Bulletin of the Department of Chinese Literature

1. This issue of the Bulletin of the Department of Chinese Literature, National Chengchi University (“the Bulletin”) received a total of 33 submissions (24 from Taiwan and 9 from overseas). 3 submissions were rejected and returned after preliminary editorial committee review. Of the remaining 30 submissions, 29 submissions excluding the feature article went through double-blind reviews by two extramural experts for each submission. Excluding the feature article, 5 out of 32 submissions were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 15.6 percent, and a rejection rate of 84.4 percent. This issue publishes 8 formal academic articles, with 1 article by full-time teachers of the Department of Chinese Literature, National Chengchi University, the rate for internal release is 12.5 percent. The Bulletin aims to enhance academic quality, broaden research perspectives, and cordially invites submissions from scholars.

2. In this issue, we feature “ Textual Analysis of ‘Guangbei sibiao’ and ‘Hengbei sibiao’ in YaoDian—An aspect of Han Dynasty Classics Masters’ Transcribing and Reading” written by Professor Yu Wan-Li, Ma Yifu Academy, Zhejiang University. Scholars proficient in exegesis and textual criticism during the QianJia eras dedicated to resolving textual discrepancies in classical works, notably discussions surrounding “Guāng /Guàng bei sibiao” in YaoDian of Book of Documents. This paper delved into the controversy between Dai Zhen and Wang Mingsheng, examining the contributions of Qian Daxin, Gaoyou Wangs, and late Qing scholar Pi Xirui. Then, exploring how these scholars employed methods such as searching for variant texts, interpreting meanings, and analyzing phonetic substitutions to make their arguments. However, previous research often overlooked the issue of character evolution. Therefore, this study focused on the pivotal analysis of the characters and phonetic components of “Guang” and “Huang,” highlighting that Chinese readers historically prioritized the sequence of form, sound, and meaning when reading and understanding classical texts, leading to situations where transcription errors occurred due to similarities in form and phonetics. In light of this, the study of textual variations in classics should also take into account the formation of variant texts and variant interpretations during the process of oral transmission and note-taking by Confucian scholars in the Han Dynasty. These differences can arise due to temporal and spatial variations. It is inferred that the early version of the Yao Dian may have been “ Heng(sound:kuɑŋ) bei sibiao”. In conclusion, researchers are reminded that interpretation should not solely rely on seeking meaning through phonetic associations and homophones but should also carefully consider factors such as textual transmission, transcribing, character evolution, and the preservation of bamboo and silk manuscripts. Only by taking these into account can a meticulous interpretation of textual discrepancies be achieved, avoiding confusion between the structural system and ancient phonetic system.

3. The special article column section of this issue, titled “Connotation and Development of Ideology in ‘Yi’ of Ming Dynasty Experts,” was coordinated by Professor Chen Rui-hong from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Chengchi University. In this section, a total of 3 articles were accepted. The first one was “On the Ancient Taiji Diagram of Ming Dynasty” authored by Professor Zhang Ke-bin from the Center for Zhouyi and Ancient Chinese Philosophy at Shandong University. This article mainly focused on the “Ancient Taiji Diagram” found in the study of Yi Jing during the Ming Dynasty, pointing out the original name of this Diagram should be “Hetu of Heaven, Earth, and Nature” from the perspective of the author and its origin. The claim of Cai Yuanding collecting it when he came to Sichuan was unverifiable and thus unconvincing. The actual creator remains unknown. The diagram gained formal circulation during the Song and Yuan Dynasties and garnered significant attention in the Ming Jiajing period. Subsequently, it was revealed that the diagram is a synthesis of the “Taiji Diagram,” the directional correlations of the eight trigrams, and the interconnections of the twelve symbolic hexagrams. It encompassed conceptual content related to the formation of the eight trigrams, the principles of yin and yang, and interconnected relationships. Through an examination of the origins and variations of the Ancient Taiji Diagram, this study offered insightful outcomes for diagrammatic research. The second paper was Professor Chen Rui-hong’s article titled “Analysis of Ming-Scholar Lu Han’s Theory of ‘Yuan,’ ‘Heng,’ ‘Li,’ ‘Zhen’ on Yixue Tushuo” of our department. He examined Lu’s adherence to Cheng-Zhu and his interpretation of the Yi Jing, particularly his elucidation of the hexagram Qian’s line text “Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.” This paper revealed that Lu Han’s interpretation of the Yi Jing not only connected with the heavenly path, human path, and human nature but also aligned the heavenly path with the Qian principle, Regulate Qi, and the Taiji. This development established a systematic understanding of the heavenly-human path, emphasizing its practical significance in political governance, education, and social welfare. Consequently, Lu Han and his interpretations integrated into the history of Yi Jing studies, contributing significantly to both diagrammatic representation and scholarly discourse. Finally, Professor Yang Zi-ping from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Central University presented an analysis titled “A Study of the Development and Characteristics of Su Jun’s Yijing learning from the Perspective of Yijing Ershuo易經兒說and Yijing Shengshengpian易經生生篇in the Ming Dynasty.” Through examining Su Jun’s works, this paper first discussed Su’s evolution in interpreting the Yi Jing. It traced his progression from selecting among various interpretations in his early studies, exploring metaphysical Yi Dao, to a profound understanding of the principles of life, undergoing three transformative stages. The paper further affirmed Su’s ability to integrate the interpretations of previous scholars, emphasizing self-awareness and cultivating the inherent righteousness of the heart, as well as underscoring the importance of ritual adherence and detachment. Through acknowledging Su Jun’s broad and selective approach to past interpretations and exploring the changes and characteristics in his Yi Jing studies, the paper established his influence and position in the field of Yi Jing studies.

4. The special article column section of the 41^th issue, titled “Past Memories in Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty Documents” is coordinated by Professor Ku Yu-an, Department of Chinese Literature, National Chengchi University. People explore the past to find patterns for the future or to seek meaning in their own journey through time. However, the past has already faded into obscurity, leaving behind an abundance of fragmented memories. These remnants are rearranged and assembled, forming a tapestry of various representations of bygone times. These evocative images are then preserved in the minds of future generations, each interpreting them in their own unique way.
           In the present academic field, “memory” has emerged as a highly regarded topic. The roots of contemporary memory research can be traced back to the pioneering work on “collective memory” by French sociologist Maurice Halbwachs in the first half of the 20th century. His study explored the social framework and societal functions of memory, introducing insightful concepts that laid the theoretical groundwork for future memory research. Influenced by Halbwachs, Pierre Nora of France further introduced the concept of “sites of memory” (or “Realms of Memory”, French: Lieu de mémoire), while Jan Assmann of Germany proposed the notion of “cultural memory.” Their research has become important references in contemporary memory studies. Regarded as the subject of memory, the “past” captivates their attention as they delve into the profound interplay between memory and the societal and cultural contexts that shape it. Contemporary memory studies are chiefly concerned with the intricate processes of ascribing significance, crafting narratives, and employing the past to forge identities. The materials under scrutiny span a wide spectrum, encompassing tangible remnants of human endeavors as well as intangible textual treasures. Such a research orientation has infused empirical investigations in ancient Chinese history and culture with newfound inspiration. 
         Abundant in their depiction of individuals, ethnic groups, events, systems, and culture, the Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty documents hold a treasure trove of knowledge. Approaching these records through the lens of memory studies, the research endeavors to illuminate the intricate dynamics of remembrance during that era. The focus shifts towards unraveling the intricacies of how people of that time remembered, how they engaged in the act of recollection, which memories were preserved, and which were left behind in the recesses of oblivion. Furthermore, it delves into the fascinating processes of memory formation, narration, transmission, and transformation across the tapestry of time. In contrast to the vibrant progress in memory studies during modern and contemporary China, the exploration of memory in the Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties remains largely untapped. The scarcity of diverse research materials in this era, coupled with the overwhelming abundance of unearthed documents, poses considerable interpretation barriers for scholars, impeding the advancement of research in this field. Acknowledging these circumstances, the current issue of the journal aims to shed light on “Past Memories in Pre-Qin and Han Dynasty Documents.” We welcome scholars to submit articles related with the shared objective of deepening the understanding of early Chinese memory. Submission for this special article column section ends by the beginning of March 2024.

5. The special article column section of the 42^th issue, titled “Historical Narratives in the Study of Modern Chinese Literature—Multiple Paths of Reality, Conventions, and Situational Presentations.” The study of modern Chinese literature involves various dimensions, as described by Edward Hallett Carr, involving “an endless process of interaction between facts, a continuous questioning and answering between the present and the past.” In other words, the “present” in the study of modern literary history is an extension of the “historical” continuum. When researchers stand in the “present” and look back to the “past,” extracting a historical segment from linear time and space and endowing it with a “new” order and interpretation, the entangled relationship between the “present” and “history” undergoes repeated oscillations. Literature thus acquires developmental significance in terms of era and spirit, society and culture, as well as thought and academia. In order to elucidate the intricate relationships between modern literature and history, researchers in the field have explored various forms of expression, shuttling between reality, conventions, and situations. They focus on the writer’s psyche, life, the emergence of textual works, societal development, and even ecological history, continuously approaching the so-called “real literary history” from multidimensional research perspectives. Through the ongoing discovery and release of materials that were once confined, suppressed, obscured, or forgotten, dialogue and interaction between the past and present become more aligned with clarification and interpretation, responding more effectively to emerging research questions. This dynamic process stimulates new flows in the history of modern literature, opening up various possibilities in the literary scene.
           We hereby invite submissions for the special topic on “Historical Narratives in the Study of Modern Chinese Literature—Multiple Paths of Reality, Conventions, and Situational Presentations.” Contributions may encompass the construction of modern literary history, new forms of practicality, analyses and discussions starting from newspapers, texts, and diaries, returning to the “literary scene,” as well as cross-context and cross-cultural discourse on modern Chinese literature. We welcome submissions from scholars worldwide to collectively build a profound and extensive understanding of issues related to “modern Chinese literature.” Submission for this special article column section ends by the beginning of September 2024.

6. The Bulletin continues to win subsidies this year. It was selected as a THCI Core journal in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and won the highest biennial ranking of THCI consecutively in 2016, 2018 and 2020, by the Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan. We hereby thank all of our supporters in the academic fields and the Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences for their recognition and acknowledgement.

7. In order to provide a platform for smooth submission and communication, to promote specialization, internationalization and digital accessibility, the Bulletin established a new and designated website sponsored by Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences with multilingual user interfaces supporting Chinese, English and Japanese. The main content on the website includes latest news, submission requirements, and provide access to view and download past issues. The website facilitates viewing and circulation, as well as integration with domestic and overseas academic circles. The new website address is https://bdcl.nccu.edu.tw

8. The Bulletin has been publishing electronic versions simultaneously with paper versions since inception. The content of the Bulletin is included in and downloadable from databases of academic journals including Airiti Library(www.airitilibrary.com), HyRead Journal (www.hyread.com.tw), TOAJ (https://toaj.stpi.narl.org.tw), LawData (https://lawdata.com.tw), NCL Taiwan Periodical Literature(https://tpl.ncl.edu.tw/NclService), Taiwan Citation Index – Humanities and Social Sciences (https://tci.ncl.edu.tw), Taiwan Journals Search (https://p.udpweb.com/soc), etc. In addition, the Bulletin is also included in the NCCU academic journal database system (https://nccur.lib.nccu.edu.tw), available for all scholars to use.

9. We hereby extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the support and hard work by submitters, reviewers, the Bulletin editorial committee, special article column coordinators, editors and Showwe Information Co., Ltd., who made the successful publication of this issue possible.

The Bulletin of the Department of Chinese Literature
National Chengchi University Editors Dec 2023