The first UN Chinese Language Day at the United Nations 【小题1】 (observe)on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York in 2010.【小题2】the world’s most widely spoken language, it seems appropriate that Mandarin(普通话)has one day annually dedicated to it. This 【小题3】 (official) marked day of Mandarin language celebration was set by the United Nations as a way of celebrating the language’s history and 【小题4】(contribution)to the world. It is hoped that having one day annually 【小题5】(celebrate)Mandarin will encourage more people around the world to take it up. With China likely to become the 【小题6】(large)economy in the world, it is important that the wider world becomes more interested in this wonderful language. Every year UN Chinese Language Day 【小题7】(fall)on April 20. A great way to get 【小题8】(involve)in the celebration is to join a Mandarin class or attend one of the many Confucius Institutes 【小题9】are set up by China in countries around the world. The number of people learning Chinese is on 【小题10】increase in China’s neighboring countries, such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

China is widely known for its ancient civilization, and among the many 【小题1】 (factor) the writing system has played an important role.

The earliest written Chinese was based on pictures, 【小题2】 (date) back several thousand years to the use of animal bones and shells where symbols 【小题3】 (carve) by ancient Chinese people. Later the symbols became 【小题4】 well-developed writing system. Over time, it developed into different forms, because there was a time when people were divided geographically 【小题5】 it in turn led to many varieties of dialects and characters. It was after Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states that the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. The writing system was 【小题6】 great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture.

Ever since, the writing system 【小题7】 (become) an important means connecting China’s present with its past, which made it possible for people in modern times 【小题8】 (read) the classic works written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for it can be seen in the development of Chinese calligraphy, 【小题9】 has been an important part in Chinese culture.

Today, as China plays a 【小题10】 (great) role in global affairs, more and more international students are beginning to appreciate China’s culture and history.

We often use body language to express our thoughts and opinions. Just like 【小题1】 (speak) language, body language varies from culture to culture. The crucial thing is using body language in a way 【小题2】 is appropriate to the culture you are in. Making eye contact in some countries 【小题3】 (be) a way to display interest. In other countries, 【小题4】 contrast, it is rude. The gesture for “OK” means money in Japan and zero in France. 【小题5】, it is considered impolite in Brazil and Germany. There are also 【小题6】 (differ) in how we act when we meet or part. In some countries, people may kiss their friends on 【小题7】 cheek when they meet. Elsewhere, people favour 【小题8】 (shake) hands.

Some body language has many uses. Perhaps the 【小题9】 (good) example is smiling. A smile can help us get through difficulties, find friends and break down barriers. If we are feeling down or lonely, there is 【小题10】 better than seeing the smiling face of a good friend.