【Report】Summary of the lecture by Xixi Zhang

Feeling for the Stones: From Curiosity to Discovery

Xixi Zhang (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Osaka)

On November 6, 2025, Xixi Zhang, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Osaka, gave a presentation on the process of conducting research at Ritsumeikan University.

Prof. Zhang began her presentation by explaining that in the field of linguistics, stones represent “context.” Languages require context since the meanings attached to certain words can change depending on the context in which they are used. For instance, the meanings of terms such as “major” and “minor” are contingent on the context in which they are used.

The University of Osaka professor then explained that conducting research is similar; one must understand the context behind the study. Specifically, it is essential to understand the background of one’s research by analyzing the literature and data. Prof. Zhang elucidated this point by sharing her own research with the audience, which included studies on the virtual student exchange program and interdisciplinary education for graduate students. She explained that these studies are based on her professional experiences of promoting exchange programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking to increase the number of graduate students at the University of Osaka. Prof. Zhang explained the process of how she conducted these studies and shared the results with the audience.

Prof. Zhang concluded her presentation by noting that the process of uncovering the context in research—which is necessary for discovery—can be challenging and requires one to remain open-minded to new possibilities and approaches. She closed her talk with an encouraging statement to the audience: “Be curious. Feel the world around you. Explore new possibilities. Have fun along the way.”

During the Q&A session, audience members asked many interesting questions—such as those regarding Prof. Zhang’s research, the effects of virtual and in-person exchange programs, English higher education in Japan, and how to encourage Japanese students to study abroad.