On the morning of May 17, Professor Li Yuming of Beijing Language and Culture University was invited to deliver an academic lecture titled “130 Years of Language Modernization in China” for faculty and students at our university. Professor Li serves as President of the Chinese Lexicographical Society, Chair of the Committee on Language Policy and Planning of the Chinese Linguistics Society, and Editor-in-Chief of Language Policy and Planning Studies. Vice President Wang Yan attended the lecture, which was joined by nearly 200 faculty members and graduate students from the School of Chinese Language and Literature. The event was hosted by Vice President Wang Yan.

In her opening remarks, Vice President Wang Yan extended a warm welcome to Professor Li and highlighted his significant academic contributions in the field of linguistic research.

During the lecture, Professor Li emphasized that language and writing are not only the foundation of Chinese civilization but also essential tools for national governance and social progress. Starting from the historical context of foreign invasions in the late Qing Dynasty (19th century), he systematically outlined key milestones in China’s 130-year journey of language modernization. He proposed that language planning should contribute to strengthening the cohesion of the Chinese national community, participating in reshaping the global language governance system, and proactively adapting to the “human-machine collaboration” linguistic ecology of the AI era.

This lecture was part of the School of Chinese Language and Literature 2025 High-End Academic Series, designed to enhance disciplinary development and foster academic collaboration through insights from leading scholars. The school will take this opportunity to further advance research and teaching reforms in linguistics, cultivating more talents for the new era.

Written by: Tian Yu

Photo by: Zhang Yingfang

Source: NYNU Academic Activities (Chinese)

https://www.nynu.edu.cn/info/1122/29816.htm