Author: Chen Yichun

Publisher: Southcn  

Date: November 27, 2024

Jinan University mourns the loss of Rao Pengzi, a distinguished scholar, honorary president of the China World Association for Chinese Literatures, and esteemed professor at Jinan University, who passed away in Guangzhou at the age of 89 on November 27, 2024.

(Prof. Rao Pengzi)

Born in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, in 1935, Rao began his academic journey at Sun Yat-sen University in 1953 before transferring to Jinan University’s Chinese Department in 1958. During the closure of Jinan University from 1970 to 1977, she taught at Guangdong Normal University (now South China Normal University). She returned to Jinan University in 1978, becoming the head of the Chinese Department in 1984, and later served as vice president from 1987 to 1995, overseeing humanities, social sciences, and graduate programs. In 1989, she founded Jinan University Press, where she served as the first president.

Rao Pengzi made significant contributions to literary studies, particularly in literary theory, comparative literature, and overseas Chinese literature. She played a pivotal role in the revival of comparative literature in China during the early 1980s, introducing global perspectives and methodologies into literary studies. He founded the Guangdong Comparative Literature Research Association in 1986, organizing numerous academic conferences that advanced the field in Guangdong.

In 1993, Rao established a doctoral program in literature and art at Jinan University, pioneering the study of comparative literature and art in China. Her insightful critiques and commentaries on contemporary literature earned him the title of poetic critic, known for her elegant and sincere writing style.

As a pioneer in overseas Chinese literature studies, Rao conducted extensive original research that solidified the discipline’s status. She advocated for cross-lingual research and introduced new directions in the study of overseas Chinese literature, significantly impacting the field both domestically and internationally.

Rao published over 300 academic papers and 16 monographs, including influential works like Comparative Literature and Art between China and the West and New Perspectives on World Chinese Literature. She also served as chief editor for numerous academic series and projects, contributing to the advancement of literary studies.

In education, Rao mentored 29 undergraduate students, 13 master's students, and 18 doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to achieve excellence in various fields. Her impact extended beyond academia through her poetic prose essays, which are recognized in the History of Modern and Contemporary Prose in Lingnan.

Rao’s contributions to academia and society were recognized through numerous awards, including the honorary title of Outstanding Contribution Expert from the State Council, the Lifetime Contribution Award from Jinan University, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Chinese Comparative Literature.

Her passing is a significant loss to the academic community, and she will be remembered for her profound influence on literature and education in China.