China's path to modernity as reflected in contemporary Chinese science fiction

VÁVRA, Dušan. China's path to modernity as reflected in contemporary Chinese science fiction. In vyžádaná přednáška na Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies. 2021.

Basic information

• Original name: China's path to modernity as reflected in contemporary Chinese science fiction
• Name in Czech: Reflexe čínské cesty k modernitě v soudobé čínské science fiction
• Name (in English): China's path to modernity as reflected in contemporary Chinese science fiction
• Authors: VÁVRA, Dušan.
• Edition: vyžádaná přednáška na Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, 2021.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Requested lectures
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords (in Czech): Čína; science fiction; modernizace; nacionalismus
• Keywords in English: China; science fiction; modernization; nationalism
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

"Modernization" (xiandaihua) belongs among the key terms used in China to conceptualize the process of forming Chinese identity in the 20th-21st c. A lot of research has been done on how modernization shapes Chinese traditions (including religious ones) or how modernization in China is shaped by its traditions. In this paper, I focus on a different aspect of the dynamic relations between tradition and modernity in Chinese context. I address the contemporary forms of the strain in modern Chinese thought that questions the process of modernization as something alien to Chinese culture and society. I use selected essayistic and fictional works by authors of two periods - beginning of 20th c. and beginnning of 21st century - to show the continuity of a peculiar sentiment in Chinese thought - the problem of China’s monstrosity vis-à-vis modernity.

Abstract (in English)

"Modernization" (xiandaihua) belongs among the key terms used in China to conceptualize the process of forming Chinese identity in the 20th-21st c. A lot of research has been done on how modernization shapes Chinese traditions (including religious ones) or how modernization in China is shaped by its traditions. In this paper, I focus on a different aspect of the dynamic relations between tradition and modernity in Chinese context. I address the contemporary forms of the strain in modern Chinese thought that questions the process of modernization as something alien to Chinese culture and society. I use selected essayistic and fictional works by authors of two periods - beginning of 20th c. and beginnning of 21st century - to show the continuity of a peculiar sentiment in Chinese thought - the problem of China’s monstrosity vis-à-vis modernity.