An Alternative Voice of “Nanyang”: An Analysis of the Current Research of Chinese Classical Literature in Singaporean Sinology in 2010s

Abstract

Singapore is the representative of Sinology research in Southeast Asia. Influenced by factors such as history, ethnicity, culture, etc., the Sinological research of Singaporean scholars presents different characteristics from Western Sinology. In the study of classical Chinese literature, Singapore scholars flexibly borrow the critical methods of Western literature research in their methods, pay special attention to Confucian-based intellectual history research in the theme. In the selection of research objects, they cleverly use cultural symbols with local characteristics of Singapore to seek cultural roots, presenting a unique “Nanyang” (Southeast Asian) color. Based on the review and analysis of the research achievements of classical Chinese literature in Singapore Sinological circle in the past ten years, it is necessary to sort out its characteristics and causes in detail, and look forward to the future research on classical Chinese literature in Singaporean Sinology.