Cultural Interactions and Competitions: The Case of the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and the Southern Tang (937–965)
Year: 2020
Author: Pak-sheung NG
饒宗頤國學院院刊, Vol. 7 (2020), Iss. 1 : pp. 255–319
Abstract
This article aims to elaborate on an overarching sense of competition in the area of cultural achievement (wenhua jiaoliang) that existed between the Song and the Southern Tang. By adopting a conceptual framework characterized by regional significance and dynamic interactions in interpreting historical events and issues, the article intends to emphasize that cultural achievement in Song China did not emerge overnight; instead it involved a long process of assimilation and accommodation that led to the new alignment. In this sense, the various expressions of contempt, rejection, and even confrontation that took place during Song Taizu's reign seemed an inevitable stage that would lead to adaptation and finally, assimilation. Ultimately, all cultural interactions and competitions with the Southern Tang were undertaken by the Song literati for the purpose of establishing dynastic-political legitimacy and strengthening cultural identity. This article also discusses the use of anecdotal information (biji) in historical studies. Historians have long disregarded anecdotal information: it amounted to nothing more than hearsay in its ability to provide meaningful information while the standard histories are perceived to unveil actual historical events. However, exploration of both categories can uncover contradictions, necessitating explanation about the circumstances under which such hearsay can be useful. The author emphasizes that despite their structural defects, anecdotes being recorded in the biji are of particular significance to social and cultural studies. As such, the functions of anecdotal information should not be totally neglected.
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Journal Article Details
Publisher Name: Global Science Press
Language: Chinese
DOI: https://doi.org/2020-JAS-19892
饒宗頤國學院院刊, Vol. 7 (2020), Iss. 1 : pp. 255–319
Published online: 2020-01
AMS Subject Headings:
Copyright: COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press
Pages: 65
Keywords: Competition in the cultural domain ($\it{wenhua jiaoliang}$) legitimate dynastic succession ($\it{zhengtong}$) reinstated officials from the defeated Nan Tang ($\it{Nan Tang peichen}$) literary sketches ($\it{biji}$) the Southern Tang