The 2021 International Conference on African Language and Culture Studies opened in Beijing on Dec 4. Hosted by the School of African Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), the event attracted scholars and representatives from 39 renowned universities from China and abroad. 

Sun Youzhong, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, delivers a speech at the 2021 International Conference on African Language and Culture Studies on Dec 4. [Photo provided to bfsu.edu.cn]

Sun Youzhong, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee and vice-president of the university, said China and African countries enjoy a time-honored friendship and in-depth cooperation. The School of African Studies of BFSU has shouldered the responsibility of cultivating professionals for telling Chinese stories in African languages, setting up a profound cultural background for boosting Sino-African cooperation and creating a harmonious relationship featuring equal dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Liu Jie, deputy chair and vice-president of FLTRP, and Li Hongfeng, dean of the School of African Studies of BFSU, attend the 2021 International Conference on African Language and Culture Studies on Dec 4.  [Photo provided to bfsu.edu.cn]

Liu Jie, deputy secretary of the CPC committee of the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP), and deputy chair and vice-president of the press, gave congratulations on the publication of the first issue of African Language and Culture Studies. Liu spoke highly of the journal’s significance in helping scholars in the field share research achievements.

Li Hongfeng, dean of the School of African Studies of BFSU, said the conference, highlighting the value and vitality of African languages, will fuel the construction of an African language-based academic community.

Augustin F.C. Holl, distinguished professor of Xiamen University and Zhao Lei, director of the Swahili Language Teaching and Research Office of BFSU, speak at the 2021 International Conference on African Language and Culture Studies on Dec 4. [Photo provided to bfsu.edu.cn] 

Augustin F.C. Holl, a member of the editorial board of UNESCO-initiated General History of Africa, and distinguished professor of Xiamen University, delivered a keynote speech themed “building bridges and promoting mutual understanding: contributions of scholars”. 

Holl said China and African countries share a long history of friendship. During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has lent a helping hand for Africa to fight against the virus and helped restore economic and social development, fostering an even tighter bond.

Zhao Lei, director of the Swahili Language Teaching and Research Office of the School of African Studies at BFSU, delivered a theme report on the teaching of the Swahili language over the past 60 years. Zhao noted that with the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between both parties, language, as an important communication tool, plays an irreplaceable role in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Africa. The school will continue to train international talents with language proficiency and patriotism to serve national plans.

During the discussion, Li Anshan, emeritus professor of the School of International Studies at Peking University and a famous Africa scholar, talked about the similarity of Chinese and African cultures. Attendees exchanged views on cultural communication, university and think tank exchanges and African language teaching.

At sub-forums of the conference, scholars shared their research achievements in native African languages and lingua franca. Students from Swahili, Hausa, Zulu, Amharic, and Malagasy majors at the School of African Studies attended the meeting and listened to the speeches.