The Localization Strategies of Kanji (Chinese characters) and Kanbun (Chinese writing) in Pre-modern Japan

近代以前日本的漢字、漢文的在地化策略

Prof. NG Wai-ming, Benjamin

Abstract

The Japanese use Chinese characters and write Chinese in their own unique way. The Chinese language was appropriated to express Japanese expressions and feelings. Based on primary Japanese sources, this talk will discuss how the Chinese language was indigenized and hybridized to become a part of the Japanese language and culture from the Nara-Heian period to the Tokugawa period. Strictly speaking, this is not a study of Japanese linguistics. The localization of the Chinese characters and writing is examined through the lens of Sino-Japanese cultural exchange.

近代以前日本的漢字、漢文的在地化策略

歷代日本人對漢字、漢文的使用跟中國人㢠然不同。這種將中文據為己用的文化現象是日本歷代不斷將漢字、漢文在地化的結果。本研究以歷代日本文獻為基礎，探討從奈良、平安至德川時期漢字、漢文如何被納入日本語及日本文化體系，成為中日混合的文體。嚴格而言，此研究不屬語言學，而是從中日文化交流史及日本思想史為視角的域外漢字文化學研究。