In December 2024, amidst the construction of Bogota Metro Line 1 by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), a unique cultural initiative quietly took root on-site with the launch of a bilingual learning program that brought Chinese and Colombian team members closer together.
The Bogota Metro Line 1 project spans 46.7 kilometers of mainline track, 14.24 kilometers in the depot area, and includes 57.7 kilometers of third rail installation. The alignment cuts through residential neighborhoods, business districts, and transportation hubs. However, language barriers often led to misunderstandings in daily tasks, from purchasing materials to giving technical instructions.
To overcome this, the project team launched a Spanish learning initiative. A bilingual class was set up with structured modules covering everyday conversation, purchasing supplies, engineering terminology, and local customs. Chinese staff used phonetic aids to remember key phrases, and weekend classes quickly became known as “Spanish Corner,” transforming the canteen into a dynamic classroom.
The program soon became a two-way exchange. Colombian workers joined in to share workplace slang and practical phrases, while Chinese staff introduced Mandarin basics. These “language exchanges” not only enhanced workplace communication but also promoted mutual respect and understanding.
The initiative has since expanded beyond the classroom. A bilingual project culture handbook is in development, and informal language practice has become part of the work culture. Mixed-language conversations are now a regular feature at the site, reflecting a deeper level of cross-cultural integration.
As the project moves into a new phase of track-laying, this shared commitment to communication continues to unite the team. Beyond building infrastructure, the Bogota Metro project is helping to build understanding — laying the groundwork for lasting collaboration between China and Colombia.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
