Ebook: Translation of the Ts'ing Wan K'e Mung, a Chinese grammar of Manchu Tartar language

Shanghae: London Mission Press, 1855. — LXXX; errata 1-4; 310 p. With introductory notes on Manchu literature. 清文启蒙 - The Manchu preceptor.Various estimates have been formed by scholars, of the value of the Manchu language, and some have no doubt been deterred from the study, by the disparaging views which have been set forth. While the writings of two eminent European orientalists have beep calculated to depreciate, the concurrent testimony of the Roman Catholic missionaries who laboured long and zealously at the Chinese capital, in the daily use of this language, has been unecfui vocal in its favour. Leaving this point however, for those who are better qualified to discuss it, the present little work is issued, as a slight contribution to the scanty means at hand, as aids to those who apply themselves to this subject. As the translation of an original Chinese grammatical treatise, while its arrangement will appear strangely at variance with western notions, this peculiarity will probably invest it with interest to some, as giving an insight into the manner in which the Chinese impart philological instruction to their pupils. In the present state of our intercourse as foreigners with the Chinese, the Manchu must be looked upon chiefly as a book study; but even in this view, it will- prove an important aid towards gaining a correct knowledge of the almost unfathomable principles of Chinese composition. It is however probably not too much to expect that in our future connexions with China, the time may not be far distant, when our field of operations will be greatly extended, and communications opened up in the north, where the Manchu would prove an easy means of conversing with a large and influential class of the population. Its importance in respect to the science of philology has been noticed. As the only written representative of an extensive Tartar family of languages, that of the Tungous tribes, its value in regard to ethnological researches will not be overlooked ; while the singular peculiarities of construction will doubtless be appreciated by the student of comparative grammar. The friends to the dissemination of Christian truth must feel also, that here there is something to be done, and now that great efforts are being made for the evangelization of China, it will not be unreasonable to expect, that the zeal of some will lead them to direct their thoughts to the regions beyond, which have never yet been visited by a protestant missionary. The British and Foreign Bible Society has nobly taken the lead in this matter, by furnishing one of the best of oriental translations ; and it cannot be doubted the same institution will be prepared to follow up the work in the same liberal spirit, when in the course of providence, an opening shall appear. The great jealousy exhibited of late by the powers that be in China, lest foreigners should acquire this language, contrasts singularly with the care which they take for its cultivation among the natives; and while all loyal subjects of the emperor will see it to be a duty to comply with the imperial commands in this matter, it is at least questionable, whether foreigners should feel it incumbent on them to abide by their spirit. In the absence of any precedent for an English-Manchu orthography, I have collated the systems of various European authors, together with the sounds as given in the Chinese syllabaries, by a comparison of which, I hope to have obtained near to as uniform a mode of spelling as the English alphabet will admit of.