Daniel C. Hallin gives a lecture at Fudan University in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 20, 2026.
Daniel C. Hallin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Communication at UC San Diego, visited the School of Journalism at Fudan University in Shanghai this fall to teach a course titled Comparative Media Studies. During his stay, he also had an enjoyable and memorable experience in China.
Hallin said he felt at ease in class because the students could express their views fluently in English. He exchanged ideas with the students and helped them revise their research proposals. "Professor Hallin always takes his work seriously," said one of the students.
After years of language study, Hallin has developed a deep understanding of the connection between language and culture. He believes that language is more than a means of communication. It also reflects a way of thinking.
Hallin said Chinese is quite a different language and he could imagine it would be hard to learn. The language barrier has not stopped him from exploring China. While in China, he visited Suzhou to watch a Pingtan musical performance. He also watched Peking Opera with friends and enjoyed the poetic dance drama "The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting."
During his visit, osmanthus flowers were in full bloom on the campus of Fudan University, filling the air with their fragrance. Hallin kept a potted osmanthus plant in his office with the help of Xu Di, an associate professor at the university's School of Journalism, and tried some osmanthus cakes, savoring the flavors of autumn. He also bought a blind box from Pop Mart to take home as a gift. "Shanghai sits roughly at the same latitude as San Diego. I feel quite at home here," Hallin said. (Photo by Qu Wangye/Xinhua)
Daniel C. Hallin gives a lecture at Fudan University in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin (R) talks with Xu Di, an associate professor at Fudan University's School of Journalism, in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin takes photos at Tianchan Yifu Theater in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 23, 2026.(Photo by Xu Di/Xinhua)
Daniel C. Hallin watches a Pingtan musical performance in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, Oct. 10, 2026. (Photo by Xu Di/Xinhua)
Daniel C. Hallin (2nd R) and Xu Di (2nd L), an associate professor at Fudan University's School of Journalism, walk to a classroom in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin (L) communicates with a visiting scholar from Brazil during a lecture in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin (L) talks with the owner of a bar in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin is pictured near Fudan University in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin prepares a lecture at an office of the School of Journalism at Fudan University in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
Daniel C. Hallin poses for a photo at an office of the School of Journalism at Fudan University in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
