Associate Professor Chia-rong Wu (Chinese Programme; Global, Cultural and Language Studies; LSAP) has published a new co-edited volume titled The Southern Discourse in Sinophone Literature: Moving Borders (Routledge, 2025). The book gathers leading international scholars to offer a groundbreaking re-examination of culture and identity in the Chinese-speaking world. This collection challenges the long-standing northern-centric perspective in Chinese studies by shifting the focus to the vibrant and often-overlooked concept of “the South.” The book argues that the “South” is not simply a geographical location but a dynamic cultural space that is constantly imagined, contested, and redefined through literature and art. Wu hopes the collection will provide readers with a fresh perspective on the incredible diversity of the Sinophone world. He notes that the book is designed to stimulate further dialogue among scholars and students, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of the complex literary traditions within and outside of mainland China. The Southern Discourse in Sinophone Literature stands as a vital contribution to the field, promising to reshape conversations about culture and identity for years to come.
Publication: Chia-rong Wu
