Food and Festivals of China and NI – A visiting academic’s story 
中国与北爱尔兰的美食与节日 —— 一位访问学者的感想

Wednesday 5th February 2025
12:00-13:00 
Auditorium, The McClay Library

Speaker:
Mi Zhao (赵觅) is an Associate Professor at the School of Foreign Studies, Yanshan University, China. She is currently a visiting scholar at the School of Arts, English, and Languages at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research interests include linguistics, translation theories and practices, second language teaching and learning, and cross-cultural studies. Between 2013 and 2024, she has published widely on the above topics, contributing significantly to her fields of expertise.

Outline:
This talk delves into the cultural significance of food and festivals in both China and Northern Ireland, as experienced through the lens of a visiting academic. It highlights prominent Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, drawing thoughtful comparisons with Northern Irish traditions, including Halloween and Christmas. 

Through vivid personal anecdotes and reflective insights, the discussion emphasizes shared values like family, community, and celebration, while also exploring distinct cultural priorities. Ultimately, the talk advocates for embracing cultural diversity by celebrating food and festivals as powerful tools for fostering mutual understanding and connection.