On the afternoon of October 19, 2023, Professor Rüdiger Lohlker from the University of Vienna in Austria was invited to hold a seminar with our graduate students in the direction of national and regional studies. The seminar focused on the relationship between language and nation. Hosted by Professor Cao Ruonan, the dean of the School of Foreign Languages, the seminar was attended by over 10 graduate students.
Dean Cao Ruonan delivered the opening remarks, introducing Professor Lohlker's research interests and academic achievements. Subsequently, Professor Lohlker delved into the relationship between language and nation-building, using Arabic as an example. He explored various aspects including culture, ethnicity, gender politics, regional development, political environment, social class, immigration, and colonial rule. Additionally, he vividly illustrated that the acquisition of other languages should be based on understanding and mastering one's mother tongue, discussing the emergence of new languages, language synthesis, and the influence of power.
Throughout the seminar, Professor Rüdiger Lohlker engaged in friendly interactions and exchanges with the students present. He provided insightful answers to questions raised by students regarding the relationship between language and identity, as well as the impact of immigration on local languages. He emphasized that language learning should not be driven by utilitarian purposes but rather by a passion for language.
The seminar provided profound insights and valuable experiences for all participants. In her closing remarks, Dean Cao Ruonan expressed her appreciation for the seminar and warmly thanked Professor Lohlker for his presence and contributions to the school.
Text: Li Yan, Zhao Na
Photo: Li Jia
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