The “Global Dynamic Database Resource on Chinese Culture” was unveiled to the public on the 28th of March. This major project was undertaken by the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), which was entrusted with the task by the National Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Sciences. Professor Zhang Xiping from the BFSU, who is also the project’s chief expert, explained that the database integrates data from different sources, including the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Han Ban), the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, and it endeavores to give a full picture of the internationalization of Chinese culture.

The database is made up of four main parts, including secitons on the internationalization of Chinese culture, how the world sees China, comprehensive analysis and performance evaluation. The section on the internationalization of Chinese culture allows users to find much detailed information covering publishing, culture and the arts, media, the internationalization of enterprises and the international spread of the Chinese language. The section on how the world sees China collects numerous important works produced by well-known institutions and publishing agencies, as well as prestigious Sinologists. The comprehensive analysis section displays a comparison of the internationalization of Chinese enterprises and culture in different locations around the globe. It can be seen from the database that as Chinese culture becomes more internationalized, the understanding of how to service the national strategy in this area needs to be improved.

During the meeting, a number of experts and scholars expressed endorsement of the creation of the database. Professor Yan Shaodang, from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, claims that the database provides a reliable tool for people to learn about the internationalization of Chinese culture, and it will undoubtedly attract the attention of international circles of Sinologists.

The Chinese version appeared in Chinese Social Sciences Today, No. 578, 31st of March, 2014.

The Chinese link: http://www.csstoday.net/xueshuzixun/jishizixun/88604.html

　　Translated by Chen Meina

Revised by Gabriele Corsetti