It seemed that no matter how many questions were asked now, they would be somewhat futile.
So, after a few scattered questions, Cole announced that the exchange meeting would officially begin.
“I believe everyone present is already familiar with the agenda of this exchange meeting. However, I still need to reiterate it for everyone here.”
What sets international exchange meetings apart from others is that each meeting has a theme. Once the theme is announced, everyone will officially enter the first stage of the exchange meeting, which is the speech.
Of course, it would be more appropriate to call them sharing sessions rather than speeches.
Because initially, people who are willing to speak will volunteer. Afterwards, the organizing committee will send representatives to summarize. Finally, the summarized viewpoints will be released to everyone, and then the meeting will move on to the next stage, which is the actual exchange of the meeting.
This second stage, to put it simply, is a PK session among everyone. You state your case, I state mine. In this academic exchange, there are no right or wrong answers, only deviations. The debates and discussions among everyone ultimately aim to arrive at the answer that is closest to the truth, the one that is generally accepted or has the least controversy.
After all, this kind of intellectual discourse is not like a math problem on a test paper; it doesn't have a definitive final answer.
Once this stage concludes, only the final stage remains, which is the summary.
However, this summary is a bit different. It is not presented by the organizers, but rather by all participants of the exchange meeting, summarizing their respective thoughts.
But time is limited, so this final stage operates on a lottery system. The organizing committee arranges for designated individuals to randomly select attendees, and then the selected individuals will share their summaries.
While this last stage appears to be the simplest, it also depends on the person. Especially those present at the event, where seniors are accompanied by their junior counterparts.
The seniors naturally have no fear of this summarization. Therefore, the concern lies with the younger generation.
They are young, but after all, they have managed to reach this point, so their capabilities are undoubtedly excellent.
However, the main force in such exchange meetings is still the older and more experienced seniors. So, if younger individuals are selected, they might be able to say something about these matters, but it will certainly be far from sufficient.
Although one cannot generalize to everyone, this certainly includes the vast majority of young people.
But it’s not too bad. The summary stage is scheduled for the last day, giving the students an entire evening to consult with their teachers. If they are serious, there will essentially be no problems.
The seniors who come here have a certain reputation to maintain. Even if their mentees' abilities are not up to par, they will still offer guidance.
And the seniors themselves are afraid that their lack of restraint might cause their mentees to suffer later. Therefore, even if they don't genuinely agree, they will gladly help for the sake of their reputation.
Unless what you say is so bad that it becomes a headache and they are unwilling to comment, there shouldn't be any embarrassing situations.
So, looking at this summary stage carefully from beginning to end, it's not that difficult after all.
“Alright, having said all that, I believe everyone has understood what I’ve said, so I won’t say more.”
“I declare that this year’s exchange meeting has now begun.”
With these words, the exchange meeting officially commenced.
“Thank you, Mr. Cole. Now, allow me to announce the theme of this year’s exchange meeting.”
“The theme of this year’s exchange meeting is, Global Perspective: Language, Translation, and Culture.”
“We will now give everyone some time to prepare. We will then have people come up to share their thoughts in order according to the list.”
Not everyone will have the opportunity to speak, but when the actual exchange begins, it will be close.
The unwritten rule of international exchange meetings is that the speakers in the first stage are the prominent figures in attendance. The participants in the second stage of exchange are those who have ideas and aspirations, a group of slightly younger seniors. As for the final stage, it includes people of all types, but it mainly consists of the young people who have accompanied them.
......
“Teacher, isn’t this theme a bit broad?” After the host finished speaking, Qiu Xi began to discuss with Teacher Ding.
Discussing translation and culture within their linguistics major?
And following a grand prerequisite like a global perspective?
These few points, no matter how they are combined, they simply look immense.
“For you to see, this theme is indeed a bit broad, but you need to consider it from a different perspective.” Ding Yujing nodded. If other factors are not considered, this theme is indeed somewhat broad.
“But think about it, the people who come here, and think about the people who will be speaking later. Their perspectives are different from yours. Of course, yours are also different from ours, so naturally, you feel it is broad.”
“It’s like when you write a thesis. Without some capability, no teacher would allow you to tackle such a broad topic. So, you can understand it if you think about it.”
“Those who can speak are people who are constantly researching. Their view of the current academic landscape is ultimately different from you young people.”
On this point, Ding Yujing made it very clear to Qiu Xi.
Qiu Xi herself listened very clearly.
For a moment, she hadn’t thought that much. Now that Teacher Ding mentioned it, she understood a bit.
“Teacher Ding, you are still lecturing here. Aren’t you nervous about going up later?”
Just as Ding Yujing finished speaking, Yang Shanshan on the side asked.
For a moment, the eyes of Qiu Xi and the other juniors swept over.
“Teacher, are you also among the first group to speak later?” Qiu Xi asked curiously.
She didn’t know this at all before.
“Ahem~” Ding Yujing coughed a little awkwardly. “I’m not too sure about this, but according to what they said, I do have a chance to go up.”
Ding Yujing herself is not very certain about this, but before coming, they had a meeting to discuss it, and there was an 80-90% chance.
“Then Teacher, you should look at it first. We’ll chat again later.”
Knowing this situation, Qiu Xi didn’t intend to disturb Teacher Ding any further. Coincidentally, she also wanted to think about the theme herself, how she would speak from her perspective, or what she might have overlooked…
Qiu Xi thought a lot for a moment.
Ma Qinshu and the others beside her became even quieter after learning that Teacher Ding Yujing would likely have such a turn.
Especially when they saw Qiu Xi’s contemplative expression, they were also exceptionally quiet.
Apart from Qiu Xi’s side, the venue became much quieter after the host finished speaking.
Except for those who were certain they would not be participating, who might discuss the just-announced theme with mild interest.
Everyone else was thinking, preparing to perform well in a while.
......