On May 8, theopeningreport for the major project“the collection and digital engineering of dialect in local records” was held in administration building 148. The meeting was conducted by professor Zhang Xueyong. There were a number of leaders and professors from School of Humanities attended this meeting. In addition, the panel was composed of professor Tang Zuofan and Guo Xiliang from Peking University, professor Xiang Xi and Zhao Zhenduo from Sichuan University, professor Lu Guoyao from Nanjing University and other experts. They had engaged in the deliberation of the opening report.

On behalf of Southwest Jiaotong University, the representative Zhang Bin expressed the warm welcome to leaders and experts. Our university would have the 120th anniversary soon, and the development goals should be reached in the future. The project led by professor Wang Qiming was approved as the major project of National Social Science Fund, which marked a high level in construction of arts. The school would follow up on the project and offer supports hereafter. The vice president Luo Zhongping from Sichuang Social Sciences Association congratulated to the research group led by professor Wang as well.

The dean of School of Humanities Yang Wenquan called this project a landmark to us. It was the first time that the school undertake such an important project. He hoped that we could not only build a research and communicative stage, but make a better learning atmosphere.

After that, the chief expert of research group Wang Qiming had introduced the basic state and research approach of the project. The importance and key points had been emphasized as well. Building a database for Chinese dialect in local chronicles since Wei and Jin dynasty would provide academic resources and help protect precious dialect data. In addition to approve the preliminary works and the plan, experts had also given constructive proposals. Professor Guo Xiliang suggested that the research period could divided into old and new parts. Professor Xiang Xi said that this project is difficult in collect and reorganize the documents, so this part worth devoting more time and energy to do. Professor Zhao Zhenduo thought the project should be easy to retrieve for future generations.

At the end of the meeting, the opening report was passed by all members. The research group led by professor Wang had a heated discussion about some questions around experts’ suggestions. They made sure the target and the division of labor then, and showed the determination of achieving high level results.