A Review of Chinese Comparative Literature Scholar Professor Jing-Yao Sun’s Research on “Paraliterature”

Abstract

Professor Jing-Yao Sun, a prominent figure in Chinese comparative literature and a renowned scholar in the field, has made significant contributions to the study of “paraliterature,” an area often overlooked by Chinese scholars. Since the early 1980s, he has been at the forefront of exploring Suzhou Pingtan through a literary perspective. In the 21st century, he emerged as a leading authority in the comparative analysis of “paraliterature,” particularly through his examination of storytelling between China and America. Furthermore, his insightful exploration of the essence of Ion’s oral literary performance and Plato’s misconceptions has paved the way for a deeper understanding of “paraliterature.” Professor Sun’s methodologies have profoundly inspired subsequent generations of comparative literature students in China, motivating them to contribute more to the study of international comparative literature.