Swatow词源研究:从指称器物到汕头埠译名

On the Etymology of “Swatow”: From Object Signifier to the Translated Name of Shantou Port

本文通过对关于明清两代漳州府、潮州府陶瓷贸易和汕头开埠的历史的英文出版物的调查,再对比中文史料,提出对Swatow的词源认识:①Swatow在明代万历年间可能指向漳州府诏安县三都,代表以梅岭港和南澳岛东部为中心的陶瓷出口地;②清代以后,Swatow逐渐指代潮州府沿海贸易港;③晚清由于“潮州教案”的影响,Swatow被英美官员所借用,成为汕头埠的正式译名。

Through a survey of English publications about Zhangzhou and Chaozhou ceramic trade in the Ming and Qing dynasties and a comparison with Chinese historical materials,this paper investigates the etymology of the word“Swatow”.First,in the period of Wanli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty,“Swatow”referred to Sandu in Zhao'an,Zhangzhou,representing the place of ceramics export centered around Meiling Port and Nan’ao Island;then in the Qing Dynasty,“Swatow”gradually referred to Chaozhou coastal trading port;in the late Qing Dynasty,because of the“Case of Chaozhou Priest”,“Swatow”was borrowed by British and American officials and became the English name of Shantou Port.