On 17 October 2018, the Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLC) organised a presentation on “The Journey to the West”, a famous piece of Chinese literature, with CLC Assistant Professor Dr James Yang as a lecturer.
Dr Yang told the story of “The Journey to the West” through multiple cartoon drawings he drew during his Doctorate studies in the US.
As Dr Yang continued with the story, his drawings helped explain what was happening in that particular scene. His cartoons were lively and comical, and provided a visual aid for the audience to imagine the scenario. He also said how this story incorporates different religions, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and how it has spread to other countries, such as Japan, for entertainment adaptations.
Dr Yang described “The Journey to the West” as very “inspiring” because of how the Tang monk, his three disciples, and his horse never gave up on their journey.
Dr Yang drawing the Piggy Monk for the audience
Patricia Lilienthal from the English Language Centre (ELC) drawing the Monkey King
Ryan Windsor from ELC focuses on his drawing
CLC Lecturer Candice Cai mentioned how Dr Yang used his own drawings to help us have a better understanding of the theme, point of view, and story overall.
English Language Centre (ELC) Foreign Intern Nick Stoker-Mota expressed interest in Chinese literature and thought the presentation was very interesting. She especially liked the audience engagement of drawing the characters with the guidance of Dr Yang.
Reporter/Photographer: Marissa Furney
Editor: Deen He
(from MPRO)
