In the first half of this year, faculty members from the School of Foreign Languages at SCMU have published three English textbooks, aiming to showcase China’s cultural soft power and promote global cultural exchange.
An Introduction to Chinese Culture, authored by Liang Shuxuan, Wan Zhihong, and others, was published by Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press. This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of Chinese culture, including philosophy, literature, education, science and technology, arts, traditional Chinese medicine, festivals, sports, tourism, and international relations. It incorporates contemporary elements such as 5G communications and China’s space achievements, as well as new concepts like a community with a shared future for mankind. The book is designed to be accessible and practical for students.
Another textbook, also titledAn Introduction to Chinese Culturebut with a different focus, was authored by Gao Feng, Zhu Haili, and others, and published by Soochow University Press. This book emphasizes seven aspects of traditional Chinese culture: cuisine, festivals, music, dance, art, architecture, and medicine. It is accompanied by online courses for supplementary learning.
Additionally,Practical English for Ecology and Environment, co-authored by Luo Qi from the School of Foreign Languages and Wu Chenjie and Du Yaguang from the School of Resources and Environment, was published by Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press. This textbook combines environmental science with English language education, aiming to familiarize students with China’s traditional ecological culture and major environmental achievements while enhancing their environmental awareness. It complements the MOOC “Speaking Green China in English”, which was launched on Indonesia’s national online course platform in 2023 and selected for the international version of China’s National Smart Education Public Service Platform in 2024.
Experts from the School of Foreign Languages’ Textbook Committee unanimously agree that these textbooks embody China’s cultural soft power by sharing Chinese language, culture, and ecological wisdom across borders. They not only disseminate Chinese knowledge but also convey Chinese values and development concepts, fostering mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. The publication of these textbooks represents China’s active participation in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
