| The research subject of this dissertation is modern Chinese travelogues about the United States,which are travelogues written by Chinese travelers about their experiences in the United States.Modern China underwent a drastic transformation unprecedented in its 3000-year history,with turbulent changes and unpredictable developments,facing a severe crisis of national extinction.Chinese intellectuals who were committed to saving the nation embarked on journeys to the West,leaving behind numerous valuable travelogue texts.The United States was undoubtedly an important destination for these travelers.This dissertation examines the writing about America in modern Chinese travelogues about the United States,using methods such as comparative literature and semiotics,historical and cultural semantics,cultural studies,and close reading and comparative analysis of texts to explore the material objects,systems,culture,and people described in these writings,as well as the literary features of the writing itself,to uncover the real interactions between China and the United States,interpret their meanings,and discover the cultural values and functions they contain.Through a deep analysis of modern Chinese travelogues about the United States,the dissertation reveals the observations and reflections of travelers on American society,culture,and history and the significance of their identity and cultural exchange conveyed in their writing.The historical background of modern Chinese travelogues to the United States mainly covers the transformation process from the collapse of the imperial system to the establishment of a national state in modern China.It also includes the widespread popularity of the imagination of the United States in Chinese society during modern times,as well as the interaction between modern China and the United States.The writers of modern Chinese travelogues about the United States can be roughly divided into three categories: envoys sent by the government,free writers,and Chinese students studying in the United States,each with their own different backgrounds and motivations.The distinctive literary style of modern Chinese travelogues on journeys to the United States lies in the skillful integration of classical forms and contemporary content,achieving a seamless transition from traditional styles such as parallel prose,Tongcheng poetry,and bamboo branch lyrics to modern genres like Modern Vernacular Style and diary entries.In modern Chinese travelogues on journeys to the United States,there is a plethora of four categories of imagery:objects,systems,culture,and individuals.As Liang Qichao pointed out,China’s process of borrowing from the West progresses from objects to systems and then to culture,with the “development of individuality”being the core of Western modern culture.The emphasis of the content in travelogues aligns closely with the gradual process of cognition.In the chapter on “objects” three categories of objects are selected from the travelogues: urban landscape,transportation vehicles,and technological instruments.From technologically backward feudal China to the recently completed industrial revolution in the United States,travelers’ most immediate perception is the highly developed achievements of material civilization.Through these,one can catch a glimpse of the heterogeneous cultural impact and adjustment experienced by late Qing intellectuals,as well as their recognition and pursuit of their own cultural identity.The third chapter on “systems” examines political and economic systems.The impression of American politics formed by travelers evolved from a traditional Confucian idealized political system to one focused on the people,and then expanded to cross-cultural political system examination.The section on economic systems focuses on patents and trusts.The fourth chapter on “culture” examines education,art,and food,revealing the differences between Chinese and Western cultures.The chapter on “people” studies three types of American figures : presidents,officials,and civilians.Through the portrayal of characters with diverse personalities and vivid imagery,the authors of these travelogues convey their humanitarian ideals and idealistic aspirations.In the historical and geographical books that introduce the United States,the repeated writing of the “Washington myth” had a profound impact on the authors of modern Chinese travelogues about the United States.Of particular interest is Hu Shi’s intention in glorifying President Wilson and President Mc Kinley.The evaluation of American officials in the travelogues includes both commendation and criticism,with rational arguments that are convincing.The depiction of civilian images is more positive.Modern Chinese travelogues to the United States have important writing value,mainly reflected from three perspectives: knowledge production,conceptual reshaping,and institutional reference.Firstly,these travelogues provide Chinese readers with direct information and knowledge about American society,culture,and economy,helping them broaden their horizons,enhance their understanding of different cultures,and thus promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.Secondly,these travelogues play a positive role in reshaping concepts in China at that time by introducing advanced Western educational models,scientific and technological developments,influencing China’s education reform and enlightenment movement.Lastly,by introducing American social systems,legal frameworks,etc.,these travelogues provide references and references for China’s modernization process,offering new ideas and possibilities for China’s political system and social development.Therefore,the writing value of modern Chinese travelogues to the United States lies not only in providing rich knowledge and information but also in influencing the conceptual and institutional reforms in Chinese society at that time,contributing to China’s modernization process.In modern Chinese travelogues to the United States,a multidimensional observation of American society,culture,and history is presented,with a wide range and variety of writing contents.Travelers convey their understanding and emotional expressions of the United States through different forms of writing,combining objective descriptions and subjective narratives.The motivations behind these writings include not only exploration and cognition of the United States but also reflections on and construction of their own country and culture.These writings document the modern experiences of Chinese people,contributing to China’s transformation into modernity and providing an important ideological foundation for the emergence of new cultural movements.Additionally,these works reflect Chinese considerations of identity and belonging.The depiction of the United States in these writings highlights the significance of cultural exchange,offering valuable experiences and insights for cross-cultural communication and mutual understanding between China and the United States.The content and significance presented in these modern Chinese travelogues to the United States hold important academic and practical value for deepening humanistic exchanges and promoting global cultural diversity. |
