Four Books and Five Classics as Key References in International Journal Communication: A Scopus-Based Visualization (1998-2023)

Abstract

Using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 and Arcgis, this paper examines the publications on Confucian classics represented by the Four Books and Five Classics in the Scopus database from 1990 to February 2023. Grasping the overall situation of research on Four Books and Five Classics and the hot issues in detail, the study aims to understand the field’s status and cutting-edge topics. The results revealed that the main contributors are Chinese and Chinese-American scholars, and the publications are mostly disseminated by American publishers and influenced by the economy. Research on Four Books and Five Classics has gained more attention over the years, but the topics and methods are becoming more homogeneous. The paper suggests that more efforts are needed to promote the dissemination of Confucian classics and attract more scholars to join the frontier dialogue in this field. Academic journals can serve as a medium to promote the dissemination of classics to the world.