A seminar on the international dissemination of Chinese thought and culture took place at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Aug 26. The seminar was followed by the launch ceremony of the 20th FLTRP Cup National English Competition for Schools.

The seminar sees the opening of the 20th FLTRP Cup National English Competition for Schools. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Han Zhen, chair of Beijing Normal University's academic committee and director of the expert committee of the Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture: Communication through Translation project, together with Ding Hao, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee, vice-president of BFSU, and a member of the project’s academic committee, were present at the events.

Ding Hao, a member of the standing committee of the CPC BFSU committee, vice-president of BFSU and a member of the Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture: Communication through Translation project’s academic committee, addresses the seminar. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Addressing the events, Ding emphasized BFSU's continuous exploration of resources in the realms of global languages, culture and governance, as well as its participation in multiple national projects, including the Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture: Communication through Translation project.

The university has contributed to the enhancement of China’s international communication capabilities and the establishment of its foreign language discourse system in the new era, facilitating the country’s engagement in global governance, Ding added.

Speaking on the FLTRP Cup National English Competition for Schools, Ding said he hopes its combination with key concepts in Chinese thought and culture will deepen teenagers' understanding of traditional Chinese ideology and civilization, as well as enhance their ability to tell Chinese stories well in foreign languages.

Han Zhen, chair of Beijing Normal University's academic committee and director of the expert committee of the Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture: Communication through Translation project, speaks at the seminar. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his speech, Han underscored the fundamental significance of cultural confidence, saying that understanding terminology, comprehending China, learning languages, and engaging with the world are vital in achieving this goal. 

The seminar unveils Understanding China: 100 Key Terms, the latest achievement of the Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture: Communication through Translation project. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Han noted that the book Understanding China: 100 Key Terms selects 100 representative terms related to Chinese thought and culture and looks to enrich the expression of Chinese culture, in turn, promoting foreign language learning, enhancing international understanding and elevating readers’ core competencies, turning them into storytellers of China's narrative to foster global comprehension and recognition, said Han.

Wang Fang, secretary of the CPC committee of the FLTRP Group, chair of the board of the FLTRP Group and president of the FLTRP, remarked during an interview with Beijing Television that the significance of this seminar lies in its focus on cultural and ideological education. It encourages young individuals to continue traditions, convey Chinese thought and culture in foreign languages, and strengthen their identity with national culture.

Participants of the events pose for a group photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The events attracted officials and scholars from the China Society of Education, China Daily, and renowned universities in Beijing who delivered insightful speeches under the theme "Disseminating Chinese Culture to Enhance High School Students' Foreign Language Proficiency".