Comparative Studies of Asia-Pacific Cultural Exchanges: Introduction

• Published in: Social sciences in China Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 158 - 160
• Main Author: Qiong, Yang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02-01-2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Accumulation; Comparative studies; Cultural differences; Cultural factors; Holistic approach; Languages; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Regions; Research methodology; Asia
• ISSN: 0252-9203; 1940-5952
• DOI: 10.1080/02529203.2021.1895525

A country or region's connection with the world is first and foremost established in a regional context. To build a holistic view of Asia and the Pacific, researchers need a regional perspective in addition to their global and national perspectives. This pursuit calls for cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary, and cross-medium research methods, because its holistic nature requires recognition of diversity, understanding of differences, and comprehensive analysis of phenomena. Despite starting from a rich theoretical background, comparative Asia-Pacific studies actually involve quite fundamental research, characterized by reflecting the larger picture via the examination of a smaller issues. The accumulation of such research builds into a macro-view that presents interrelated histories, literatures, languages and other cultural aspects of our region. Understanding the course of our histories and culture is the key to developing intellectual agency in the examination of Asia-Pacific issues. Starting from this point of view, this special issue presents three stimulating papers.