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Exploring Cultural Interactions Through Zhou Xian’s Insights
Globalization, localism, identity concerns, artistic frontiers, and social diversity are central themes in A Theoretical Journey Across Cultures, a significant 337-page compilation of 14 essays by Zhou Xian. This work encapsulates his reflections on comparative literature, cross-cultural studies, and visual culture spanning two decades.
The phenomenon of globalization has facilitated greater integration and collaboration among a wide range of cultures, driving an inevitable trend toward social diversification. However, alongside this progress, there is a notable rise in populism and nationalism, which introduces potential conflict among civilizations. Zhou’s book offers a vital perspective on navigating these complexities. He advocates for an open, confident, and inclusive mindset when confronted with the challenges and contradictions of cultural encounters, underscoring the book’s relevance and urgency.
Zhou Xian serves as a professor and dean of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences at Nanjing University. Renowned for his expertise in art theory and aesthetics, he stands out as a key figure in Chinese academia, particularly in visual culture studies. Initially published by Yilin Press, a division of PPMG, the book has been translated into French by Marianne Dunlop for Okno Editions, expanding its accessibility to a broader audience.
The text is structured into four segments, each introducing fundamental theories, concepts, and methodologies pertinent to cross-cultural research. It also scrutinizes specific Chinese contexts within this field, investigating how traditional Chinese wisdom can inform contemporary theoretical dilemmas and the cultural hurdles faced by local humanities research.
Furthermore, Zhou investigates how foreign intellectual currents influence local scholarship, elucidating the distinctive ways in which Chinese scholars adopt and adapt these ideas within their unique cultural and temporal frameworks.
The closing sections of the book emphasize the integration of European, especially French, philosophical concepts within China. Zhou articulates how cultural exchange and interaction enable a profound understanding of cultural identity and self-awareness, particularly in the face of significant cultural differences.
Marianne Dunlop’s initial encounter with Zhou at an international seminar organized by the University of Artois left a lasting impression. She recalls his humility, stating, “Prof. Zhou began by expressing his regrets for speaking in English instead of French. This seemingly simple gesture reflects his genuine character—open and sincere, with a real curiosity about Western culture and the broader world, which resonates throughout A Theoretical Journey Across Cultures.”
According to Dunlop, Zhou effectively chronicles the trajectory of Chinese thought over more than a century, examining how Western ideas have interacted with, and often challenged, Chinese traditions. He presents a worldview that sees humanity as a diverse collective of civilizations, advocating for better self-understanding through the examination of others’ perspectives. Dunlop likens the work to a mirror, revealing the distinctions between civilizations and the importance of reciprocal awareness. Her remarks suggest that French audiences may appreciate Zhou’s humorous yet insightful critique of Foucault’s discourse theory, alongside his investigations into the philosophies of notable figures like Barthes, Brecht, Debray, Ibsen, and Munch.
Zhou’s reflections on international cultural exchanges illuminate the evolution of comparative literature and cross-cultural research methodology, illustrating how Chinese culture engages with and assimilates outside influences within a global context.
For Zhou, embarking on cross-cultural research is akin to a theoretical expedition through varied cultures, marked by differentiation and disputes, yet also by integration and empathy. This journey involves not merely encountering unfamiliar landscapes but embracing opportunities for self-discovery. Ultimately, Zhou aims to highlight the profound impact that encounters with foreign cultures have on Chinese cultural self-awareness, a transformative process that allows for a richer understanding of identity through external perspectives. His book, alongside Sun Xiaoyun’s The Dao of Chinese Calligraphy: Theories, Practices, and Perspectives, both featured in PPMG’s Jiangsu Scholars Translated series, has been made available in French and English, with a launch in Paris scheduled for May 2024.
A version of this article appeared in the 12/09/2024 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline:
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