Professor Zhang Hong's team from the College of Foreign Languages has just published an article titled “Multilingual, Multicultural and Multi-religious Diversity: Chronotopic Affect in the Semiotic Landscape of Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou” in the prestigious Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development (JMMD). This publication enhances both local practices and international communication efforts.

This study examines the semiotic landscape of Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou, emphasizing its multilingual, multicultural, and multi-religious dimensions. Through detailed analysis, the paper uncovers the diverse “chronotopes” that emerge from the interaction of various linguistic and semiotic resources across different contexts. It further analyzes the distinct connotations and emotional responses these chronotopes elicit among various social groups, offering new insights into the development of semiotic landscapes.

Quanzhou, emporium of the world in China’s Song (960-1279 CE) and Yuan dynasties (1271-1368 CE), embodies a spirit of openness and inclusivity. By focusing on Zhongshan Road, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the research draws global attention to this rich cultural heritage, illustrating a modern China that celebrates multiculturalism while honoring its traditions. The work has resonated within the international academic community, effectively promoting the global dissemination of Chinese culture.

Professor Zhang stated, “By showcasing Quanzhou’s semiotic landscape, we aim to help international scholars and the public appreciate the richness of Chinese cultural diversity, fostering a deeper understanding of its inclusive nature globally.”

Second-year graduate student Wu Siyi from the College of Foreign Languages significantly contributed to the collection of data and the writing of this paper. The College of Foreign Languages at Huaqiao University was the first affiliation of the paper.

Professor Zhang has previously published several research papers in international journals indexed in SSCI and A&HCI.

JMMD is a leading journal in JCR Zone 1, recognized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and indexed in both SSCI and A&HCI. It is concerned with macro-level coverage of topics in the sociology and social psychology of language, and in language and cultural politics, policy, planning and practice.

Link to the paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01434632.2025.2468775

（Editor:Wei Linying）