On November 24, the World Conference on Chinese Studies Shanghai Forum was held at the Shanghai International Convention Center, with the theme of "Chinese Civilization and China's Road from a Global Perspective". This moment is not only a review of the history of Sinology, but also a profound reflection on contemporary Sinology. The reporter of China News Service conducted an exclusive interview with Zhang Chaoyi, dean of the Institute of International Communication of Chinese Culture at Beijing University of Foreign Chinese, and gave a detailed account of the development status of Sinology and Chinese Studies.
China News Service: At present, the number of Chinese Xi and Xi of Sinology in the world is on a downward trend, what is your view on the development of Sinology today?
Zhang Chaoyi: The economic development of countries around the world has been hindered to a certain extent, and it will take time for people to exchange people after the epidemic. The adjustment in the number of people Xi foreign languages and foreign cultures is normal and cannot be simply attributed to not yearning for China and Sinology. Chinese scholars should understand this phenomenon, which is still of great value for understanding and Xi Chinese culture. The world is undergoing major changes unprecedented in a century, and countries need to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, and familiarity with Chinese and understanding of Chinese culture are still necessary. In many countries, mastery of Chinese remains the key to finding high-paying and worthwhile jobs.
China News Service: In recent years, some scholars have proposed replacing the traditional concept of "Sinology" with "Chinese Studies".
Zhang Chaoyi: I prefer to use the concept of "Chinese studies". Sinology is relatively traditional, and does not encompass a broader scope of study related to contemporary China. The proposal of Chinese Studies reflects the development of the discipline and covers the content of traditional culture and contemporary China, which is more complete. The connotation structure, goal orientation, and approach of Sinology have all changed, and today's overseas scholars of Chinese Studies will have direct dialogue with people in different disciplines in China, not limited to cultural scholars, which is a new feature of Chinese Studies.
China News Service: From Sinology to Sinology, what role have sinologists played in shaping the international image of the contemporary world?
Zhang Chaoyi: The in-depth understanding of China by overseas Chinese scholars has led to a dialogue between contemporary China and the world. They have played a role in promoting the international vision and expression ability of Chinese scholars, and promoted exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations. Today, China scholars are not only cultural scholars, but also "Chinese climate experts" and "Chinese economic experts". The study of Chinese studies is no longer limited to counting the ancient Chinese sages, but presents many aspects of contemporary China in a more comprehensive and three-dimensional way.
China News Service: What is the value of Chinese studies and culture to the contemporary world?What are your expectations for the future of Global China Studies?
Zhang Chaoyi: The study of Chinese studies has far-reaching significance to the contemporary world. By inheriting the core values of Chinese civilization, we can provide the world with a unique perspective and solutions to contemporary problems. Chinese civilization stretches back 5,000 years, and traditional culture still plays an important role today. Through the method of "Chinese Studies", we can better show the contemporary value and global significance of Chinese culture to the world. This is not only the responsibility of Chinese scholars, but also our contribution to the common development of global civilization.