Abstract:
Edward H. Schafer, the best-known sinologist in the United States, has maintained his study of literature, history, art and the like of the Tang Dynasty. He has also showed interest in study of Chinese Americans and exchange of Chinese and western cultures and civilizations, observing the portrayal and shaping of China from a mobile, developing and historical view. He emphasizes analysis of language competence, by which he absorbed Classical Chinese documents describing the rich and vivid world of ancient China. Also he carries on the European sinologist tradition of interpreting Chinese sculptures and meanwhile digests the results of growth of western social and humanistic sciences. Moreover, he specializes and enjoys exploring material culture in terms of eminent objects. Finally, he emphasizes styles of writing and is good at creating a literary atmosphere, establishing a sinologist distinction as time goes by.
