Opening of The 2nd International Stylistics Symposium and the 6th National Stylistic Symposium

The opening ceremony of the 2nd International Stylistics Symposium and the 6th National Stylistic Symposium was held on Oct. 23, 2008 at the First Lecture Hall of Shanghai International Studies University. This symposium was hosted by the Stylistics Research Association under China s Rhetoric Association, and was organized by SISUEnglishCollege. The theme is Stylistics Research: Review, Status Quo and Outlook. More than 140 scholars and experts from home and abroad attended the conference.

The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Wang Enming, Vice Dean of the English college. Prof. Sheng Yuliang, Vice President of SISU delivered a welcome speech to all attendants. He said that this was a critical time for disciplinary development as many scholars home and abroad have come to share experiences, exchange opinions and learn from each other. This significant conference will certainly promote both stylistic research and teaching.

Then, Prof. Mei Deming, Dean of the EnglishCollege, briefed the guests about the development and status quo of the EnglishCollege. Prof. Mei said that this symposium demonstrated both the wishes and efforts of the stylistics researchers to expand vision, improve communication and explore the unknown. Dean Mei believed that this conference will not only enlighten the participants in their research areas, but also help strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the host and the attendants.

After that, Prof. Wang Dechun from SISU, Chairman of China s Rhetoric Association, also gave his congratulation speech. Prof. Wang, using his typical gracious language, summarized broadly the evolution of stylistics in China and abroad. Finally, Prof. Shen Dan from BeijingUniversity, Head of the Stylistics Association delivered her congratulation speech. Prof. Shen complimented highly the host on the great organization and reception work and expressed her sincere wish for a complete success of the conference.

The keynote speeches on the first day started at 9:30 a.m.. Prof. He Zhaoxiong from SISU and Prof. Dong Qiming from ShouduNormalUniversity co-hosted it. The four keynote speakers are Prof. Michael Toolan from Birmingham University, Prof. Cheng Yumin from Fudan Univeristy, Prof. Michael Burke from Utrecht University, and Prof. Hu Zhuanglin from Beijing University. Their speeches are not only interesting, but also give overviews of the field from their advantageous point, which received great applause from the audience.

All scholars and participants praised highly the opening ceremony and the keynote speeches and look forward to the even more exciting activities in the following one and a half days agenda. (Text: Galaxy; Photograph: Hu Xinhua)