On October 20th, 2025, Professor Zhang Xiping, distinguished professor of Beijing Language and Culture University,professor of Beijing Foreign Studies University, was invited to deliver an academic lecture titled “Several Issues in Overseas Sinology Research” at the School of Foreign Studies (SFS), Nankai University (NKU). This lecture was the second special lecture in the “Research on Sino-Foreign Cultural Exchange” lecture series organized by the NKU Center for Area Studies.
Professor Zhang Xiping addressed three primary issuesin overseas Sinology research, concerning the construction of philology, the study of translation history, and the construction of a critical Sinology research system. First, he emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the philological foundation of overseas Sinology research. This should begin with a comprehensive survey grounded in bibliography: mainly including Bibliotheca Sinica written by Henri Cordier, China in Western Literature: A Continuation of Cordier’s Bibliotheca Sinicawritten by Yuan Tongli,the research book series of Study on the 20th century's extra-territorial spread and influence of ancient Chinese cultural classics edited by Zhang Xiping and Bibliography of Chinese Studies in Overseas China: 1978-2018 (海外中国研究中文书目：1978—2018) written by Yin Hanchao. Professor Zhang Xiping further emphasized the need to focus on translation history research, particularly highlighting the urgent necessity for innovative breakthroughs in the study of Chinese-to-foreign translation theory. Western translation theory is basically the translation theory of “Western-Western mutual translation”, which differs from “Chinese-Western mutual translation”. Consequently, distinct theoretical frameworks are required to proactively advance the creation of Chinese translation theory. Finally, Professor Zhang proposed that a critical Sinology research system should be established:one that acknowledges the global influence of Chinese culture while engaging in dialogue with Sinologists. This approach would foster cross-cultural understanding of overseas Sinology and facilitate rigorous academic discourse and critique.
Professor Zhang Xiping highly appreciated the ideas and approaches taken by SFS to carry out the long-termhigh-level international sinology research, build an effective talent team, and comprehensively promote the development of foreign languages and literature disciplines, relying on NKU’s strengths in key global languages and its humanities and social sciences.
Following the lecture, Professor Lv Ying from the French Department delivered a concluding comment, noting that Professor Zhang Xiping’s presentation offered significant insights for faculty and students at SFS. It points out the direction for overseas sinology research, emphasizing that foreign language scholars should leverage their professional strengths, particularly in the fields of philology and translation history research. During the interactive session, Professor Zhang Xiping provided detailed responses to questions from attendees. The lively atmosphere proved highly beneficial for all faculty and students present.
