论宋代使臣语录的制度背景

On the Institutional Background of the Sayings of Ambassadors in the Song Dynasty

使臣语录是一种记言兼记事的文体。它产生在交聘活动当中,除记录逐日行止、馈送之礼外,重在记录往来问答。在宋代,其撰写遵循一定规范,是每次交聘活动必有的官样文章。它由国信所主管,有接收、抄录、听审、编录、保存、呈交、派送等环节。宋王朝高度重视使臣在交聘活动中的表现,以语录作为审查使臣业绩的重要依据。这一系列制度既塑造了使臣语录的体制,也促进了这一文体的兴盛。

The sayings of ambassadors are a form of writing that records both words and events produced during diplomatic activities,focusing on recording the exchange of questions and answers,in addition to day-to-day activities and gift-giving.In the Song Dynasty,its writing followed a certain standard,which was a gobbledygook for every diplomatic activity.It was in charge of the Guoxin Office,which was responsible for receiving,transcribing,hearing,cataloguing,preservation,submission and delivery.The Song Dynasty attached great importance to the performance of the envoys in the diplomatic activities,using quotations as a key factor in evaluating their performance.This series of systems not only shaped the system of ambassadors'sayings,but also promoted the prosperity of this literary style.