Author ｜
Cheng Shu-mei
Abstract ｜
“Yulun” (輿論), generally known as a synonym for the English term“public discourse,” still remains a rather ambiguous concept both in East and West. The contents and subjects referred to by “yulun” have changed over time, however, since the advent of modernity it has been generally comprehended in terms of western “public discourse.” This phenomenon not only is problematic in its inherent unawareness regarding basic differences of Western and Eastern historical backgrounds as well as the particular cultural context, but also in so far as it ignores the evolution of “yulun” in its original setting of Chinese society. Therefore, this essay explores the unique development of “yulun” by observing its ancient meaning, pointing out that the transition overlaps with the Late Qing/Early Republican Period and thus illustrates the rise and subsequent change of public discourse in China. This furthermore helps to explain the dramatic changes in social structure during that time.
keywords ｜
yulun, yuqing, community, public sphere