The Early Dutch Sinologists : a study of their training in Holland and China, and their functions in the Netherlands Indies (1854-1900)

Kuiper, P.N.

Dutch sinology began as a training course for Chinese interpreters for the colonial government of the Netherlands Indies (now Indonesia), where a large and important Chinese minority was living. This resulted in the unusual decision to study Southern Chinese dialects instead of Mandarin. In the period 1854 until 1900, in total 24 sinologists were trained, mostly beginning in Leiden. For this purpose, in 1855 J.J. Hoffmann was appointed as titular professor of Chinese and Japanese in Leiden, and G. Schlegel was made the first full professor in 1877. After studying in Leiden, they continued their practical training in Southern China, mostly in Amoy (Xiamen). Finally they were appointed on Java or other places in the Netherlands Indies as “European interpreter of Chinese.” Their functions were interpreting and translation, and advising the administrative and judicial authorities. Actually, in most places there was not enough work for them. Two interpreters temporarily fulfilled...Show moreDutch sinology began as a training course for Chinese interpreters for the colonial government of the Netherlands Indies (now Indonesia), where a large and important Chinese minority was living. This resulted in the unusual decision to study Southern Chinese dialects instead of Mandarin. In the period 1854 until 1900, in total 24 sinologists were trained, mostly beginning in Leiden. For this purpose, in 1855 J.J. Hoffmann was appointed as titular professor of Chinese and Japanese in Leiden, and G. Schlegel was made the first full professor in 1877. After studying in Leiden, they continued their practical training in Southern China, mostly in Amoy (Xiamen). Finally they were appointed on Java or other places in the Netherlands Indies as “European interpreter of Chinese.” Their functions were interpreting and translation, and advising the administrative and judicial authorities. Actually, in most places there was not enough work for them. Two interpreters temporarily fulfilled important functions in Sino-Dutch diplomacy. About one third fulfilled other administrative functions or devoted their time to scholarship, which later led to a second career in the Indies administration or at Leiden University. Next to several dictionaries, some produced important scholarly works, and many published articles in Dutch journals and newspapers about Chinese matters.Show less

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The Early Dutch Sinologists : a study of their training in Holland and China, and their functions in the Netherlands Indies (1854-1900)