중국을 보는 18세기 유럽의 눈 — 『中華帝國全志』 속의 중국에 대한 서술과 번역

Abstract

This study examines the 18th-century European view of China through 『中華帝國全志』, the most extensive text among the books collecting knowledge and information about China acquired by Chinese Jesuit missionaries in the early modern era (16th-18th centuries). 『中華帝國全志』 contributed greatly to creating a positive image of China and beautifying China among Europeans during the formation of the Enlightenment. 『中華帝國全志』 introduces personal descriptions of China by the Jesuits, who were the early providers of information about China, as well as translations of various Chinese texts and documents. In relation to Chinese literature, three stories from 『今古奇觀』 translated by Dentrecolles (殷弘緖) and 『趙氏孤兒』 translated by Prémare (馬若瑟) are included. Popular literature, such as vernacular stories and plays, was a very appropriate resource for learning spoken language that can be used in daily life, and because it served as a path to understanding Chinese customs, it can be said that its use grew as the Jesuits’ missionary work developed. When the Jesuits’ adaptationism strategy was attacked in the Ritual Controversy that was unfolding at the time, editor Du Halde refuted the view that Chinese culture was atheistic, in order to defend the Jesuits’ position, and the image of China as a country that worships heaven and is moral. This point is clearly shown in three stories in 『今古奇觀』 translated by Dentrecolles(殷弘緖).