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KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Asian Studies, Interdisciplinarity, and Comparative Work

Thu, March 16, 6:00 to 7:00pm, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Floor: Lower Concourse, Grand Ballroom East

Session Submission Type: Keynote Address

Abstract

In today’s global interconnectedness, no one can overlook the significance of Asia for the West and the other parts of the world, and this is the result of many changes that have taken place over several decades in the recent past. In this lecture, the speaker will briefly discuss several important works that have contributed to our understanding of the interrelations between Asia and Europe, East and West, and then will comment on the interdisciplinary nature of Asian Studies and the importance of a comparative perspective in understanding different cultures in both their similarities and their differences. Asian Studies, he will argue, provides an excellent forum for the discussion of human diversity as well as what binds humanity together despite linguistic, cultural, historical, social, and political differences. As scholars in Asian Studies and as comparatists, we are witnessing some significant changes in our world today, and we should face the challenges and contribute to a better and more peaceful way of living in our world for all humanity.

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