A Comparative Study of the Commencement Speeches in Harvard University and Peking University Presidents’ Commencement Speeches Based on the Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory

Abstract

 In recent years, a growing number of studies have probed into university presidents’ commencement speeches from various perspectives. Nevertheless, research from the perspective of cultural dimensions has received little scholarly attention. This paper explores the cultural differences revealed in the commencement speeches of the presidents of Harvard University and Peking University from 2012 to 2021, through which a deeper insight into the diversities between Chinese and American cultures can be gained. Based on four aspects of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, namely, Power Distance, Individualism and Collectivism, Long-term and Short-term Orientation, and Indulgence and Restraint, this paper conducts a textual and qualitative analysis of commencement speeches. This study will be conducive to a better understanding of the cultural differences between China and America. Meanwhile, it contributes to further research on this subject from a new perspective.