Bridging Intellectual Traditions Through a Bi/Multi-Cultural Intellectual Mind

This article examines why and how scholars could bridge intellectual traditions in research by developing the notion of “a bi/multi-cultural intellectual mind”. It begins with outlining the historical emergence of Western-centric dominance in global academia and its consequential unequal worldwide knowledge flows. Drawing on elements from the model of bicultural competence, including attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors, this study suggests research directions for examining individual scholars to bridge intellectual traditions. It emphasizes that individual efforts can bridge intellectual traditions in research truly effectively. This article then highlights research pathways of examining intermediaries in global intellectual history, who successfully navigate Euro-American and their own intellectual traditions. In doing so, it proposes an analytical framework for the study of a bi/multi-cultural intellectual mind. Finally, this study calls for diverse and inclusive approaches to research on bridging intellectual traditions, while encouraging an equal dialogue between Euro-American and other intellectual traditions in the global higher education landscape.