Shijing und seine europäischen Übersetzungen bis Friedrich Rückert

Abstract

In the late 16th century, intensive studies of Chinese literature began in Europe. Alessandro Valignano proposed in the 1570s that all missionaries in the Far East should become proficient in Mandarin, as Chinese was the language of scholarship in East Asia, similar to Latin in Europe. They adopted an accommodation strategy, introducing the Catholic faith through Chinese philosophy, particularly the teachings of Confucianism. In this context, the Shijing, also known as The Book of Songs, the oldest collection of Chinese poetry (1046–771 BC) and one of the five Confucian classics, garnered the attention of missionaries. Since 1733, various translations of the Shijing, along with observations from Jesuits, were published in Europe, causing a great sensation. In politics, Europe expanded into the Orient through colonization, following Napoleon’s military action in North Africa. However, in culture, it was the Orient that influenced Europe, adding a distinct and enriching tone to its cultural landscape. This influence was evident in the rise of Chinoiserie in art and the development of world literature in poetry. Through various translations and adaptations, the Shijing gained a dynamic presence in Europe. The ancient Oriental songs broke their boundaries of time and space and found new life and spirit under the Western scholars.