The emergence of Dutch sinology during the 19th century

Abstract

This dissertation explores the emergence of Dutch Sinology in Indonesia during the 19th century, driven by Dutch colonialism. It argues that Dutch Sinology arose from practical necessities, particularly the need to oversee and regulate the Chinese community in the Dutch East Indies, rather than as an impartial or purely academic pursuit. The research highlights the government's motivations for investing in Sinological expertise while tracing the development of Chinese language education in both the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. Furthermore, it details the dialects of Hakka, Hokkien, and Cantonese that students needed to learn for their professional advancement. The study underscores the crucial roles of sinologists as interpreters, advisors, researchers, and educators, along with their contributions to Sinology, including the notable journal T'oung Pao. This investigation also examines how the necessity for skilled translators and officials versed in Chinese culture and language spurred the establishment of Sinology as an academic discipline.