On April 18, the 3rd National Reading Conference, themed “New Knowledge, New Intelligence, New Quality — Sharing the Light of Reading in the New Era,” was successfully held at Guangzhou University. The event was jointly organized by the National Center for Language Promotion at Guangzhou University and the National Center for Language Promotion at Shenzhen University, under the guidance of the Department of Language Application and Administration of the National Language Commission. President Zheng Jiajian of Fujian Normal University (FNU) was invited to attend and delivered a keynote speech.
In his keynote address, titled “Strengthening the Foundation of an Education Powerhouse through Classical Literacy Cultivation,” President Zheng highlighted the cultural and educational importance of classical reading in shaping a strong educational foundation. Drawing on General Secretary Xi Jinping’s speeches during the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Zheng emphasized the role of classical literacy in building a nation of avid readers and advancing national rejuvenation. Using Fujian Normal University’s “Scholarly Campus” initiative as an example, Zheng elaborated on the university’s efforts to promote reading culture and foster classical literacy. He outlined three core commitments for advancing classical reading practices:
Rooting Classical Reading in National Heritage: Encouraging reading practices that are deeply connected to the cultural and historical traditions of the nation.
Ensuring Professional Guidance: Promoting classical reading under the mentorship of experts to ensure depth and accuracy in interpretation.
Integrating Print and Digital Formats: Leveraging both traditional print and modern digital platforms to make classical reading accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Zheng also proposed the construction of a “Pyramid Model” for Classical Reading, which integrates value-driven guidance, professional mentorship, and cross-media support. He emphasized the importance of aligning classical reading initiatives with the broader mission of nation-building and national rejuvenation, advocating for innovative approaches to promote classical literacy in the digital age.
Translated by Liao Xuehe / Reviewed by Ying Hongying