting but a also a marvel to many Kenyans.

The eloquent scholar has pitched tent in Kenya's oldest university to teach mandarin and cement friendship between China and its staunch ally in the east African region.

A faculty member at University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute, Xu has been at the frontline to quench young Kenyans' thirst for knowledge about Chinese language, ancient philosophy and customs.

Xu had scant knowledge of Kenya while growing up in China but the scenario changed drastically in the late 90s when she fell in love with a Kenyan gentleman while studying in the university.

"I used to hear about the Maasai but came to appreciate the country during several visits as my courtship with Rotich blossomed. When I visited Nairobi in 2007 and 2008, my husband took me to the Maasai market where I bought gifts for my friends back in China," Xu told Xinhua during an interview.

She revealed that her marriage to Rotich was solemnized in 2006 after years of blissful courtship.

Now a mother of two children who are in Kindergarten, Xu recalled with nostalgia how she met her future husband who benefitted from a Chinese government scholarship to pursue a post graduate degree in chemistry.

"I was teaching my future husband Chinese language when we fell in love. By then, I was pursuing a bachelor's degree in education and he was enrolled for a post graduate degree in chemistry," Xu said.

Rotich was later awarded a scholarship by the Chinese government to pursue a doctoral degree in environmental engineering.

Xu's love for Kenya blossomed after tying the knot with Rotich who relocated to his native country after completing the studies in China.

The newly-weds settled amicably in their new life despite their racial and cultural differences. Xu followed her new husband to Kenya in 2009 to start a new chapter in her life.

"My husband got a job with Kenya Bureau of Standards after studies and I was sent by the government to the University of Nairobi to teach mandarin," Xu said.

Asked whether she maintains a strong attachment to China after settling in Kenya five years ago, Xu answered in the affirmative.

"China is still my home and have appreciated the opportunity granted to me to teach mandarin in Kenya," said Xu

She has jelled with the Kenyan society without hitches and appreciates the country's weather and natural treasures like wildlife.

"Most people in Kenya are friendly and my relationship with in- laws has been cordial. Every Christmas, we visit my husband's ancestral home in the Rift Valley to reunite with the extended family," Xu said.

She has also fallen in love with some Kenyan cuisine especially roast meat. Her husband too has come to appreciate Chinese delicacies while Xu ensure they are often served on the dinner table.

"I have taught the maid to cook Chinese food and as we mark the New Year, dumplings are being served constantly," Xu said.

She is optimistic that Sino-Kenya cooperation in diverse fields like infrastructure development, educational and cultural exchanges will be sustained for the long haul.

"China is developing new roads in Kenya and its footprint in the cultural sphere is spreading," Xu remarked.

Her experience at University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute has been refreshing.

Established in 2005, the Institute currently has over 400 students and has started enrolling adult learners from public and private sectors.

"We have started classes for employees from the government and private companies to enable them communicate fluently in Chinese. Likewise, there are classes for employees at the University of Nairobi," Xu said.

The majority of her students master the Chinese language very fast, she said.