SHANGHAI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- 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.
Reporters: Jin Liwang, Zhang Siyuan, Qu Wangye■
