Book Review: Yang Huiling (ed.), Civilizational Dialogue: Interviews with World-Renowned Sinologists. Zhengzhou: DaXiang Publishing House, 2021.

Title

Book Review: Yang Huiling (ed.), Civilizational Dialogue: Interviews with World-Renowned Sinologists. Zhengzhou: DaXiang Publishing House, 2021.

Author

Yu-Tien Liang

Page

253-268

DOI

10.6163/TJEAS.202606_23(1).0007

Abstract

The distinction between sinologists and Chinese scholars lies in the former’s “outsider’s perspective,” which enables them to reexamine methodologies and research questions from a cross-cultural standpoint, thereby rediscovering the rich nuances of Chinese culture. Furthermore, they are able to immerse themselves in the contextual atmosphere of their research subjects. Therefore, observing how Sinologists conduct their research is naturally very helpful for the Chinese academic community. The benefits of this assistance are primarily reflected in two aspects: First, Chinese culture has become a field of research that transcends cultures, languages, and disciplines, no longer confined to the cultural background in which it originated; “Chinese culture” has become a research method in itself. Second, resources for Sinological research have become ubiquitous. As the field of Sinology continues to expand, the interpretation of “Chinese culture” has led to a gradual deepening of the subject’s significance, even facilitating dialogue and exchange between different cultures, thereby enriching the cultural lives of all involved. Through this brief explanation of the two points, combined with the recent publication“Civilizational Dialogue: Interviews with World-Renowned Sinologists,” edited by Yang Huiling, we see that the book precisely captures this significance. As stated in the book’s preface, “These overseas scholars, standing at the pinnacle of their careers, possess a clear understanding of the issues surrounding Sino-Western cultural exchange, yet they still harbor doubts about its future: ‘How can we make our world a better place through cultural exchange?’” Generally speaking, Sinology is in a state of constant renewal. Through the “Foreign Eyes,” researchers from different cultural backgrounds offer insights into how Sinology is analyzed and studied. It is also worth noting the discussion of Sinologists’ research journeys and shifts in perspective, as they share the cultural fruits of their intellectual exchanges.

Keyword

Sinologists, Sinology, civilization, cross-cultural, Chinese culture

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