阎宗临与法国汉学

Yan Zonglin (1904-1978) and French Sinology

在阎宗临颇为广泛的治学范围中,尤以在中西交通史领域取得的成就最大,这主要得益于其与法国汉学之间深厚的渊源关系。阎宗临早岁在法语学术界的受教育经历,为其接受法国汉学的影响提供了良好环境。他的相关著述不但触及了法国汉学的主流,而且其研究对象、资料来源,亦或研究主题和思路,都与20世纪上半叶法国汉学界存在着紧密联系。其开拓的研究领域及学术观点和方法,也在20世纪下半叶的法国汉学界得到了回响。阎宗临在充分把握法国汉学发展脉络的基础上,从跨文化的角度开辟新说的做法,凸显出中国学者在国际学术界做出独特贡献的一种可能性路径。

As a prominent historian in modern China,Yan Zonglin is well known for his broad knowledge. Yet it is in the field of the history of Sino-European relations that he made the most notable achievement. This achievement was related to Yan's study in France where he developed a keen interest in French sinology.Indeed,thanks to his French education and his proficiency in the language,Yan was well prepared for making academic exchanges with French sinologists. With respect to subjects of study,research methods and source materials,his early writings in the study of Sino-European relations reflect his solid training as well as the mainstream interest in French sinology of the late 19^(th) and early 20^(th) centuries. His publications also became well received among French sinologists. Having acquainted himself well with the development of French sinology,Yan made a unique scholarly contribution,one that demonstrates a cross-cultural characteristic. His career and accomplishment are truly exemplary.