Bankuwiha Etienne, a Burundian student with a Chinese name Ban Chao, has been studying at the Institute for International Students at Nanjing University since 2022. His research focuses on area studies, with a particular focus on cultural exchanges in China–Africa relations.
His Chinese name was given by a teacher during his undergraduate years. It coincidentally matches the name of Ban Chao, a renowned diplomat and military general of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) who governed the Western Regions – modern-day Central Asia.
Etienne began learning Chinese in his sophomore year, and today, his fluent speech carries almost no foreign accent. "My undergraduate major was mathematics, not Chinese," he recalled. "I chose to learn Chinese out of curiosity and for the challenge."
After completing his master's degree, Etienne joined the Chinese language program at the University of Burundi, where he not only teaches the language but also introduces Chinese culture. His lively and engaging teaching style guides students from basic pinyin and character writing to the recitation of classical poetry, helping them appreciate the depth of Chinese cultural heritage while improving their language skills.
In 2024, he published a monograph on China in Burundi, becoming the first academic work on China released by a local publishing house. The book aims to present a more multidimensional picture of China to Burundian readers.
Etienne is also active in promoting China-Africa cultural ties. Together with other Burundian China hands, he works as a translator and consultant for Chinese enterprises operating in the country. To further strengthen cultural exchanges, they co-founded the Burundi Chinese Translators Association, a platform designed to foster dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.
"My peers and I want to show that Chinese education is not only a bridge to understanding China, but also a vital link for cultural exchange and business cooperation between countries," he said. "We hope our stories will inspire more young people in China and Africa to take part in cultural exchange and bring new energy to China-Africa friendship."
