On July 2, 2024, the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer International School, organized by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (DFLL) of Tsinghua University, was successfully held in Room 116 of Wennan Building, marking the official kick-off of this two-week journey.
Gathering 12 esteemed international students from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia, each armed with a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds and profound academic pursuits, this summer school embarks on a profound journey of language and cultural exploration. As the first summer international school resumed by DFLL after the pandemic, it offers invaluable opportunities for international students to delve deeply into the language, literature, and culture of China, while fostering interactions with academic elites, engaging in discussions and forging lasting friendships.The opening ceremony was presided by Mr. Shakir from DFLL.
Prof. Cao Li
During the opening ceremony, Professor Cao Li of DFLL, director of the Centre for European and American Literatures, delivered a welcome speech, congratulating everyone on the successful commencement of the program. Professor Cao began by introducing the rich history of the department including the teaching of English literature by I. A. Richards and William Empson in the first half of the 20th century. She noted that as a vital part of the university, the department has cultivated a large number of outstanding foreign language talents over the years, who have made significant contributions not only in academia but also in international exchanges.
She then emphasized the importance of cross-cultural learning in the new silk road of knowledge, pointing out that in today’s globalization, language and cultural exchanges play an irreplaceable role in promoting social progress and world peace. When talking about learning attitudes, she encouraged students to be both humble and proud and be brave to explore unknown fields, enhance mutual understanding and friendship through cross-cultural learning, and broaden their horizons and interpersonal networks. Lastly, she wishes the scene of this year’s summer school turn into scenery with unforgettable contributions of all.
Prof. Julia Lovell
A fellow of the British Academy, Distinguished Visiting Scholar of DFLL, Professor Julia Lovell warmly welcomed the students at the opening ceremony. With her profound academic attainments and cross-cultural vision, she introduced her course “China and the West—Encounters: 1600 to the Present Day” at Tsinghua University to the students, leading them to explore the exchanges and collisions between China and the West from the 17th century to present, through a wealth of historical materials and insightful scholarly analysis.
Professor Lovell underscored that the course not only focuses on major events in history, but also reveals how the images and representations behind these events have shaped the mutual perceptions of China and the West. She encourages students to look at this history from a new perspective, and to feel the exchange and fusion between different cultures.
In addition, Prof. Lovell offered a valuable suggestion to the students: write a diary every day to record what they think and feel. She believed that such a personal record would become a very precious document, which could not only help students review their learning history, but also provide unique perspectives and insights in future academic research.
Prof. Wang Jinghui
Professor Wang Jinghui expressed her joy and anticipation of interacting with the students. As one of the highlights of the Summer International School, Prof. Wang carefully prepared three in-depth courses aimed at promoting international students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
The first course focuses on the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the development of Chinese history. Professor Wang, with her profound linguistic skills and understanding of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, introduces an important concept in Chinese history: “Superior doctors treat the nation, average doctors treat people, and inferior doctors treat diseases.” By presenting the idea of preventive treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, she built a bridge between Chinese and Western medicine for the students, exploring how to accurately convey Chinese medical theories to the world while respecting tradition. The second course is a unique combination of Chinese philosophy and the paper art. Prof. Wang showed her paper art works to the students on spot and explained the commonalities between Chinese philosophy and art through this form, hoping that the students could experience the charm of Chinese culture through hands-on practice during the course. The third course is Chinese and English classics in comparison. With her unique academic perspective, Prof. Wang will lead the students to cross the language boundaries and discuss the similarities and differences between Chinese and English literature, so as to promote literary exchanges and mutual understanding in the context of the two cultures.
Prof. Wang also emphasized that cultural diversity is the common wealth of mankind, and she called on students to cherish and share this valuable resource, and to jointly promote the prosperity and development of world culture through communication and cooperation.
Dr. Wei Minhui
Shuimu Scholar Dr. Wei Minhui warmly welcomed the students from various countries. As an outstanding researcher in the field of linguistics, Dr. Wei not only excels in her professional domain but is also passionate about promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding. For this summer school, she has specially prepared a course on traditional Chinese costumes, aiming to let everyone experience Chinese culture and history through traditional clothes and to guide them in exploring the role and significance of clothing in cross-cultural exchanges.
Dr. Wei pointed out that in addition to the rich course content, this summer international school has also arranged a variety of extracurricular activities. Students will step outside the classroom to tour the Tsinghua campus and visit scenic spots in Beijing. These historic sites, laden with cultural memories, will provide students with unique perspectives, allowing them to gain fresh insights and deep reflections on Chinese culture through personal experience. By seeing and feeling firsthand, students will be able to understand the essence and charm of Chinese culture more comprehensively and deeply, thus promoting the development of cross-cultural exchanges.
Dr. Wei expressed her hope that these activities would provide students with a window to further their understanding of Chinese culture, fostering exchange and collaboration among students from different cultural backgrounds and jointly advancing the prosperity of academic research and cultural exchange.
Moments
During the subsequent session of orientation, the 12 international students respectively introduced themselves, sharing their reasons for joining the summer international school of DFLL.
self introduction
Students quickly broke the ice through interesting games
Student's talent show
We look forward to this exchange event becoming an unforgettable experience for the international students!
Group photo of all students and guests
Photographer: Lin Entong
Writer: Huang Ruoxuan
Editors: Huang Ruoxuan, Shakir
Reviewer:Gao Yang
