Lu Shuxiang (Commemorating the Centennial of Lu Shuxiang)

Author: Compiled by the Institute of Linguistics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Six years have passed since the passing of Mr. Lu Shuxiang, and this year marks his centenary. The Institute of Linguistics will hold an academic symposium to solemnly commemorate him, while also publishing this exquisite illustrated biography, "Lu Shuxiang," to help more people understand the life journey and academic path of this renowned linguist. Opening the book, one is instantly immersed in Mr. Lu's world, with countless familiar and unfamiliar fragments vividly appearing before the eyes and in the mind. I once again follow his life path, trying to understand and recognize him. Mr. Lu rarely discussed politics directly in his conversations, yet anyone who knew him well could clearly sense his deep sense of national and national distress and his lofty sense of responsibility. Like many intellectuals of his generation, Mr. Lu was deeply influenced by the spirit of the May Fourth Movement, with a firm aspiration to save the nation through science and culture. Patriotism and a reverence for science were the spiritual characteristics of academic masters like Mr. Lu. He witnessed the impoverished and weak reality of old China, as well as the suffering of family separation and displacement during the wars. These experiences made his thoughts and emotions closely connected with the common people, leading him to wholeheartedly support the new society and cherish the new life. With a mindset of "getting younger with each passing day" and a vision of a bright future for his country, he devoted himself enthusiastically to the construction of socialist cultural undertakings.
I remember that Mr. Fei Xiaotong once said: "The older generation of Chinese intellectuals had a 'will' in their hearts, which was the anchor of their lives; 'a commoner cannot have their will taken away,' and that will was patriotism and academia. The root of academia is patriotism." These words truly touch the core, serving as a concise yet profound interpretation of Mr. Lu's thoughts. From a young age, Mr. Lu received a good education, laying a solid foundation in classical literature and traditional Chinese studies. In his later academic practice, he adhered to the principle of "Chinese learning as the foundation and Western learning as the application," drawing on Western linguistic theories and methods while remaining rooted in the realities of Chinese language. He maintained a pragmatic academic approach, always staying at the forefront of academic trends and achieving a series of theoretical and methodological breakthroughs, becoming one of the masters who pioneered modern linguistics in China.
Mr. Lu was not the kind of scholar who spent his life solely in a study conducting personal research, nor was he the type to confine himself to a narrow research field. His research encompassed many areas of ancient and modern Chinese and foreign studies, effectively integrating general and specialized knowledge, theory and practice, basic and applied research, as well as textual studies and research on living language. A notable feature of Mr. Lu's academic practice was his keen interest in the social life of language, focusing on how linguistics could contribute to the popularization of basic education and the improvement of the cultural literacy of the entire nation. Throughout his life, he directly participated in the formulation of national language and character policies and tirelessly worked on standardizing modern Chinese pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The "Modern Chinese Dictionary," edited by Mr. Lu and Mr. Ding Shengshu, has been published in over 40 million copies to date. It has made outstanding contributions to China's cultural and educational cause and has gained widespread influence worldwide, becoming an important reference book for people around the world to learn and study Chinese.
He was passionate about popularizing language education and participated in the compilation of primary and secondary school language textbooks and educational reforms with great seriousness and responsibility. Even at the age of seventy-seven, he meticulously prepared a manuscript of nearly ten thousand words titled "How to Teach Grammar to Middle School Students." He was always willing to respond to the letters of primary and secondary school teachers with great dedication, earning the title of their dear friend. He cared about the growth of young scholars, holding them in high regard and not only imparting academic experience but also personally revising articles for many known and unknown individuals, some of whom he even financially supported for the long term. He was both a stern teacher and a loving father, pouring boundless effort into the education of younger scholars.
A scholar of his caliber, who so consciously served the civilization and progress of society through academia, who devoted so much time, energy, and effort to popularizing language education and cultivating talent, and who communicated with the people with such humility and warmth—what a lofty realm! Whenever I recall these deeds, I am filled with deep respect. Six years ago, I wrote an article in memory of Mr. Lu, titled "The People's Linguist—Lu Shuxiang," which I added later. I believe Mr. Lu truly deserves the title "The People's Linguist."
The illustrated biography also reveals aspects of Mr. Lu's family life and his interactions with students and friends. Mr. Lu's family was characterized by kindness and simplicity, with mutual respect between husband and wife, brotherhood among siblings, reverence for elders, and filial piety among children. It embodied both traditional Chinese values and modern democratic spirit. Mr. Lu loved his family, his students, and his friends, filling them with love and responsibility. In Mr. Lu's home, his wife, Mrs. Lu, was the most influential figure. For over seventy years, she shared his joys and sorrows, meticulously caring for his daily life, serving as a strong support for his career. Mrs. Lu was only half a year younger than Mr. Lu and, at the age of one hundred, was still able to live independently—truly a person of great virtue and fortune.
On the occasion of the centenary of Mr. Lu's birth, we also extend our blessings to Mrs. Lu, wishing her good health and a long and prosperous life. Although Mr. Lu has passed away, he remains with us. Opening various linguistic journals and newly published works on linguistics, his works are always prominently listed in the references. His academic thoughts, views, and research methods continue to inspire and influence later scholars, becoming essential references for academic innovation. What can bring comfort to Mr. Lu is that China's linguistic research has been thriving in recent years. New research bases have been established, research fields have expanded, and the research team has grown, with numerous innovative achievements. In summary, China's linguistic cause has a promising future, and Mr. Lu, please rest assured!
Twenty-six years ago, six of us—Yang Chengkai, Li Chongxing, Wang Jiuquan, Zhou Liuxi, Huang Guoying, and Chen Ping—were fortunate enough to become Mr. Lu's disciples, the last of his students, and received his teachings, basking in his wisdom. Those were the most cherished and happy times of our lives, and the gratitude we feel toward our teacher is unending. Now, all six of us have achieved success in our studies, which brings some solace to Mr. Lu in the afterlife. Over the past six years, I have often missed Mr. Lu. Whenever I plan to write an article but find myself lost in thought, I think of Mr. Lu—had he been here, discussing it with him would have surely provided inspiration. Whenever I make a breakthrough in my research, I also think of Mr. Lu—had he been here, he would have shared my joy, perhaps slightly easing his disappointment over my "not being serious about my studies" these past years.
Six years ago, Mr. Lu's ashes were buried on a hillside in Xiangshan, with no markers. He was accompanied by lush green pines and the rustling of pine winds. "The wise love water, the benevolent love mountains," may Mr. Lu rest in peace in the embrace of nature.
This illustrated biography commemorates the centenary of Mr. Lu Shuxiang's birth, featuring numerous photographs of his life and work, as well as early editions and manuscripts of his works, letters, and other artifacts. It is divided into seven parts: "The Path of Learning," "Teaching and Writing During Turbulent Times," "Writing with an Aging Pen," and "Late Years' Reflections," allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of this renowned linguist's life journey and academic path.
Target Audience: Suitable for general readers as a reference.