At the invitation of USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI), Professor Mark Buck from University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) led a talk entitled “The West and China: The Challenge of Reconciling Different Norms” at the CI Library on October 15^th  2022. DMU Professor Elizabeth Tingle, Director of the Leicester Branch of the British Historical Association, attended as an honoured guest. Dr. YANG Yingjun , Director of the CI, presented both professors.

Prof. Buck's talk

Based on his profound knowledge and unique experience of teaching in China for more than 17 years, Prof.Buck began with the “depressing year” the world has been experiencing. He then explored the historical causes of the “different norms” that could shed some light on the current discord between China and the West. He encouraged “the study of history,” “the sources and origins of attitudes different from their own” as a possible step towards mutual understanding, harmony in diversity, and ultimately “the goal of One World, One Dream”. In this regard, he stressed, the role of Confucius Institutes is all the more significant – the world urgently needs such bridges to promote intercultural exchanges. Towards the end of his talk, the professor’s voice trembled with emotion, a touching view to all present, before he could lay bare his world-embracing soul hankering for world peace.

Q&A session

Prof. Tingle and the attendees responded with questions and views and everybody enjoyed a lively discussion on related topics. Over ten rounds of Q&A interaction enriched the talk. Prof. Tingle said that the speech inspired her and that it gave her new ideas for research. Dr. YANG concluded the event with thanks to both professors and all who came for such a stimulating Saturday event.

Group photo

Draft: YANG Yang & ZHANG Dongming

Revision：YANG Yingjun