Second Author: 21CCGCDUAN Yingtong

Conference Name: the 29th International Conference of the International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies (IAICS)--“Intercultural Encounters: Global perspectives – local contexts”

TItle: A Catalyst for Sino-Foreign Communication: The Contributions of Edouard Chavannes and Henri Cordier to T’oung Pao Journal, 1904-1918

Abstract: This study examines the significant contributions and lasting influence of two prominent Western sinologists, Edouard Chavannes and Henri Cordier, during their service as co-editors of the T’oung Pao journal from 1904 to 1918. Founded in 1890, T’oung Pao has long been the leading scholarly journal on all aspects of traditional China. By focusing their research on the Far East, particularly China, Chavannes and Cordier successfully transformed T’oung Pao into the sole international journal in Europe exclusively dedicated to East Asian studies. This study investigates the pivotal role played by these scholars in shaping the field of Sinology by introducing rigorous textual research methodologies and establishing the “Bibliographica” and “Notes and Queries” columns within T’oung Pao, which facilitated global academic discourse and communication on Sinological topics. Through extensive research and analysis, our investigation confirms the enduring legacy left by Chavannes and Cordier within the French context, significantly enhancing the field of Sinology. Their efforts not only elevated the status of T’oung Pao as a leading platform for scholarly exchange but also fostered the process of Sino-Foreign communication and global development of Sinology. Their editorial leadership and strategies of narrowing research focus in the journal’s further consolidated its influential position as an indispensable resource for scholars and researchers interested in East Asian studies. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the historical development of Sinology and emphasizes the central role played by Chavannes and Cordier in its advancement. By shedding light on their significant contributions to T’oung Pao and the field of Sinology, this study highlights the crucial link between academic publications, scholarly networks, and the global dissemination of knowledge between the East and the West.

Supervisor: Dr. Wei Chin WONG