On June 10, as the world celebrated the first United Nations International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, a Russian PhD student at Beijing Foreign Studies University shared her unique perspective on cross-cultural exchanges. Through her passion for music and her research in linguistics, she exemplifies how harmony can be achieved through embracing cultural diversity.
The student, whose love for music transcends borders, believes that melodies and rhythms are universal languages that connect people from different backgrounds. “Music is a bridge that allows cultures to learn from each other,” she remarked. By engaging with various musical traditions, she experiences firsthand the richness of global cultures and the common threads that unite them.
Her academic pursuits in contrastive linguistics further highlight the similarities among languages. Focusing on Chinese, Russian, and English, she explores how linguistic structures and expressions reflect shared human experiences. “Understanding the parallels in our languages brings us closer and fosters mutual respect,” she explained.
Central to her philosophy is the Chinese character “he” (和), which symbolizes harmony. She emphasized that harmony involves accepting differences while recognizing shared values that build unity. “The concept of he teaches us that despite our diverse backgrounds, we can coexist peacefully and enrich each other’s lives,” she said. This ancient principle guides her approach to cross-civilization communication, promoting dialogue and understanding.
The UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication and cultural exchange. The Russian student’s experiences highlight how embracing the spirit of he can lead to greater harmony among nations and peoples.
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Embracing the 'he' spirit of harmony for cross-civilization dialogue
cgtn.com
