In a world undergoing rapid cultural, technological, and social transformations, China occupies an increasingly significant position in shaping contemporary global discourses. In addition to being characterized by profound internal transformations, the post-millennial Chinese context continues to exert a growing influence on cultural production, intellectual debates, technological innovation, and educational practices worldwide.
The Chinese Department together with Confucius Institute in the University of Bucharest invite you to attend the international conference “Reinterpreting Culture, Shaping Future — China in a Changing World”, which will take place on 4 – 5 December 2026, at the University of Bucharest, marking the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Department.
This conference invites scholars to explore how contemporary China reinterprets cultural traditions, generates new forms of knowledge, and contributes to emerging paradigms in the humanities. We welcome papers that examine China’s role in reshaping linguistic, literary, artistic, translational, and educational practices, as well as its impact on broader transcultural and global developments.
Particular attention will be given to research that investigates innovative methodologies, theoretical approaches, and cultural practices originating in or engaging with contemporary China. Contributions may address both practical and theoretical dimensions and are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary perspectives.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- New aesthetic and experimental practices in Chinese literature, arts, media, and language studies, and their global reception and impact
- Chinese perspectives on transculturality, interculturality, and global cultural exchange in the twenty-first century
- Emerging theoretical frameworks and contemporary “isms” in Chinese cultural, literary, and artistic production, including postsocialism, neorealism, posthumanism, and related approaches
- The Chinese language in a changing society: linguistic innovations, language policy, digital communication, and new theoretical developments
- Translation and circulation of Chinese culture across languages and regions
- Chinese literature and its evolving forms, genres, and modes of representation
- Language teaching, didactics, and innovative pedagogical approaches in Chinese and China-related studies
- Chinese humanities in a global context: new theories, methodologies, and approaches such as “China as Method” and “Asia as Method”
- Artificial intelligence, digital humanities, and human–machine interaction in cultural, literary, linguistic, and educational contexts
- Cultural responses to technological transformation, globalization, and shifting geopolitical realities
- Comparative and cross-cultural perspectives on China’s role in shaping contemporary humanities research
- Sinophone narratives and imaginaries in a (post)global world
We particularly encourage contributions that demonstrate how contemporary Chinese thought, cultural production, linguistic innovation, translation practices, and educational methodologies contribute to ongoing debates within the humanities and beyond.
Scholars from linguistics, literature, translation studies, language education and didactics, cultural studies, media studies, and related disciplines are warmly invited to submit proposals.
Participation is free of charge and the working languages of the conference will be English and Chinese.
To apply, please submit an abstract of your paper (approx. 400 words) to the following e-mail address: chinese.symposium@gmail.com by September 30th 2026.
Confirmation of participation will be sent by October 15th.
Yours sincerely,
Chinese Department, University of Bucharest
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