“中东”的由来、性质、使用和内涵等问题考

Textual Research on the Origin,Character,Usage and Meaning of the Geographical Concept“Middle East"

"中东"是中东问题研究、报道中一个不可避免且在出版物和新闻媒体中出现频率非常高的关键词。但"中东"作为一个地理概念,其由来、性质、使用和内涵从一开始就颇具争议甚至常被诟病。根据最新发现的历史文献,不仅其提出者另有其人,而且其性质、使用和内涵也远非人们普遍理解或主观想象的那么简单和无可厚非。此外,"中东"作为一个汉语词语,却不符合汉语表达方式。为避免产生歧义或造成读者误解,学者在行文时要么不用"中东"这一地理概念、要么明确说明或注明。

Abstract： There is no doubt that the term ＇Middle East＇ is an unavoidable key word in the Middle Eastern studies and reports appearing very frequently in publications and media. But, as a geographical concept, the term ＇ Middle East＇ has been disputed from the beginning over its origin, character, usage, and meaning and sometimes is blamed. According to the newly - discovered historical documents, the term ＂Middle East＂ hasn＇t only another coiner, but also its character, usage, and meaning are far from people＇s common understanding or their subjective imagination. Besides, as a Chinese word, the term ＂ Middle East＂ doesn＇t fit Chinese way of expression. In order to avoid different meanings or misunderstanding, the author suggest scholars not to use the concept or to explain it explicitly in the text or in the notes.