Xu Zongze’s Translation Theories and Practices in the Jesuit Revue Catholique

This paper examines the translation theories and practices of Xu Zongze 徐宗澤 (1886–1947), a key figure in the Jesuit community of the Zi-ka-wei compound 徐家匯. Descending from the prominent Catholic Xu family and serving as chief editor of the Revue Catholique 聖教雜誌, Xu was uniquely positioned to engage in religious and cultural dialogues. By situating Xu within modern China’s translation history, this paper highlights his significant contributions to translation scholarship, especially in merging Western religious thought with Chinese traditions. Xu utilized the “Discussion” column of the Revue for his “Treatise on Translation” 譯書論, celebrating Jesuit translation accomplishments and examining historical policies. His works advocate for using the Jesuit legacy in contemporary translation debates to enhance cultural understanding. Xu’s efforts, including the Synopsis of Jesuit Translations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties 明清間耶穌會士譯著提要 and the “New Terms” series, resist linguistic dominance while facilitating intercultural understanding. Through his translation experience and Jesuit cultural initiatives, Xu Zongze advocated for the establishment of a Catholic translation institute aimed at developing talent and enhancing communication with Catholic publishers. By centering on Xu, this study reexamines the role of Zi-ka-wei within the context of modern Chinese translation history, evaluating how its engagement with Western knowledge effectively addressed the intellectual demands of the era, which called for contemporary interpretations.