Health Humanities and Cross-cultural Literacy

07 12, 2023

On July 10th, the ninth Internationalization Aptitude Training (IAT) was successfully held. Professor Xu Hangping from the University of California, Santa Barbara, was invited to give a presentation titled “Medical Humanities” and “Cross-cultural Communication”. The lecture was hosted by Dr. Chen Weiying, Vice Dean of the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University.



Starting with the cultural perspectives reflected in the concept transition from “medical humanities” to “health humanities”, Xu discussed the cultural differences between the East and the West from the viewpoint of cross-cultural communication and explored ways to enhance cross-border English communication skills. Also, Xu shared his educational journey ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDYj4OcB03U) which is very inspiring.. During his journey, he encountered challenges that molded him into a more capable and well-rounded individual.


During the lecture, Xu skillfully delved into simple English phrases commonly used in daily conversations. By analyzing these linguistic expressions, he revealed the underlying cultural divergences. Such an exploration not only heightened participants’ awareness of cultural subtleties but also fostered an appreciation for the diversity and richness of cross-cultural interactions. His insights shed light on the importance of understanding cultural nuances and effectively bridging communication gaps in the healthcare field.



“Professor Xu's presentation provided us with valuable perspectives on how to navigate cultural differences and improve cross-cultural communication, enabling us to broaden our horizons and develop strategies for effective cross-cultural communication in healthcare settings”, said by Dr. Dai Honglei, Director of General Practitioner Department.



Dr. Chen Weiying said, “Xu is an old friend from Stanford, and he has rich overseas experiences. I am always impressed by his native-like linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural savviness. Today’s lecture is a seamless continuation with our previous lecture on a similar theme. The IAT series training aligns closely with our aspiration to establish an international hospital and foster a global healthcare culture.”



Written by Zuo Huali


Edited by Chen Weiying

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