Academician Wang Ning: Chinese Humanities Scholars Should Speak Up Globally - Wuhan University News

### Abstract: The Role of Humanities in the Global Context - A Lecture by Professor Wang Ning at Wuhan University On April 14, Professor Wang Ning from the Department of Foreign Languages at Tsinghua University and a foreign member of the European Academy of Sciences, delivered a significant lecture at the Luojia Forum of Wuhan University. The lecture, titled "The Role of Humanities in the Global Context," was introduced by the university's Deputy Party Secretary, Luo Yuting, who presented Wang Ning with a commemorative certificate. Professor Wang Ning began by emphasizing the importance of exploring the role of humanities in the global era. He argued that this is a crucial theoretical topic in contemporary humanities research, with profound implications. Wang highlighted the need for Chinese humanities scholars to engage in dialogue and exchange with their Western and international counterparts, thereby promoting Chinese humanities research on a global scale and enhancing the influence and authority of Chinese scholars in the international academic community. Addressing the challenges faced by Chinese humanities research in a global context, Wang Ning noted that historically, Chinese scholars have been underrepresented in internationally recognized authoritative academic journals and publications. While there has been some improvement in recent years, the impact of Western humanities in China remains significantly greater. This disparity underscores the urgency and importance of internationalizing Chinese humanities research. Professor Wang Ning further elaborated on the multifaceted roles of humanities in universities and society. Firstly, he stressed that humanities are indispensable in the university system. Although the outcomes of humanities research may not be immediately apparent, they have a lasting impact on individuals by shaping their inner lives and perspectives. Secondly, a robust humanities environment fosters the exchange and collision of diverse academic ideas, which can lead to the emergence of new thoughts, findings, and intellectual leaders. Lastly, humanities in universities can contribute to society by generating economic and social value. Wang Ning concluded his lecture by urging Chinese humanities scholars to not only address issues within China but also to voice their insights on global and human problems that are of universal concern. He emphasized that this is both the ambition and the duty of Chinese humanities scholars, reflecting their commitment to contributing to the broader discourse of human knowledge and culture. Professor Wang Ning, who obtained his Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from Peking University in 1989, has had a distinguished academic career. He has also conducted postdoctoral research at Utrecht University in the Netherlands with the support of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2013, Wang Ning became the first mainland Chinese humanities scholar to be elected as a foreign member of the European Academy of Sciences. His extensive body of work, particularly in modernity theory, postmodernism, globalization and cultural issues, and world literature, has earned him significant international recognition. The lecture was well-received and highlighted the critical need for Chinese scholars to engage more actively in the global academic community, fostering a more inclusive and diverse dialogue in the humanities.