introduction

This article introduces the translation process of French geography in 20th century China and its influence on the Chinese geography community. French geography emerged in the second half of the 18th century and was introduced to China in the early 20th century, receiving praise from scholars such as Liang Qichao. Hu Huanyong and other Chinese geographers constructed modern Chinese scientific geography and population geography based on French geography. The research focuses on the contributions of Chinese geographers to the development of French geography, the translation and introduction of French geographer schools and ideas in China, and the contributions of Chinese scholars in translation. This article aims to systematically examine the translation, background, and characteristics of French geography in China, and explore its role and influence on geography education in China.

1、 Overview of the Translation and Introduction of French Geography in 20th Century China

This article provides an overview of the translation and introduction of French geography by China in the 20th century, including the beginning, development stages, and characteristics of the translation. The research focuses on the translation and dissemination of French geographical ideas and theories. The systematic translation of French geographical knowledge began in the late Qing Dynasty, and during the transition period of Chinese geographical education in the 20th century, the translation and introduction of French geographical theories flourished. By searching historical books and journals, a total of 127 translated works and translations of French geography in the 20th century have been sorted out. The trend of translation and introduction can be divided into four stages: the initial period, the prosperous period, the low period, and the rising period.

2、 The Initial Period of French Geography Translation in China (1900-1926)

During the late Qing Dynasty, China began to engage with Western geography, breaking traditional geographical knowledge. Geographical translations such as "Sizhou Zhi" and "Hai Guo Tu Zhi" introduce Western geographical ideas. The translated works such as "Geography of Life" compiled by Jiangsu Normal University students and "On the Relationship between Geography and Humanity" compiled by Jinling Jiangchu Compilation and Translation Bureau begin to introduce the connection between geographical factors and human activities. Montesquieu's "Geographical Environmental Determinism" is the earliest French geographical thought introduced to China, and the geographical views in his "On the Spirit of Law" have had a profound impact. In the late Qing Dynasty, Chinese bourgeois reformers regarded Montesquieu as a "famous sage" and translated and introduced him. Liang Qichao published "The Doctrine of Montesquieu", introducing the background, content, and influence of the book "The Spirit of Law", and introducing the idea of geographical environment determinism. Between 1900 and 1909, Montesquieu's geographical determinism was translated and introduced in China, but the translator did not emphasize it prominently. In 1906, the French sinologist Xia Zhishi published the Outline of Chinese Geography and the Detailed Annals of Chinese Kunyu in China, proposing systematic natural zoning, which had a great impact on countrymen's understanding of zoning. In the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, French geographical ideas began to spread sporadically to China, but French geographers have not yet attracted the attention of countrymen, and geographical theory works have not been translated and introduced.

3、 The flourishing period of French geography translation in China (1928-1940)

Detailed explanation of the translation and influence of French geography in China from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. After the New Culture Movement, the popularization of democratic and scientific concepts, as well as the promulgation of educational regulations, provided conditions for the development of geography education and promoted the translation of French geography. The peak of studying abroad in France has strengthened cultural exchanges between China and France, and returning students have made important contributions to the field of geography.

4、 The Low Period of French Geography Translation in China (1941-1980)

Detailed description of the low period of French geography translation in China from 1941 to 1980. The outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression hindered China's geographical education and research, leading to a significant reduction in the translation volume of French geography. In the 1950s, China learned from the Soviet Union and academic journals focused on introducing Soviet geography, while French geography was neglected. After the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in the 1960s, the Cultural Revolution almost halted the translation of French geography. During this period, the translation of French geography significantly declined, with only a few commemorative reports and critical articles. Yan humbly introduces articles on French research on ancient Asian geography, Xie Juemin's comments on "Geography of Life," Li Xudan introduces articles on the French school, Yan Deyi introduces new achievements in French geography after World War II, and Bi Xiushao's serialized articles on French geographers. In the 1950s, the attention to French geography in China dropped to its lowest point, until 1963 when Wang Nailiang systematically introduced the current status of French geomorphology. During this period, the war and the adjustment of cultural and educational policies in the New China era had an impact on the dissemination of French geography in China, resulting in a lack of translated works and the latest achievements not being systematically translated. Attention was still paid to the human geography ideas of Blanchett and Bruner. Geographical journals have not given sufficient attention, with only a few newspapers and magazines publishing news briefs on French geographers, resulting in a decrease in academic value. This reflects that translators, professionals, and institutions are constrained by social environment and ideology when choosing foreign knowledge, selectively ignoring foreign knowledge that does not conform to cultural trends.

5、 The Rising Period of French Geography Translation in China (1982-1999)

After the reform and opening up, China's geography education entered a new era, emphasizing the establishment of a modern education system, and the development of geography shifted towards the fields of application and technology. In the 1980s and late 1990s, Chinese geographers systematically translated and introduced French geography, including theories of human geography, geographers, research paradigms, etc. The thought of human geography of Brunner et al. has attracted attention, and the new French thought of human geography, such as A. de Monjon's "Problems of Human Geography", has been translated and introduced. The new paradigm of French geographical research, such as the concept of geomorphological genesis system in Trekkal and the study of land consolidation in Fremont, has also been translated. Urban spatial research, social geography concepts, and territorial governance research have also been disseminated. In the 1990s, French research on river development and management, as well as commercial geography, were translated and introduced to China. The most important translation is Andr é Meniere's "History of French Geographical Thought", which comprehensively expounds the evolution of French geographical thought.

6、 The Influence of French Geography Translation on Geography Education in China

Explored the translation of French geographical knowledge in China in the 20th century and its profound impact on geographical education in China. Through translation, the integration of French geography and Chinese geography knowledge has promoted the development of geography education in China. The introduction of French geographical ideas has provided new research methods for Chinese geography and improved the scientificity of textbook content. The "natural zoning" method during the summer and works such as Zhang Qiyun's "Outline of Chinese Geography" reflect the influence of French geography on Chinese geography. In the 1920s to 1940s, French geography theory was incorporated into the higher geography teaching system in China, enriching the teaching content. French geographical theoretical works such as "Historical Geography" and "Physical Geography" are used as university textbooks, and French geographical ideas are also incorporated into textbooks or academic monographs. The translation and introduction of French geographical theories by Chinese geographers have promoted the creation and development of Chinese geographical theories. Zhang Qiyun's "Geography of Life" and Hu Huanyong's geographical map production showcase the application of French geographical concepts and methods in China. Translation has promoted the exchange and integration of geographical knowledge and culture between China and France, providing impetus for the construction of China's geographical knowledge system and the updating of disciplinary discourse.

conclusion

The translation and introduction of French geography by China in the 20th century can be divided into four stages: the initial stage introduced geographical environmental determinism, which, although not widely recognized, laid the foundation for subsequent dissemination; During the prosperous period, Chinese geographers led the translation and promotion of research in new fields; The low period is influenced by war and cultural bias, and there is insufficient attention paid to it; During the recovery period, pay attention to and introduce new fields to showcase a new look. The translation of French geography has had a significant impact on the research methods, educational content, and theoretical innovation of Chinese geography.