The 15th Annual Meeting of China Oriental Literature Seminar Opens in GDUFS

On the morning of November 28th, the 15th Annual Meeting of China Oriental Literature Seminar opened in the International Convention Hall, GDUFS Administration Building on the north campus. The seminar was organized by China Oriental Literature Seminar and GDUFS, undertaken by the Faculty of Asian Languages and Cultures of GDUFS, co-organized by “Orientalism Research Center” of Beijing Normal University. With an aim to break the boundary between different languages, promote regional studies as well as raise “Orientalism” awareness, the seminar tried to build an “Orientalism” with Chinese characteristics. This year, the seminar was centered on the discipline construction of “Orientalism” and the literature connections among China, Japan, Korea, India and Arabic countries.

Host: ZHANG Xiuqiang

At first, the host, ZHANG Xiuqiang, Vice President of the Faculty of Asian Languages and Cultures, announced the opening of the seminar. He gave a warm welcome to the attendees, including JIAO Fangtai, Vice President of GDUFS; WANG Xiangyuan, Professor at Beijing Normal University; TAN Jinghua, Professor at Shanghai International Studies University; WANG Yong, Professor at Zhejiang Gongshang University and SU Jiugao, Professor at Jilin University.

JIAO Fangtai giving a speech

Then, JIAO Fangtai, Vice President of GDUFS, gave an opening speech. He said, “Orientalism” is a big discipline which includes Oriental arts, literature, language, religion and so on. The development of “Orientalism” relies on joint efforts. He believed that this seminar would strengthen cooperation in Oriental literature research and build a platform for further communications.

WANG Xiangyuan delivering a speech

WANG Xiangyuan, President of China Oriental Literature Seminar, also delivered a speech on “Orientalism”. He was happy to see the cultural communication between China and Japan which had not been affected by the Diaoyu Islands issue several years ago. Moreover, “One Belt One Road” Initiative and 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China helped boost the development of Faculty of Asian Languages and Studies.

TAN Renan reading a speech by CHEN Duoyou

Finally, Doctor TAN Renan read a speech by CHEN Duoyou, President of the Faculty of Asian Languages and Cultures, who was on a business trip. He said, “Orientalism” has a long history in Asian countries. There is no doubt that arguments exist. However, he had high expectations for the future development of “Orientalism”.

Group photo

It is reported that the seminar would be held every two years on various topics. This year,180 professors from different universities would have a discussion on “Orientalism” from Nov 27 to Nov 29.

Chinese Report: 倡导东方学研究，促进东亚文化交流