夷夏互变:中国古代的开放式族类观

Inter-Conversion of Yi and Xia:The Open View of Ethnicity in Ancient China

中国古代族类观念中,族际区分往往是相对的,而非绝对的,对任何一个族类群体来说,都不存在绝对的“他者”,也不存在完全的“彼此对立”,这是一种开放式的族类观。这种族类观视域下,区分不同族类群体的标准是可以探讨的,从根本上看是一种文化性标准;族类群体之间在发展水平、文明程度上的差距并非本质性的,可以通过示范引领、自觉自愿的改变加以消弭;区分不同族类群体的边界并非固化的,而是开放的,不同的族类群体能够通过主观的、人为的努力围绕这个边界进行身份转换。片面强调和夸大族类差异、族际区分、族际边界,甚至将之上升到先验性、绝对化的程度,不符合族类变化的客观规律,不利于正确认识族类现象。应当秉持实事求是的原则,针对具体情况,尊重规律,因时、因地、因族而变,在具体的历史条件中丰富和发展人类的实践活动。

Ancient Chinese concept of ethnics,the distinction between ethnic people is often relative.There is neither absolute“other”nor complete“opposition”,which is an open concept of ethnic groups.In this view,the standard of distinguishing different ethnic groups can be discussed,which is a cultural standard fundamentally.The gap between ethnic groups in the level of development and the degree of civilization is not essential,which can be eliminated through demonstration and voluntary change.The boundary of distinguishing different ethnic groups is not fixed,but open.Different ethnic groups can transform their identities around this boundary through their efforts.One sided emphasis on and exaggeration of ethnic differences,inter ethnic distinctions and inter ethnic boundaries,and even raising them to a transcendental and absolute level,does not conform to the objective law of ethnic changes and is not conducive to a correct understanding of ethnic phenomena.We should adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts,according to the specific situation,and to enrich and develop human practical activities in the specific historical conditions.