Chinese calligraphy from a cross-cultural perspective: comparison of aesthetic and cultural perceptions between China and South Africa

Abstract

Chinese calligraphy, a classic symbol of Chinese culture, embodies rich cultural thought and aesthetic sensibilities. This study examines how South African participants perceive and interpret Chinese calligraphy within a cross-cultural context, using Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic framework. Through online focus groups and in-depth interviews, it explores participants’ aesthetic evaluations and cultural perceptions, revealing both disconnected responses, such as misunderstandings, confusion and rejection, and affirmative responses, including curiosity, resonance and appreciation. Feedback from participants has further shaped a cominterpretant, a shared understanding that emerged through processes of modification, blending and re-creation. The findings highlight the merging, empathy, integration and mutual construction of Chinese and South African cultures. By analysing the symbolic interpretation and emotional experience of Chinese calligraphy, this study highlights the commonalities, differences and points of integration in the aesthetic and cultural perceptions of the two countries. It expands the space for Chinese–South African cultural exchanges based on intersubjectives and mutual construction, offering refreshing insights to enable enhanced cross-cultural understanding and mutual learning.