Journal of Chaohu University ›› 2019, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (1): 116-120.doi: 10.12152/j.issn.1672-2868.2019.01.019

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Hu Shih's Cultural Self-Confidence—A Study Based on His Practice of "Telling China to the World"

Hu Shih was once labeled as a national culture nihilist. But through the study of his practice of "telling China to the world", his confidence in Chinese culture can be verified. With million-word works in English, Hu introduced and defended Chinese traditional culture and its status in quo for the purpose of eliminating westerners' discrimination and prejudice against it, gaining deserved respect and better understanding from the world. The practice itself, his approval of the traditional and contemporary culture, his awareness of the progress of the culture, his faith in its bright future, his open-mindedness and selective acceptance of alien cultures are all embodiment of his cultural self-confidence.   

  1. School of Foreign Languages, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei Anhui 230036
  • Online:2019-01-25 Published:2019-05-14

Abstract: Hu Shih was once labeled as a national culture nihilist. But through the study of his practice of "telling China to the world", his confidence in Chinese culture can be verified. With million-word works in English, Hu introduced and defended Chinese traditional culture and its status in quo for the purpose of eliminating westerners' discrimination and prejudice against it, gaining deserved respect and better understanding from the world. The practice itself, his approval of the traditional and contemporary culture, his awareness of the progress of the culture, his faith in its bright future, his open-mindedness and selective acceptance of alien cultures are all embodiment of his cultural self-confidence.

Key words: Hu Shih, cultural self-confidence, "telling China to the world", English writings

CLC Number: 

  • H315