Deeply recalling the shock and grief experienced by the author upon learning of the sudden death of his mentor Huang Yan. The author expresses deep nostalgia and gratitude for the mentor's teachings by recalling their past experiences.

Recruit me to get started

In 2000, while pursuing his second master's degree at the University of Leeds, the author was inspired by a friend to consider further studies in the UK. I learned about Professor Yan Huang through the website of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Reading and sent an email expressing my intention to pursue a PhD. After receiving the reply, the author began preparing the application materials. In 2001, the author went to the University of Reading for an interview, which was conducted by professors Guy Cook, Paul Kerswill, and Yan Huang. After the interview, the author received a conditional admission letter and officially became a student of Professor Yan Huang in the autumn of 2002. Professor Yan Huang has strict requirements for the application process of authors to ensure that their academic potential and research interests match his own. The author understands Professor Yan Huang's rigorous attitude and expectations, and realizes that he is the only PhD student from mainland China he has recruited in the UK, which makes him deeply responsible.

Lead me to study

It tells the story of how the author gained a profound understanding of academic research through his teacher's scholarly approach after teaching at a university for many years. The gentleman emphasized that reading should have emotions and value first-hand literature, believing that this is a form of respect for direct dialogue with thinkers. He advocates humbly seeking advice in learning, and understanding is the foundation of criticism. Academic ideas should have traces, and authors are encouraged to leave their own ideological traces in their doctoral dissertations. The gentleman also emphasized that academic research should be focused and suggested that the author conduct in-depth research on the basis of the doctoral thesis, striving to publish a monograph. Under the guidance of Mr., the author's doctoral thesis defense was well received, and his scholarly approach had a profound impact on the author.

Teach me how to be a good person

During the time spent with teachers in Oxford, the author gained a deeper understanding of their lives and personalities through cooking, eating, and chatting. The teacher's frugality and respect for food at the dining table reflect his gratitude for the hard work of the farmers. When teachers talk about their family background, academic and work experiences, they always emphasize the people who have helped and encouraged them along the way, rather than their own achievements. His gratitude for academic research is reflected in the preface of his work, where he expresses his gratitude to many people. After the teacher's death, many scholars wrote articles to commemorate him, and Professor Hou Guangxu summarized his personality with the word "true". The teacher's life and academic image, like his name, are simple yet nourishing to the heart.