Ancient Chinese (Revised and Reprinted Edition 1)

Author: Wang Li
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The course of Ancient Chinese has had various teaching contents in different higher education institutions and periods. Some taught it as a collection of literary selections from different dynasties, some as classical Chinese grammar, some as textual criticism, phonology, and etymology, and others as the history of the Chinese language. The objectives and requirements were inconsistent. After the educational revolution of 1958, it became widely recognized that teaching must be linked to practice. Many higher education institutions reconsidered the teaching content of Ancient Chinese, believing that its purpose should be to cultivate students' ability to read ancient texts. To achieve this goal, both perceptual knowledge and rational knowledge were necessary. The reading of literary selections must be closely integrated with theoretical knowledge such as classical Chinese grammar, textual criticism, phonology, and etymology, so that teaching would not be one-sided and the effectiveness of Ancient Chinese instruction could be improved. As for the history of the Chinese language, it should be a separate course. The history of the Chinese language is a theoretical course, while Ancient Chinese is a tool course, with different objectives and requirements.
In 1959, Peking University implemented reforms in the teaching of Ancient Chinese by combining literary selections, common words, and general theories of ancient Chinese, achieving better teaching results. In addition, many higher education institutions improved the teaching of Ancient Chinese with the goal of cultivating students' ability to read ancient texts. The lecture notes on Ancient Chinese published by Peking University in 1959 only included the first and second volumes. In 1960, another reform was carried out, and the lecture notes were reprinted in three volumes (first, second, and third), which were not publicly distributed. The writing of the lecture notes was primarily the responsibility of Wang Li, with the participation of Lin Tao, Tang Zuofan, Guo Xiliang, Cao Xianzhuo, Ji Changhong, Zhao Keqin, and Chen Shaopeng. In addition, students from the 1957 class of the Language Department of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Peking University participated in the writing of the literary selections for the second and third volumes. Graduate student Chen Zhenhuan and visiting teacher Xu Chaohua also participated in the writing of the first volume.
In May 1961, after the conference on the compilation plan for teaching materials in liberal arts higher education institutions, an Ancient Chinese writing group was established. It was decided to revise the lecture notes of Peking University on Ancient Chinese as a basis, referring to teaching materials from other institutions, and to use them as textbooks for Chinese Language and Literature majors. The writing group gathered a portion of the teaching staff from Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Renmin University of China, Nankai University, and Lanzhou University to work together on the writing. In addition to the overall coordination by the chief editor Wang Li, the writing group was divided into a Literary Selections Group and a Common Words and General Theories Group. The Literary Selections Group was led by Xiao Zhang, and the Common Words and General Theories Group was led by Ma Hanlin. The specific assignments were as follows:
- Writers for the Literary Selections section: Xiao Zhang (Beijing Normal University), Liu Yizhi (Renmin University of China), Xu Jialu (Beijing Normal University), Zhao Keqin (Peking University)
- Writers for the Common Words section: Wang Li (Peking University), Ji Changhong (Peking University)
- Writers for the General Theories section (including introduction and appendices): Ma Hanlin (Nankai University), Guo Xiliang (Peking University), Zhu Minche (Lanzhou University)
The task of the writing group was arduous. The lecture notes from Peking University were only a draft and far from meeting the requirements for public publication. This time, representatives from several institutions collaborated, reaffirming the principle of combining literary selections, common words, and general theories while fully utilizing the existing achievements of Peking University while also making necessary revisions and additions. Some selections were replaced, and explanations and annotations were rewritten, especially with significant changes in annotations. The Common Words section modified some formats and explanations, and the order of words was adjusted to match the changes in literary selections. The chapters and content of the General Theories section were also greatly revised. Each manuscript was discussed within the group, reviewed by external experts with comments, and finally approved by the chief editor. Some important issues were discussed by the entire group. We maintained this discussion approach throughout the process, believing that it would gather diverse ideas, better implement the spirit of free debate and collectivism, and further improve the quality of the book.
In January 1962, the discussion draft of the first volume was published. At this time, a symposium was held, attended by Mr. Ding Shengshu, Mr. Zhu Wenshu, Mr. Lü Shuxiang, Mr. Hong Cheng, Mr. Yin Menglun, Mr. Lu Zongda, Mr. Zhang Qingchang, Mr. Feng Zhi, and Mr. Wei Jiangong, among others. Mr. Jiang Liangfu also submitted detailed written comments. The symposium lasted a week, primarily discussing the content of the first volume, but later, opinions were also exchanged on the second and third volumes. After the discussion draft of the first volume was sent to various higher education institutions and relevant organizations, feedback was received gradually. Some were collective opinions, while others were individual expert views. Starting in late January 1962, we began revising the first volume while also considering the need to compress the three volumes into two to better align with teaching plans. The format was also revised, moving explanations of literary selections into annotations or removing them entirely. In addition to fully incorporating the experts' and institutions' feedback for necessary revisions, we took this opportunity to identify further issues and rewrite many sections. The first volume added a unit, while other units were partially rewritten. Therefore, it was not until the end of July of the same year that the first volume was fully revised.
The entire manuscript of this book was reviewed by Mr. Ye Shengtao. In summary, this first volume of Ancient Chinese has undergone four revisions. We know that there are still many shortcomings in it; any achievements can be attributed to the leadership of the Party and the encouragement and support of experts and teachers nationwide. Although our writing group consisted of only nine people, the compilation of this book involved the labor of thousands. We sincerely express our gratitude to the experts and colleagues who provided valuable comments. Finally, we hope that readers, especially those engaged in teaching Ancient Chinese, will continue to offer advice so that we can revise the book based on the opinions of the broader public and gradually make it more perfect.
Wang Li
July 1962