On Monday, the Department of Chinese Studies at Hungary’s Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE) celebrated its 100th anniversary in Budapest, according to Xinhua. The university’s rector Laszlo Borhy emphasized the institution’s role in fostering Hungarian-Chinese relations over the last century. Borhy stated that ELTE has been a center for Chinese education and has nurtured experts proficient in the language and culture, offering comprehensive Chinese studies at all levels from undergraduate to doctoral.
Borhy added that graduates have gone on to become professors, translators, and ambassadors, contributing to the flourishing of Hungarian-Chinese relations. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao commended the department for fostering cultural, educational, and language exchanges between Hungary and China, noting the establishment of Hungary’s first Confucius Institute in 2006 at ELTE.
Research director Viktor Eszterhai of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs underscored the growing significance of China’s cultural heritage and emphasized the need to train experts who are familiar with Chinese cultural and civilizational heritage, especially as China undergoes a transformation and regains its former civilizational significance. Imre Hamar, director of ELTE’s Confucius Institute and head of the Department of Chinese Studies, stressed the department’s need to evolve while preserving its century-old tradition in Sinology.
Hamar believes that the future development of the Chinese department can only be ensured by preserving the century-old sinological tradition while continuously responding to new challenges and shaping Chinese education in innovative ways. The commemorative event also included performances by students from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music of China, Guzheng performances, a Lion Dance, and a Kungfu display.
