RCCLLC: A Champion of Popular Literary Heritage

The Faculty of Humanities (FHM) has established four research centres to enhance expertise in language studies, linguistics, literature, history, cultural studies, music, and visual arts, with ongoing interdisciplinary development in digital humanities and comparative culture of care. Riding on the previous article on The Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education, FHM Research Bulletin will spotlight another research centre, The Research Centre for Chinese Literature & Literary Culture (RCCLLC), in this December issue.

RCCLLC advances research and promotes literature through diverse channels, including publications, cultural salons, conferences, workshops, guided tours, and interactive activities. It has built strong partnerships with local schools, the Tai Po community, and international literary organisations and academic institutions. The Centre's publications have achieved remarkable recognition, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in the region's academic and literary landscape. Its flagship project, Compendium of Hong Kong Literature (The Commercial Press), has earned widespread academic acclaim. Additionally, its groundbreaking work on Thirty Cents Novels, When the Leaves Fall and the Blossoms Blow: A Study of Thirty Cents Novels in Hong Kong (Cosmos Books), secured the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Awards 2023, generating significant media interest. 

In an extensive interview with Research Bulletin, RCCLLC Director Dr Yip Cheuk Wai outlined the Centre's multifaceted mission. He discussed the Centre's research priorities, humanitarian perspective, community engagement initiatives, educational outreach, and its emerging role as a platform creator in literature research and promotion, while sharing insights into its future direction.

RCCLLC Director Dr Yip Cheuk Wai 

Research Priorities: Focusing on Three Key Areas

RCCLLC's current research priorities encompasses three strategic areas that demonstrate its dual commitment to preservation and innovation in Hong Kong literature: Compendium of Hong Kong Literature, Thirty Cents Novels, and the Tai Po Literary Trail project.

I.    Compendium of Hong Kong Literature

Compendium of Hong Kong Literature stands as a monumental achievement in documenting Hong Kong's literary heritage. This comprehensive collection spans 28 volumes across two series: the first covering 1919-1949 and the second examining 1950-1969. By preserving and reappearing forgotten texts, we create an opportunity to reinvestigate the significance of Hong Kong literature. Beyond ongoing publication of the second series, RCCLLC has launched an ambitious initiative to translate selected works into English, making this cultural treasure accessible to international audiences.

II.    Thirty Cents Novels

The Centre has pioneered global research on Thirty Cents Novels, establishing itself as the first institution worldwide to conduct systematic studies in this field. Launched in 2019 with support from the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, the project has assembled an impressive collection of over 260 Thirty Cents Novels. These works, including the notable Story Paper (《小說報》), have been digitised and made available through a dedicated online platform. Building on successful symposiums and publications, the Centre is now expanding its scope to examine popular fiction and culture.

Thirty Cents Novels

III.    Tai Po Literary Trail project

For the Tai Po Literary Trail project, funded by the HKSAR Home Affairs Department, the Centre provides an enriching exploration of the intersection between the environment and literature in the surrounding community of Tai Po. Through guided tours, walking excursions and exhibition, this project aims to raise public awareness of the rich cultural and literary heritage of the district.

Distinctive Research Strengths: Examining Hong Kong Literature through Multiple Lenses

RCCLLC's expertise transcends conventional literary scholarship. "While Hong Kong literature forms our foundation, we approach it through diverse analytical frameworks, engaging in dialogue with East Asia and the global literary community," emphasises Dr Yip. This multifaceted approach is reflected in the Centre's distinguished scholars: Dr Yip brings expertise in classical literature, Dr Au Chung To, Associate Director, contributes critical insights on modernism, and Dr Chau Man Lut, the Centre’s core member, advances research in science fiction and post-human animal studies.

“Our distinctive strength emerges from our multidimensional analysis of Hong Kong literature," Dr Yip elaborates. "By examining works through the lenses of urban materiality, ecological consciousness, and cross-regional comparative studies, we continuously uncover fresh perspectives on our literary legacy.”

A Caring Perspective: Exploring Literature’s Relationship with City and Ecology

RCCLLC's dedication to environmental and urban studies manifests through innovative initiatives bridging literary works with lived experiences. "Projects like the Tai Po Literary Trail and our forthcoming comparative study of Hong Kong and cities in East Asia demonstrate literature's vital role in understanding and nurturing urban environments and their communities," explains Dr Yip. These endeavours underscore literature's growing significance in documenting and interpreting urban landscapes.

I.    Residence and Hong Kong Literature 

The Centre's groundbreaking CRAC project, "Residence and Hong Kong Literature 1945-1970", exemplifies this urban-literary intersection. "In 2019, we began investigating the intricate relationships between living spaces and literary creation," Dr Yip says. This comprehensive study combines writer interviews, analysis of residential themes in literature, and examination of how physical environments shape creative expression. The findings, set for publication in late 2024, promise to enrich discussions on urban care and related issues. "Our literary and cultural research transcends textual analysis to address fundamental humanitarian concerns. We care about the lives reflected in literature and how these narratives illuminate broader social issues," Dr Yip emphasises.

II.    Ecological Writing

Apart from these projects, Dr Chau Man Lut's "Butterfly Verses in Graceful Flight" project, funded by SCOLAR, illustrates the Centre's increasing care for ecology and urban space. This project promotes ecological writing among secondary school students, serving as a pioneering programme for the further development of ecological literature research.

Literature Promotion: Engaging with Local Community and Schools and Beyond

RCCLLC extends its literary mission beyond academia to engage Tai Po District, schools, and international audiences. 

I.    Community Engagement

The Tai Po Literary Trail project embodies this commitment to community outreach. "As the sole university in Tai Po, we bear a unique responsibility to our community," explains Dr Yip. Through guided tours, exhibitions, and teacher training programmes, the Centre makes literary heritage accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.

II.    Educational Outreach

Educational outreach forms a cornerstone of the Centre's mission. RCCLLC provides specialised training for primary and secondary school teachers, equipping them with practical skills for organising community tours and implementing literary programmes in their schools. The Centre innovatively employs gamification strategies, developing board games that incorporate role-playing and dramatic elements for secondary students. These interactive tools engage young minds through play, cultivating genuine interest in literature.

 "Research centres must bridge academic excellence with public engagement. Our role involves identifying target audiences and helping them transform academic knowledge into personal understanding and emotional connection," Dr Yip adds.

III.    Global Initiative

RCCLLC's vision extends globally through its ambitious translation initiative for Compendium of Hong Kong Literature. Supervised by Associate Director Dr Au and Post-doctoral Fellow Dr Robert Tsaturyan at the Centre, this project assembles renowned writers and translation experts to introduce early Hong Kong literature to international readers, fostering cross-cultural literary dialogue.

CCLLC Director Dr Yip Cheuk Wai reading the Centre’s publication

Platform Creator: Fostering Collaborative Opportunities

Dr Yip envisions RCCLLC as a ‘Platform Creator’, highlighting its role in fostering collaborative opportunities. "Our research projects thrive on interconnection," he explains. "Our impact stems from uniting diverse forces—scholars, cultural figures, and educators who recognise the value of our work and extend its reach.

This collaborative approach has proven transformative in promoting literature and culture. "When our partners recognise the significance of our initiatives, they become advocates, exponentially expanding our influence," Dr Yip notes. The Centre's success in platform building is reflected in its expanding network of partnerships and growing engagement from both academic and public spheres.

Global Collaborations: Opening New Avenues for International Dialogue

RCCLLC extends its influence globally through strategic international partnerships. Recent collaborations with the Japanese Association for Chinese Literature and Art Studies (JACLAS) and SOAS, University of London, have established new channels for cross-cultural exchange. "These partnerships enable us to position Hong Kong's literary heritage within global discourse." reflects Dr Yip.

In January 2024, JACLAS dedicated their monthly meeting to Hong Kong literature, featuring presentations from RCCLLC team about maritime themes, Thirty Cents Novels, and dramas. The developing partnership with SOAS promises rich collaborative opportunities in translation of Compendium, urban studies, and popular literature and culture research, creating platforms for sustained international dialogue.

An engaging afternoon dialogue

Future Plans: Advancing Popular Culture and Urban Research

RCCLLC continues to evolve as a pioneer in Hong Kong literary studies. "Our most compelling work lies in uncovering meaningful perspectives in everyday phenomena," reflects Dr Yip. "We examine familiar subjects through fresh lenses to reveal their broader societal significance."

I.    Popular Culture Studies

Looking ahead, RCCLLC is poised to expand its research scope across promising frontiers. Dr Yip anticipates a continued focus on popular culture studies. "Our research on Thirty Cents Novels has opened new avenues for understanding Hong Kong's cultural landscape," Dr Yip notes. The initiative will expand to encompass studies of Forty Cents Novels and martial arts fiction, and comparative analysis with American paperback literature, culminating in a comprehensive symposium planned for August 2025.

II.    Urban Research

Urban research represents another key growth area. "We are developing innovative methodologies to analyse Hong Kong as a dynamic urban ecosystem," Dr Yip explains. This direction spans multiple initiatives: the Tai Po Literary Trail's community engagement programmes, ecological perspectives through projects like the "Butterfly Verses in Graceful Flight" writing competition, and an ambitious comparative study of Hong Kong and cities in East Asia planned for 2026.

Ending 

As RCCLLC continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains steadfast in its mission to preserve and promote Hong Kong's literary heritage. Through its innovative research approaches, community engagement initiatives, and international collaborations, the Centre not only documents our literary past but also shapes its future. As the Centre’s Director emphasises, "Literature is not just about preserving texts—it's about understanding our collective identity and sharing our stories with the world." This vision drives RCCLLC forward as it works to ensure Hong Kong's literary voice resonates both locally and globally for generations to come.
 

RCCLLC Director Dr Yip Cheuk Wai and his devoted team

Interviewer: Andy Ng, Kinki Mak and Eric Lam

Author: Eric Lam