The liminality and hybridity of a transnational space of exchange

This chapter explores the complex historical interplay between Chinese and Western journalism, examining the bidirectional exchange of journalistic personnel, institutions, content, norms, and concepts. It reveals a rich tapestry of mutual influence and cultural exchange, sometimes characterized by serendipitous encounters that led to both misunderstandings and idealized perceptions on both sides. By employing the concepts of liminality and hybridity, this chapter sheds light on the innovative practices and transnational identities that emerged in the ‘contact zones’ where Chinese and Western journalistic traditions intersected. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how these cross-cultural interactions shaped the development of journalism in both regions, challenging simplistic narratives of unidirectional influence and highlighting the creative adaptations that arose from these encounters.