On April 29th, Xiamen University successfully held the "Forum on Regional Studies in a Community Perspective" as part of its New Century Series of High-level Academic Forums. Co-organized by the university and its School of Foreign Languages, along with the Center for Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations, the forum aimed to celebrate the centennial of the School of Foreign Languages. It explored topics related to regional studies and cultural exchange within the framework of a shared human destiny community. Renowned experts delivered insightful keynote speeches, offering valuable insights for the future of interdisciplinary regional studies.
Three parallel thematic forums took place as scheduled in the afternoon of the 29th. In the "Overseas Chinese Studies: Driving and Development" forum, Professor Massini from the University of Rome, a renowned Sinologist, discussed the unique nature of modern Chinese classifiers. He emphasized the significance of Western missionaries' early efforts in compiling classifiers tables, shedding light on Qing Dynasty Mandarin vocabulary usage. Professor Schmidt-Glintzer from the University of Tübingen highlighted the conceptual construction of "nation(s)" as a spiritual endeavor, urging for a global perspective in understanding diverse cultural concepts. Additionally, Professor Bellassen from the Paris Institute of Oriental Languages and Cultures addressed challenges in teaching Chinese as a second language, advocating for a holistic approach to language education. These discussions set a solid foundation for further exploration in the field of regional studies and cultural exchange.
In the "Global Vision, Patriotic Sentiment: Talent Cultivation in National and Regional Studies from a Diplomat's Perspective" forum, speakers delved into the evolving demands of international talent cultivation in the modern era. They emphasized the importance of linguistic proficiency, professional competence, and global awareness in shaping a new generation of global citizens. Moreover, they highlighted the need for interdisciplinary approaches and cultural competence in navigating complex global issues. These insights underscored the crucial role of regional studies in fostering global competence and contributing to international governance.
Following the thematic forums, Professors Fan Jieping from Zhejiang International Studies University and Fan Hongda from Shanghai International Studies University provided insightful summaries. They emphasized the importance of narrative construction in promoting cultural understanding and projecting China's image globally. They called for inclusive dialogue platforms and a broader understanding of Chinese culture to foster mutual understanding and achieve common goals in global discourse.
In conclusion, Professor Xu Qi, the Party Secretary of the School of Foreign Languages at Xiamen University, expressed gratitude to all participants and envisioned a future of continued excellence and innovation in regional studies. He emphasized the importance of building on academic traditions while embracing new challenges and fostering cross-cultural exchange to shape a brighter future for the next century.