An Archaeological Perspective on the Western Transmission and English Translation of the Shangshu

Abstract

The Shangshu, as the oldest Confucian classic, embodies the core values of the Chinese nation and provides significant spiritual guidance for contemporary China and other global communities. This paper explores the Western transmission and influence of the Shangshu from an interdisciplinary archaeological perspective. By tracing the historical trajectory of the Shangshu's dissemination to the West, and integrating comprehensive analyses from archaeology, cultural anthropology, and history, the study delves into the English translation efforts by Western translators such as Maddux and Riekel, and the ensuing "Translation Controversy." Utilizing archaeological methods and techniques, the paper systematically summarizes the history of the Shangshu's English translation in the West, examines the translation behaviors and methodologies of Western translators, and analyzes the profound impact of the Shangshu's Western translation on Sino-Western cultural exchanges. This research aims to reveal the cultural heritage and interactions of the Shangshu in a global context through a multidimensional archaeological lens, providing new insights into the international dissemination of Chinese culture.