Chengdu, 3 Mar (Zhongxin Net) -- Slovenian "Rongpiao" sinologist wants to update the world's understanding of China

Reporter Yue Yitong

At his home in Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Sima Wenfei, a blond-haired Slovenian sinologist sitting cross-legged in front of the short table, holding a volume of Li Xian's Collected Works with relish, and occasionally holding a teacup to taste tea. The bookshelves behind him were filled with books such as "Zhou Yi", "A Brief History of Chinese Philosophy", "Su Shi's Commentary", "Confucianism and Late Ming Literary Thought" and so on.

The story of Sima Wenfei, 39, and Sinology began in college. In 2003, he was admitted to the University of Ljubljana, a higher education institution in Slovenia, majoring in Sinology, and in 2006 he studied in China for one year. After graduation, he was still fascinated by sinology, and began to study for a doctorate in sinology in 2014, mainly studying Chinese philosophy during the Ming Dynasty, and then went to China in 2015. In 2021, he was hired by Chengdu University as a foreign expert and became a "Rong Drift", and in addition to lecturing, he still insists on studying Sinology.

Sima Wenfei's interest in Chinese culture grew stronger in the process of learning Chinese. He told reporters that only by systematically learning language in the corresponding cultural environment can we better understand its meaning. "During my studies, I came into contact with Chinese history and philosophy, and felt the ancient, profound and interesting nature of Chinese culture."

"A mentor from Taiwan, China, told me that you can't use Westerners' views on China to understand China, you have to conduct in-depth research on the ground. I think that in order to really learn Sinology, you must come to China. This recognition is the fundamental reason why Sima Wenfei has studied and settled in China many times, and he also encouraged sinologists to come to China for investigation and research.

Years of studying, working and living in China have also given Sima Wenfei new ideas. He said that most of Slovenia's sinology studies focus on ancient Chinese history and culture, but China is developing very rapidly now, and sinologists should not only study ancient China, but also study current China. "I want to update everyone's understanding of China."

Sima Wenfei flipped through the books. Photo by He Xun

"My life in China is very happy, and this happiness also comes with a responsibility: I want the world to know the real China, not the China that some people imagine." Sima Wenfei told reporters that he wanted to tell Slovenians about China's development and attract more groups other than sinologists to learn about this historic country.

In Sima Wenfei's view, many Slovenian sinologists are immersed in their own research, and although they know a lot about sinology, they rarely share it with the public. "In fact, sinologists can be a bridge to help more Slovenians understand China, and I am doing this."

Sima Wenfei served as the secretary general of the Slovenian "Yuanhan Society", which was founded in 1998 and its members were sinologists. In addition to academic research, the society also holds mahjong competitions, poetry exchanges, tea parties and other activities, and exchanges with many European universities. "There are more and more sinology enthusiasts in the world, and they are a window for more people to know China."

"I think every foreigner who actually comes to China to see it is also a good storyteller." Sima Wenfei gave an example, "The Chengdu Universiade is about to be held, and after experiencing it on the spot, young athletes from all over the world will also talk to others about China's development status, and they will naturally communicate. ”

In addition to sharing his happy "rake ear" life, he also plans to plan a series of activities for the "Yuanhan Society", hoping to let Sinology enthusiasts understand the new development and changes in China through exchanges and attract them to visit China. (End)