Internationalizing Chinese culture
Print Edition
CHINA was one of the cradles of the human race and is the only ancient civilization that still exists today. Chinese culture is still very much alive, and a new series of books titled “Internationalization of Chinese Culture” by Shanghai Tongji University is taking a closer look at it.
“The internationalization of Chinese culture is of great necessity and urgency. It will challenge Western centralism and build a positive Chinese image, constructing a sound international environment for China’s peaceful and sustainable development and reconstructing the pattern of multicultural coexistence in the world,” Sun Yixue, professor of Chinese with the International School of Tongji and editor-in-chief of the books, said.
“But compared with language standard construction in America and European countries, the standards of international communication of Chinese language seem rather weak, either in design or research,” Sun said.
“Tongji mode”
This set of four books, based on years of researching and teaching Chinese as a foreign language at Tongji’s International School, contains two culture textbooks, one on historical case studies in internationalization of Chinese culture, and one on new ideas and practices of internationalization of Chinese culture — the “Tongji mode.”
The textbook “Chinese Culture Travels” is especially designed for both medium and advanced learners who, having acquired basic skills to effective communication, want to deepen and broaden their understanding of Chinese language and culture.
Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about a country and its history as we get a glimpse at ordinary dialogues, habits and customs of the people living there.
Drawing a culture map of China in the twelve months of a year, the book chronicles 12 Chinese subcultures across the country in places like Minnan (today’s Fujian Province), Bashu (today’s Sichuan Province and Chongqing) and Qilu (today’s Shandong Province).
The principle of such a design is to “learn about the Chinese culture where it was originated and when it is at its best,” according to Sun.
The “culture travel” to Shanghai for example explains the Haipai, literally “Shanghai style,” referring to the avant-garde but unique “East Meets West” culture of Shanghai in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Then, the following chapters talks extensively about all aspects of Shanghai, focusing on “汇hui/fusion” for arts and architecture; “潮chao/stylish” for women and entertainment; and “梦meng/dream” for migrant workers.
The other textbook is an A-to-Z guide to China’s calendars, festivals, proverbs, mysteries, and buzzwords.
“We have integrated relevant resources in geography, economy and culture to foster a multitude of culturally friendly textbook for overseas students. The goal is to enable foreign students to be pulled in by Chinese culture,” Sun said.
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