Abstract:
This thesis examines the contribution to the formation of modern Chinese
lexicon made by Jesuit missionary Giulio Aleni from Brescia (1582-1649). In
particular, this work aims at analysing the Chinese neologisms included in Giulio
Aleni’s Zhifang waiji (“Record of Foreign Lands”).
The dissertation consists of four chapters: chapter 1 gives a general
introduction about the spread of Christianity in China, from Nestorians in the Tang
period to Catholic missionaries during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There is an
accurate analysis of the Jesuits’ missionary works, in particular of Father Matteo
Ricci’s. This chapter is necessary to understand the strategy that the Jesuits adopted
in China in order to preach Christianity as well as the reasons why they compiled
numerous scientific works in Chinese. The chapter ends with a description of the “
Chinese Rites Controversy” that took place during the first years of the Qing period
and the consequent suppression of the Jesuit order.
Chapter 2 introduces Father Giulio Aleni and analyses the milestones of his
life, from his studies in Italy to the end of his missionary activities in the Fujian
province.
Chapter 3 aims at describing the literary activity of Giulio Aleni. In particular, it
includes a brief description of the Zhifang waiji, the text which this thesis focuses on.
Chapter 4 analyses the neologisms retrievable in the Zhifang waiji. It includes
an introduction to the principal features of Chinese Linguistics and to word-formation
methods in Chinese.
