Chinese Tradition Research Articles

Conceiving an Alternative: The Ideological Underpinnings and Political Blueprints of Chinese Federalism

Abstract This article contributes to the hitherto limited scholarship on the Chinese federalist movement in the 1910s and 1920s by conducting a thorough investigation of its ideological underpinnings and political blueprints. It compares the federalist ideas, plans, and activism of three thinkers—Zhang Taiyan, Zhang Shizhao, and Chen Jiongming—who stood firmly against the centralist trajectory of state-building in China after 1911 and advocated the formation of a Chinese federation. It argues that Chinese federalists, instead of emulating Western models, critically engaged with a broad spectrum of ideologies—Daoism, Buddhism, social Darwinism, parliamentarianism, guild socialism, anarchism etc.—when formulating their federalist agendas. Emphasizing the Chinese tradition of self-government, which underwent reinterpretations during the late Qing and early Republican periods, this article examines the extent to which Chinese federalism presented an alternative to Western political modernity.

Dialogised heteroglossia and the Japanese-Chinese mixed style of “Kaidōki”

This paper attempts to analyse the technique of assimilation of classical Chinese writing into the Japanese literary tradition of the early medieval period. The author’s main focus is one of the three styles used by Japanese authors of the time, namely the mixed Japanese-Chinese style (the so-called wakan konkō buntai). It was used in various prose genres, including travel diaries. Referring to the text of Kaidōki (Records of [a journey along] the seacoast road), a Japanese travel account from the early 13th century, the author shows on the selected source material how, in accordance with Bakhtin’s understanding of heteroglossia, a dialogue occurs on the level of Chinese and Japanese writing and how intertextual relations can influence the formation of the style of a literary work. As can be noted, the historical and literary borrowings from the Chinese tradition (the rich Sino-Japanese vocabulary and the prosaised poems originally composed in classical Chinese) enriched the semantic layer of the Japanese text. This was also reflected in the style of the work, which, despite its “crabbedness” and the fact that it was shaped by the experience of borrowed but also native polyphony, seems to be the optimal way to express it.

The Generation and Transfer of the “Sweet” Category in Calligraphy Appreciation

Ancient Chinese calligraphy theories often “discuss calligraphy by taste”. “Taste” is an essential category of classical Chinese aesthetics, and is a concrete expression of the spirit of Chinese art. In contemporary calligraphic critical discourse, outside of the audiovisual norms, the Chinese calligraphic tradition of “discussing calligraphy by taste” is undoubtedly an ideological resource that cannot be ignored. “Gan”. In English is called “pleasant” and was originally one of the five flavors, and in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it slowly developed the meaning of “Tian” (sweet) to describe the taste. “Sweet”, as an aesthetic category, appeared in a large number of poetry, calligraphy, and painting theories in the Ming and Qing dynasties and beyond. Since the Tang Dynasty, “Sweet” has been combined with “Vulgar”. The word “Sweet” was formally introduced into the realm of painting and calligraphy appreciation. This article utilizes the theory of aesthetics and combines it with physiology, psychology, and other disciplines to explain discussing calligraphy by “Sweet”. An analysis of the generation and transfer of the category of “Sweet” in the appreciation of calligraphy reveals the mutual borrowing and influence of art theories. After sorting and analyzing, it can be seen that “Sweet” refers to works that are overly modified, not chewable, and have no flavor outside the taste. Or works with too much “craftsmanship”, too much skill, too much ink, and works that are opposite to the beauty of “clumsiness” and “lightness” appreciated by ancient calligraphers.

The Contemporary Status of Pingxian Folk Songs and Their Educational Significance in Qinghai Province Through Anthropological Analysis

Background and Aims: This anthropological study delves into the contemporary status and educational significance of Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province, China. Pingxian folk songs are known for their delicate melodies. This research aims to analyze the contemporary status of Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province and their educational significance through anthropological analysis. Materials and Methods: The research is situated primarily in Qinghai Province, specifically focusing on Xining City, a central hub of Pingxian folk songs. Data collection involves in-depth interviews and systematic observation of performances, facilitated by structured interviews and observation forms. Four key informants, including local musicians, community elders, and music educators. Results: These songs have transitioned from local folk art to distinct local folk music, embracing diverse musical elements and the emergence of professional troupes. They continue to thrive through regular performances, preserving local dialects, and enchanting melodies, and serving as living repositories of history and culture. Furthermore, Pingxian folk songs play a pivotal role in fostering cultural identity, nurturing creativity, and enhancing social cohesion among learners, contributing to cultural heritage protection and the rejuvenation of Chinese traditions. Conclusion: Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province epitomize a dynamic cultural heritage that resonates with audiences today. Their enduring legacy, enriched by historical evolution and contemporary vitality, underscores their significance in education and cultural preservation. As valuable tools for instilling cultural identity and fostering creativity.

Preliminary Study on the Influence of Traditional Chinese Painting on Ceramic Arts and Crafts

Chinese traditional painting and ceramic arts and crafts are two major treasures in Chinese cultural tradition. They blend, complement each other and influence each other in the long process of historical development. This article aims to explore the influence of traditional Chinese painting on ceramic arts and crafts. Through combing the historical origin and development of the two, as well as the analysis of relevant classic cases, it explores the inspiration, shaping and promotion of traditional Chinese painting on ceramic arts and crafts, so as to show the profound heritage and artistic charm of Chinese traditional culture. Force.

Research on the Creative Features of Performance Events at the National Traditional Ethnic Sports Games

The traditional sports performances of China's ethnic minorities are an indispensable part of global sports culture. These traditional sports activities not only play a crucial role in the national sports industry but also represent the valuable heritage of Chinese ethnic traditions and culture. The purpose of researching traditional sports performances of ethnic minorities across the country is to protect, inherit, explore, and develop their cultural practices. This article utilizes literature review, logical analysis, and video analysis methods to analyze the performances of the three recent National Traditional Sports Games of Ethnic Minorities. It concludes that the creative process of these performances exhibits characteristics of authenticity, reflecting the connection to nature, production and daily life, customs and folklore, regional diversity, physicality, and artistry. This research aims to provide meaningful insights for the development and creation of traditional sports performances of ethnic minorities and further promote the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RELATIONSHIP PSYCHOLOGY BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The following article is devoted to the exploration of the relationship between teachers and students of China, whereas the typical traits of communication between Chinese teachers and students are not sufficiently explored to date. The aim of the research consists in consideration of the “teacher – student” relationships originality in comprehensive schools of the PRC. The tasks of the study are to analyze the influence of the Chinese philosophy in formation of the educational relations in China, to consider the place of a teacher and a student in the Chinese educational process, and to describe the level of communication between teachers and students of the PRC. The meta-analysis of the historical, philosophical, and psychological-pedagogical scientific works was served as the main method of the research. Results of the study. The analysis of the fundamental Chinese philosophical traditions and the official documents of PRC about the roles of the teacher and the students showed the social importance of the teacher`s role as a mentor, a leader, and an elder brother of the student, due to which we can observe the high level of respect among the students, what can also be followed by some degree of the fearfulness to teacher. The consideration of psychological-pedagogical scientific works of the foreign specialists had approved the following statements because the physical distance between a teacher and his students, and the structure of a classroom can create the certain differences between the subjects of education activity. Meanwhile modern Chinese educators endeavour to reduce the level of students` tension, building the academic and educational activities, which are based on the individual characteristics of students, and showing them the high level of attention and empathy.

Translation and traditions: Taha Abderrahmane’s intersectional views as a threshold for cultural dialogue

ABSTRACT Translation Studies, like other disciplines within humanities and social sciences, is marked by a certain scholarly dominance of Eurocentric episteme and Western philosophical tradition. The significance of other translation histories and orientations appears to be simply obliterated or relegated to peripherical statuses. Recently, there has been a growing upsurge in cross-cultural calls to decentralize these Studies by encouraging openness to other non-western traditions of translation. The emergence of new anthologies, for instance, celebrating Arab and Chinese traditions of translation may testify to this new trend in Translation Studies. This paper aims to shed light on Arabs’ contribution to the field of translation practice and theory. This is meant to pave the ground for discussing the intersectional translation view of Taha Abderrahmane, a contemporary Moroccan philosopher and thinker who, broadly speaking, works on Arab-Islamic philosophy. The paper argues that Taha’s understanding of translation allows for intertextual discursivity and cultural interchanges between different traditions. This perspective seeks to furnish the canvas for open dialogue that is free of essentialism and politicized fanaticism.

Exploring the Facets of Shared Leadership within the Intricate Frameworks of Chinese Ideologies: A Modern Perspective on Traditional Values

Shared leadership as a modern management approach provides the structure and framework for innovational thinking within creative working places. China's swift ascent as one of the foremost global players, coupled with its aspirations to become an innovation leader, makes a reevaluation of traditional organizational structures and leadership paradigms necessary. Research on the application of modern management approaches such as shared leadership, within the context of Chinese culture is notably underrepresented and needs to be further focused on. Using a literature review methodology, this study delves into the book "A Short History of Chinese Philosophy" to check on relevant text passages and aspects derived from various original schools of thought within traditional Chinese ideologies. Subsequently, these aspects are categorized as either pro or con arguments and reinterpreted through the lens of shared leadership readiness. Seven affirmative arguments and seven opposing arguments judge the application of shared leadership ideas embedded in Chinese traditional values and philosophies. Taoism, particularly in its third phase and Neo-Taoism stand as representative examples favoring shared leadership. Conversely, Realistic Confucianism and the Mohist School serve as representatives against the adoption of shared leadership. One limitation of the re-interpretation lies in the potential for misunderstanding the original Chinese traditional values which may not have been intended for application within the context of modern management approaches, potentially resulting in wrong conclusions. Additionally, relying solely on one source to depict the history of Chinese philosophy constitutes another limitation, as it simplifies the complexity of Chinese traditions. Follow-up studies could focus on constructing a robust theoretical framework. Another significant contribution could involve the development of a survey aimed at assessing the extent of influence exerted by the original schools of thought on traditional Chinese individuals.

Enchantment of things in the Chinese literary narrative tradition

Abstract The enchantment of things has been found in the long tradition of Chinese literary narrative. This article explores the three salient ways Chinese people have developed of thinking about and writing about their (imagined) relationship with the things around them, i.e., Bo Wu 博物, Gan Wu 感物, and Guan Wu 观物. In the Bo Wu tradition, people described strange things that may or may not have existed in the actual world, and in doing so, they displayed either their extensive knowledge of these things, or the fertility of their imagination; in the Gan Wu tradition, people tried to express some kind of emotional attachment to things, and conceived of them as being able to feel like humans; and in the Guan Wu tradition, people tried to lose themselves in the contemplation of the world of things. The three Chinese traditions are reconsidered in this article in relation to the relevant Western lines of thought and particularly to emerging thing theory in Western philosophy.

Rational intuition: a study on semiotic subjectivity

Abstract Although scientific research usually emphasizes objectivity unaffected by any form of subjectivity, semiotic inquiries have to consider the role of subjectivity. In fact, social development, art, and literature always follow certain rules of objectivity, but these rules seem to be inescapably linked to the subjectivity of human beings. How can we avoid the subjectivity of research, or research biases caused by subjectivity, to ensure the objectivity of scientific research to the greatest possible extent? This paper answers the question through the cultural semiotics of jingshen, which is grounded in Chinese cultural traditions, especially the philosophies of Lao Tseu and Chuang Tzu. This line of inquiry seeks to identify objectivity in the constant transformation between the subject’s states of self and selflessness, while striving to avoid inductive and deductive biases caused by the “conceit” of rationality and to eliminate the constraints of specific concepts and images formed by existing knowledge as well as possible consequential “Verborgenheit.” The purpose is to achieve a state of “rational intuition,” returning to the natural mode of human existence and forging for semiotics a rationality-based path to the intuitive understanding of meaning.

Insights and future prospects of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of functional dyspepsia

BackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent and challenging gastrointestinal disorder. Conventional medicine often faces limitations in providing effective treatment for FD, thus indicating the need to explore alternative approaches. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is rooted in ancient Chinese traditions and has evolved over thousands of years, offers a holistic approach to well-being. TCM incorporates herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other therapies while shaping the future of complementary and alternative medicine. PurposeTo review the existing literature on the current status and future prospects of using TCM to treat FD. MethodsWe extensively searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, an China National Knowledge Internet databases from inception to May 31, 2023 to identify relevant literature. We also searched the reference lists of the included articles. ResultsClinical evidence-based research has explored the efficacy of TCM in treating FD. Recent research has illuminated the multifaceted mechanisms through which TCM interventions affect FD. TCM is a promising alternative, as it emphasizes a holistic approach and holds potential advantages in addressing the complex nature of FD. ConclusionsThe integration of TCM and Western medicine offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing FD by bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. This paper highlights the practical implications of this integration, the challenges to be addressed, and the potential for international collaboration to further elucidate the efficacy of TCM. However, continued research and dialog are needed to advance the modern development of TCM and to improve the quality of life of FD patients.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE TRADITIONS OF NORTHERN NATIONAL ROMANTICISM IN THE CONDITIONS OF CHINA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE QINGDAO GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE)

Chinese local architectural and artistic traditions proved to be so resistant to external influences that they in turn actively transformed the borrowed styles, giving them a local flavour. As an early example of the gradual transformation of foreign styles on local soil, the Dunhuang cave temple complex should be mentioned, where the traditions of decorating the interiors of Buddhist cave sanctuaries borrowed from India increasingly moved away from the original models, acquiring a local flavour during the heyday. We can talk about similar processes at the beginning of the 20th century in the case of the development of the German settlement of Qingdao, where, in fact, purely German traditions acquired a fundamentally different context in a different cultural and natural environment. The phenomenon of the transformation of northern national romanticism in the conditions of foreign settlements on the territory of China is studied. The Qingdao Governor’s Residence was analyzed as the main example. By comparing this object with European objects of northern national romanticism, the ways in which the borrowed styles were transformed under the influence of local Chinese traditions were determined. Changes took place at the level of landscape traditions, architectural objects, design elements, works of art. This phenomenon continued the process of transformation of foreign phenomena, which took place much earlier, for example, in the unique cave complex of Dunhuang.

Mediatization of Religion and Its Impact on Youth Identity Formation in Contemporary China

In response to the trend of information technology development, religions in China are undergoing a process of mediatization. This study takes the popular Chinese animated films Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child (哪吒之魔童降世) (2019) and New Gods: Yang Jian (新神榜: 杨戬) (2022) as research cases of mediatization of religion and conducts a focused study of the respective protagonists Ne Zha (哪吒) and Yang Jian (杨戬), both prominent figures in Chinese religious and folk traditions. Through text analysis and empirical research on the two movies and their fans, this study examines how religion is being mediatized in contemporary China in the transformation to Religion 2.0 or a type of amalgamation of real- and virtual-world practices that enact a relationship with the divine, and how this shapes identity formation for fans, who are mostly young individuals in their teens and twenties. This research argues that to obtain permission for dissemination in mainstream media and thrive in the cultural context of China, religion chooses to assume the form of media products that can bypass scrutiny that forbids “supernatural phenomena” and aligns with the mainstream ideology. It has to be a “contributory religion” that contributes to the “revitalization” of national spirit and inherited Chinese culture, not a potential “superstitious” threat to the Marxist orthodoxy. In the context of official promotion of atheism and the regulation of public discourse, animated films with themes adapted from traditional mythological and religious stories, such as Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child and New Gods: Yang Jian, have become a major cultural form through which people in China engage with religious symbols and narratives. The enormous success of the two movies resulted in a large population of young fans. Influenced by these films, their fans have developed an egoistic religious perspective rather than assimilating the religious or cultural messages contained in the movies. These fans may experience solace and a call to faith to some extent in their consumption of the movies, but they selectively enhance religious literacy that only meets their personal needs. Interest in divine individuals far outweighs interest in or loyalty to the religious doctrine or sect itself. Pilgrimages are undertaken to fulfill personal fantasies, and the promotion of the divine is aimed at vying for influence within fan communities. The second part of this study examines the activities of the fans that I argue are characteristic of the age of Religion 2.0.

Cultural Character Analysis on Architectural Elements of the Chinese Temples’ Buildings before the 19th Century in Central Java

The research provided an in-depth exploration of the architectural nuances of pre-19th century Chinese temples in Central Java, Indonesia, emphasizing their cultural significance and relevance. A detailed examination of a range of temples identified unique architectural features that reflected a sophisticated synthesis of Chinese cultural elements and local Javanese traditions. Applying a qualitative method, the research integrated historical scrutiny with architectural analysis, meticulously examining stylistic attributes, construction methodologies, and decorative patterns typical of these temples. The key discoveries highlight an intricate amalgamation of traditional Chinese architectural principles with native materials and craftsmanship, culminating in a distinctive, hybrid architectural form. This fusion not only symbolizes the cultural convergence and assimilation between Chinese immigrants and the indigenous Javanese during the pre-colonial era but also underscores the role of these temples as pivotal preservers of Chinese cultural heritage in Java. Furthermore, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the diversity within architectural practices and offers insightful perspectives on the historical and socio-cultural dynamics in Central Java. The novelty of the research is anchored in its focused examination of a historically and geographically specific context, its interdisciplinary and thorough approach, the revelation of a unique hybrid architectural style, and its significant insights into the cultural and sociological dimensions of Central Java’s architectural legacy.

Cultural convergence in heritage landscape conservation: A comparative study of Chinese and English traditions

There are distinct Eastern and Western approaches that shape the conservation and interpretation of cultural heritage landscapes. While existing literature assesses each approach individually, there is limited research exploring potential for cross-cultural exchange and innovation to inform a more holistic conservation of heritage landscape sites. Using Chinese (representative of Eastern) and English (representative of Western) approaches as archetypal cases, and underpinned by a phenomenological ontological perspective, this theoretical contribution firstly establishes key distinctions between Chinese and English approaches toward heritage landscapes by conducting a review of relevant sources. Differences are subsequently synthesized into a comprehensive framework that supports a cultural convergence of approaches toward heritage landscapes. Informed by the literature, six key differences in approach are identified: (i) Philosophical underpinnings; (ii) spiritual and artistic emphasis; (iii) holistic and individual attitudes; (iv) concerns of continuity and evolution; (v) approaches toward community involvement; and (vi) relationship between nature, spirituality, and human-centricity. After reviewing these differences, a holistic framework is proposed that is underpinned by four key elements which have the capacity to overcome the differences identified: (i) harmonizing spirituality and esthetics; (ii) balancing continuity and evolution; (iii) fostering inclusive stewardship between communities and practitioners; and (iv) cultivating equilibrium between people and nature. The study concludes that this framework – what is termed a “cultural convergence” – can support more effective conservation of landscape sites, by capturing a broader cultural spectrum of heritage principles and concerns. The proposed framework opens avenues for cross-cultural exchange and advancement of more holistic heritage conservation strategies within an increasingly globalized heritage context. Future research should seek to apply this framework to the contemporary conservation of distinct heritage case study sites of interest to further advance research on this topic.

Effect of L. Plantarum Y279 and W. Cibaria Y113 on microorganism, lipid oxidation and fatty acid metabolites in Yu jiaosuan, A Chinese tradition fermented snack

Fatty acids are one of the main sources of flavour in fermented Yu jiaosuan (YJS) in southwest China. Bacilli (50.18 %) and Oxyphotobacteria (32.70 %) were the dominant class. Lactiplantibacillus (40.51 %) and Weissella (20.43 %) were the dominant species in the inoculated fermented group (HY). The peroxide value (ZY: 0.025 g/100 g, HY: 0.016 g/100 g) and lipoxygenase (LOX) (ZY: 5.7654 U/min·g, HY: 3.3856 U/min·g) in the HY group were significantly lower compared with the natural fermentation group (ZY), while acid lipase activity (ZY: 0.3184 U/h·g, HY: 0.7075 U/h·g) and neutral lipase activity (ZY: 12.65443 U/h·g, HY: 20.25142 U/h·g) were significantly higher than the control sample. Totally 40 differential fatty acid metabolites were screened. Arachidonic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were potential metabolic pathways. Seven major bacterial species were closely associated with 15 differential fatty acid. This study contributes to the targeted production of fatty acid functional active substances of YJS.

Revolutionary Confucianism? Neo-Confucian Idealism and Modern Chinese Revolutionary Thought

This article explores the relationship between materialism and philosophical idealism in the political philosophy of Marxist revolutionary movements, by illuminating the influence of Neo-Confucian idealism on the sinification of Marxism. Although they had virtually no access to the writings of the young Marx, Li Dazhao and Mao Zedong incorporated idealist philosophical ideas into their sinified Marxism. I argue that three elements of Neo-Confucian idealism contributed to the sinification of Marxism that emerged by the 1940s: (1) acknowledgment of the real existence of the material world as apprehended by the mind-and-heart in Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism; (2) emphasis on human will and consciousness, drawn from Wang Yangming’s Neo-Confucianism; and (3) recognition of an autonomous, even decisive role of consciousness and culture in revolutionary change. The resulting sinified Marxism constituted a revolutionary New Confucianism, highlighting the most universal, humanistic, liberative elements in the Chinese philosophical tradition. These community-affirming and spiritually rich elements can be mobilized against authoritarian forces to support the continuing struggle for human rights and democratization within and well beyond China today.

Features of Vocalist Li Huiqiao’s Interpretation of Some Works by R. Strauss

. In the history of world music, there are many bright musical trends that stand out for their uniqueness and originality. One of these trends is German chamber vocal music, distinguished by its emotional depth and grace of performance. The greatness of this genre’s art has inspired many musicians around the world, including 20th-century Chinese performers, to interpret and recreate its sound. At fi rst glance, the Chinese musical tradition and German chamber music seem to be different in terms of aesthetic and cultural concepts, as well as unique musical instruments and performance techniques. However, it is in this contradiction and interaction that the vocal unique strength lies. Chinese performers of the 20th century, being outstanding musicians and artists of their time, not only refl ected the cultural heritage of their country, but also sought cultural enrichment through the perception of other musical traditions. It was in this context that they turned their attention to German chamber vocal music, whose value lies in its depth and emotional power.

Yu Yan or Fable: The Earliest Introductions to The Canterbury Tales in China

ABSTRACT Yu yan is a way of argumentation and writing style, and has a history of over two thousand years in China. In the twentieth century, yu yan has developed into a literary genre similar to fable. This article argues that the two sets of Chinese translations of The Canterbury Tales by Sun Yuxiu and Lin Shu provide an important point to examine the shifting understanding of yu yan, and they reflect the Chinese cultural conflicts during the socially transitional period in the early twentieth century. These translations possess important features of a transformed fable and developed yu yan. They are creations as well as translations, to which the translators add their political and social expectations while moralizing. By exploring briefly the definitions of yu yan and fable, and studying the translations of the tales, their source texts, and the translators’ biographies, this article attempts to illustrate that the translators do not regard yu yan and fable as equivalent literary terms, and they put emphasis on the native Chinese literary traditions and cultural values in the process of Chinese literary modernization.