Call for Papers
Symposium for Young Sinologists from Latin America: Expanding the Boundaries of Sinologies
Dates: Late May / Early June 2026 (To Be Confirmed)
Venue: Mexico City, Mexico
Organizers: El Colegio de México (Colmex)
Renmin University of China (RUC)
Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC)
I. About the Symposium
In an era marked by geopolitical tension, uneven knowledge flows, and growing fragmentation in global intellectual exchange, the study of China faces new challenges and new responsibilities. While economic and diplomatic ties between China and Latin America have deepened in recent decades, mutual understanding at the level of intellectual traditions, cultural frameworks, and scholarly dialogue remains limited.
“Expanding the Boundaries of Sinologies” invites young scholars to reflect on how the study of China can develop beyond inherited frameworks, disciplinary silos, and regionally confined perspectives. The symposium seeks to foster direct intellectual engagement between China and Latin America and to strengthen scholarly reciprocity across linguistic, cultural, and academic boundaries.
The symposium is primarily oriented toward young scholars in Latin America working in Sinology and China Studies, while also welcoming participation from North America and Europe, particularly from scholars interested in engaging with Hispanophone traditions of China studies. It aspires to build a long-term, stable, and sustainable platform for academic cooperation and cross-regional scholarly networks.
II. Parallel Forums and Areas of Interest
We welcome research that contributes to expanding the geographical, conceptual, and relational boundaries of Sinology, including (but not limited to):
1. Classical Interpretation and Cross-Cultural Intellectual Dialogue: Sinology from Latin American Perspectives
· China–Latin America intellectual exchanges (historical and contemporary)
· Interpretations and reappraisals of China informed by Latin American intellectual traditions
· Translation practices and conceptual mediation across Chinese and Latin American contexts
2. Social Transformation and Cross-Regional Comparison: New Agendas in Contemporary China Studies
· Cultural, philosophical, religious, and social dimensions of China–Latin America engagement beyond single economic narratives
· Comparative research on modernization, development, governance, social transformation, and cultural identity
· Cross-regional research based on empirical, archival, fieldwork, or textual methodologies
· Contemporary interaction and cooperation between China and Latin America
3. Language Education and Knowledge Production: International Chinese Language Education and China Studies in Interaction
· Pedagogical practices that contribute to the sustainable development of China studies and international Chinese language education
· Language education and cultural understanding in Sino–Latin American contexts
· Institutional and intellectual interactions between Chinese language education and China studies
Works-in-progress and early-stage research are welcome. The symposium seeks to provide a rigorous, open, and supportive environment for scholarly exchange.
III. Academic Dialogue Mechanism
Senior scholars from partner institutions will serve as discussants. The goal is to foster sustained intellectual conversation and network-building among emerging scholars across regions, grounded in mutual respect and shared inquiry.
IV. Eligibility
· Recent MA graduates whose research focuses on China, Sinology, or related fields
· PhD students and PhD candidates
· Postdoctoral researchers
· Early-career faculty (normally within 7 years of receiving the PhD)
The symposium especially encourages applications from scholars working in or engaging with Latin American perspectives on China.
V. Submission Guidelines
Please submit the following materials in either English or Chinese no later than March 25, 2026, via email to sinologies@ruc.edu.cn or fill in the form here https://v.wjx.cn/vm/Pqf4ITr.aspx:
· Paper title
· Abstract (approximately 300 words)
· 3–5 keywords
· Short academic bio (100–150 words) including institutional affiliation
· (Optional) One-page CV
To facilitate communication among participants from different academic and linguistic backgrounds, accepted applicants may later be invited to provide a Chinese or English version of their abstract if available.
Notification of acceptance: Early April 2026
VI. Presentation Format
Selected participants will be invited to present papers (15–20 minutes), followed by formal commentary and discussion.
VII. Financial Support
Subject to funding availability, the symposium will provide partial or full financial support for travel and accommodation in Mexico City to selected participants.