By LONG Yun & BI Weizi

Seated in his home in Brisbane, Australia, Colin Mackerras told his China stories so vividly that it was hard to believe that five years had passed since he left China. Despite the passage of time, the 85-year-old sinologist remains sharp, witty, and insightful, turning the interview into a lively chat.

Initially aiming to study French and German, Mackerras's life took a different turn when his mother encouraged him to apply for a scholarship in Asian studies.

Mackerras told Science and Technology Daily, "She recognized the importance of China for Australia's future," which set him on a journey of exploration of the intricate Chinese civilization.

He went to Cambridge University in England and began to research the ethnic minorities of China’s Tang Dynasty, a subject that would influence his future pursuits.

Understanding China’s ethnic groups

Professor Colin Mackerras and an old Uygur gentleman in Kashgar in 2018. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Mackerras’s contributions to sinology are multifaceted, with a particular focus on the ethnic minorities and traditional Chinese theater.

From his professional perspective, it is important to understand China's diverse ethnic groups, despite their relatively small percentage of the population. He has been to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Xizang Autonomous Region, and other areas in China with a significant ethnic population. "I encountered landscapes and experiences vastly different from the Western media reports. My first-hand observations inspired many books on Chinese ethnic minorities," he said.

"As a Western scholar, I believe China's policies towards ethnic minorities hold valuable references for other countries," Mackerras continued.

His passion for Chinese culture extends to the arts, particularly traditional Chinese theater. "Arts help form people's culture and individual identities, influencing our minds, spirits, behaviors, and ways of thinking," he remarked.

These studies of Chinese history and culture have given him invaluable insights into the enduring legacy of China as a great civilization. Influenced by works such as C.P. Fitzgerald's China: A Short Cultural History, he says it is important that China's historical significance be recognized on the world stage. "China, as a great civilization, deserves recognition and understanding."

Professor Colin Mackerras with traditional Chinese music players in 2023. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Fond China memories

Reflecting on his time at the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in the 1960s, Mackerras emphasizes the transformative impact of his immersion in Chinese society.

The Australian scholar speaks fondly of his encounters with the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. In his free time, he explored hutongs or traditional alleys and forged friendships with Chinese scholars like the noted literary translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys, who was also a translator, and they deepened his appreciation of China's vibrant culture.

Although his first teaching time at the BFSU lasted for only two years, Mackerras went back to China more than 80 times later, doing research and teaching at other universities, especially Renmin University of China. He played an active role in promoting exchanges between the BFSU and Griffith University in Australia, where he worked.

When comparing the educational landscapes of China and the West, Mackerras notes distinct differences in student attitudes and approaches to learning. He found Chinese students had a remarkable level of discipline and focus, diligently adhering to study schedules and deadlines. In contrast, Western students displayed a greater inclination towards extracurricular activities.

By nurturing positive relationships between students from diverse backgrounds, educational institutions serve as catalysts for cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation."Education is crucial for building bridges between nations and promoting mutual respect," Mackerras said.

Professor Colin Mackerras and his late wife Alyce with their first child Stephen, who was born in China at the Old Summer Palace in 1965. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Challenging perceptions

Mackerras's exploration of Western perceptions of China was sparked by his initial surprise at the distortions. His book Western Images of China aimed to dispel the misinformation. He said though the book has its imperfections, it is still a milestone in his academic journey.

“It is a shame that Westerners don't understand China very well,” he said, calling for a concerted effort to bridge the divide, emphasizing the importance of objectivity, fairness, and balance in shaping perceptions.

Mackerras attaches great importance to people-to-people exchanges to address the contemporary challenge of bridging the cultural gap in the current geopolitical climate. He says they dispel stereotypes and foster empathy and mutual understanding. “I believe that fostering genuine connections and friendships are the most enduring ways to bridge cultural gaps,” he said.

For young scholars embarking on cross-cultural studies, Mackerras’s advice is to approach their studies with an open mind, challenging preconceived notions and embracing cultural diversity.

This article is also contributed by BFSU.