Why Isn't Harvard Called 'National University of America'? The World History Hidden in University Names is More Fascinating Than You Think

Have you ever wondered about this?

We have "National" Tsinghua University, "National" Taiwan University, and Russia also boasts numerous "National" universities. But looking globally, why do the names of the top-tier prestigious institutions, such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge, lack the word "National"?

Even more curiously, the UK has "Imperial College London," which sounds quite formidable; yet, after World War II, Germany and Japan desperately tried to erase the words "Imperial" or "National" from their university names.

What exactly is the story behind this? Does the term "National" hold some unknown meaning abroad that we're unaware of?

Today, we're going to uncover this secret hidden within university names. In reality, naming a university is much like naming a restaurant – the name isn't just an identifier; it's a declaration.

Type One Restaurant: "Old Wang's Homestyle Cuisine" – Local Universities Serving the Community

Imagine you want to open a restaurant in the US; would you name it "America's Top Divine Chef"? Most likely not. You might name it "California Sunshine Kitchen" or "Texas Barbecue Home." These names sound friendly and authentic, clearly telling everyone: "I serve the residents of this locality."

This is precisely the logic behind "State Universities" in the US.

For instance, the University of California and the University of Texas emphasize the "State" rather than the "Nation" in their names. This is a very clever approach, as it not only reflects the public service nature of the university to its state taxpayers but also skillfully sidesteps the potential issues associated with the word "National."

Because in the US and many Western countries, "Nationalism" is a highly sensitive term, easily evoking associations with war, conflict, and xenophobia. Thus, using "State" instead of "National" is akin to naming a restaurant "Old Wang's Homestyle Cuisine" – it's low-key, pragmatic, and focused on providing the best service to the neighbourhood.

Type Two Restaurant: "China's Premier Tower" – Flagship Universities Representing National Prestige

Of course, some restaurant owners are ambitious, aiming to be a national benchmark. They might name their restaurant "China's Premier Tower" or "Beijing Roast Duck Headquarters." The moment such a name is unveiled, it signifies an unshakeable confidence, implying it's not just a restaurant but the very face of national cuisine.

"National Universities" in some countries embody this very role.

For instance, the "Australian National University" or the "National University of Singapore." In these countries, there's typically only one "National University," a top academic institution built with the nation's full resources, representing the highest level of achievement for the entire country. Its name serves as a shining national calling card.

This is entirely different from our usual understanding, where many universities are designated "National." In their context, "National" signifies a unique and esteemed status.

Type Three Restaurant: "Yamato Conquest Canteen" – Imperial Universities Bearing the Mark of Aggression

Now, imagine the most terrifying scenario.

A restaurant, not named a homestyle eatery or a premier tower, but rather "Yamato Conquest Canteen" or "Germanic Superior Feast," and it's established on occupied land. The purpose of this restaurant isn't to serve food, but to constantly remind the locals, through its name and very existence: "You have been conquered by us."

This is why the words "National" and "Imperial" have historically become so "toxic."

During World War II, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan established so-called "Imperial Universities" (Reichsuniversität / 帝国大学) in occupied territories. These institutions served as tools for cultural aggression and racial assimilation, their names etched as historical tattoos on the face of the land, imbued with violence and oppression.

After the war, these names became a badge of profound shame. Germany, Japan, and other European countries swiftly erased such university names from history. People became exceptionally wary of the word "National," fearing its association with fascism and imperialism.

This is why today on the European continent, it's rare to find a comprehensive university named "National." Even the historically old Dutch "Rijksuniversiteit" (literally meaning National University), when promoting itself internationally, subtly prefers to translate its name into the more neutral "State University" to avoid any undesirable connotations.

The Worldview Behind University Names

Now, let's revisit those names, and everything becomes clear:

The US uses "State", which is pragmatism, emphasizing service to the local community.
The UK retains "Imperial College", like an old aristocrat who hasn't forgotten the glory of the "empire on which the sun never sets"; a historical relic preserved.
Australia and Singapore use "National", serving as a national calling card, showcasing top-tier confidence.
Mainland Europe generally avoids "National", reflecting historical introspection, carefully demarcating itself from an unpleasant past.

A simple university name, however, hides behind it a nation's worldview, historical perspective, and values. It tells us that language is far more than just a combination of literal meanings. Behind every word, culture, history, and emotion are deeply embedded.

This is precisely where cross-cultural communication becomes most captivating yet most challenging. A simple machine translation might tell you that "National" is "国立," but it cannot convey the myriad meanings it holds in different contexts – is it glory, responsibility, or a scar?

To truly understand the world and engage in meaningful conversations with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, we need to look beyond the literal words and grasp the stories they carry.

And that, precisely, is the true essence of communication.

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