Latin America and China Cultural Exchanges
ABSTRACT
The project investigates the historical and contemporary connections linking both Latin America and China through literature, translation, diplomacy, and cultural production. Particular attention is given to the movement of ideas, texts, and political imaginaries between Latin America and China, as well as the role of writers, intellectuals, and cultural institutions in shaping these encounters. By examining exchanges across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the project seeks to uncover how cross-regional dialogues have influenced cultural identities, social thought, and global understandings of modernity.
Research questions: How have translations shaped the reception of Latin American literature in China since the twentieth century?; How have intellectuals, writers, and artists contributed to the development of Latin America-China cultural relations?; What role does cultural diplomacy play in contemporary China-Latin America relations beyond economic cooperation?
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Possible disciplines: Global and Area Studies; Chinese Studies, Comparative Literature, History, Journalism, Political Science, and other cognate areas.
Knowledge of Spanish would be appreciated but it is not essential.
Knowledge of Chinese and English are essential.
Background knowledge on Latin American history, politics, literature, film, culture is much welcome. Interest in exploring unfamiliar topics and asking meaningful research questions plus genuine interest in Latin America and China are central to the project.
Students are expected to develop skills surrounding fact-checking and verification, spotting translation issues or missing information, careful management of bibliographical sources, clear and concise academic writing, professional and courteous email communication with mentors and academic collaborators, locating academic souces effectively, comparing perspectives from different angles, ability to engage with cultural materials without stereotyping, understand and incorporate research related feedback from mentors.