S. Julien, D. Edkins and A. Hovelacque's studies on Chinese grammar
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5075-2025-3-31-40
Abstract
Aim. To identify the main trends in the study of the Chinese language grammatical structure in Europe at the end of the 19th century based on the analysis of the main works of S. Julien, J. Edkins and A. Hovelacque.
Methodology. The leading research methods are the comparative-contrastive method, which includes correlating the opinions of the linguists under study, and the descriptive-analytical method, which includes generalizing the views of the scientists under consideration.
Results. The study showed that the methods of studying the Chinese language by European sinologists at the end of the 19th century continued to be significantly influenced by the “Greek and Latin” grammatical system. The gradual rejection of the analysis of Chinese grammar through the prism of Indo-European linguistics was facilitated by typological studies of amorphous languages.
Research implications. The data on the history of the study of Chinese grammar have been updated and expanded, and the specifics of the linguistic research of S. Julien, J. Edkins and A. Hovelacque have been defined, the contribution of scientists to the development of Sinology has been described, and the connection between the theories of scientists of the second half of the 19th century and trends in Sinology of previous and subsequent periods has been identified. The obtained research results can be applied when giving lectures and conducting practical classes on the history of studying Chinese, for writing bachelor's and master's theses on related topics
About the Author
P. V. Gurova
Moscow City University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Polina V. Gurova – Assistant Lecturer, Department of English Studies and Cross-Cultural Communication
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