『난학사시(蘭學事始)』에 나타난 난학의 보급과 네덜란드어 학습의 양상

Abstract

Rangaku refers to European studies, culture, and technology that came to Japan through the Netherlands, or to study Western culture and academics through Dutch. This study heightened the necessity of learning Dutch in accordance with the Edo Shogunate's policy of only allowing trade with the Netherlands through Nagasaki. In the beginning, the necessity of learning a foreign language was emphasized due to the business necessity of a Dutch interpreter, and when Noro Kenzo and Aoki Konyo were ordered to learn Dutch, formal Dutch learning began in Edo. After that, many Dutch translations appeared, starting with the translation of 『Kaitai Shinsho』 by Sugita Genpaku and Maeno Ryotaku, and as many new translations were created, Rangaku spread widely in Japanese society. Sugita Genpaku's 『Rangaku Kotohajime』 records the process of inflow and dissemination of orchids, and this book is a good resource for understanding the social situation in Japan at the time. Also, through 『Rangaku Kotohajime』, it can be understood that many people were involved in the process of Genpaku learning Dutch and translating 『Kaitai Shinsho』 in order to disseminate orchid.