东西问·中国学｜美国学者张仲思：为何中国学研究离不开跨文化对话？

Core Insights - The importance of Chinese studies is increasingly recognized globally, particularly in the context of cultural exchange and mutual learning, as highlighted by the upcoming World Chinese Studies Conference in Shanghai [3][4]. Group 1: Resilience of Chinese Civilization - The continuity of Chinese civilization over thousands of years is attributed to its writing system, particularly the complexity and difficulty of Chinese characters, which provide a shared cultural context and identity [4][6]. - Historical practices demonstrate the resilience of Chinese civilization, as failures have often been transformed into new beginnings, with examples such as the establishment of granaries for disaster recovery and the civil service examination system serving as templates for governance [6][8]. Group 2: Environmental Perspectives - Chinese philosophy offers alternative perspectives on global issues like climate change, emphasizing adaptation and transformation rather than despair, as seen in traditional Feng Shui concepts [7][8]. - The idea of "harmony between heaven and humanity" in Chinese thought suggests that ecological limitations can inspire creativity rather than serve as obstacles, providing a new framework for understanding crises [7][8]. Group 3: Current Trends in Chinese Studies - The center of Chinese studies research has shifted to China itself, producing high-quality academic results, while interest in Chinese studies in Europe and the U.S. is declining due to a lack of resources and job opportunities in the humanities [8][11]. - The interaction between local and foreign scholars is crucial for the development of Chinese studies, as foreign scholars can offer comparative perspectives and foster dialogue between different academic traditions [11].