Chen Wangdao

Chen Wangdao
陳望道
Chen Wangdao
Born(1891-01-18)18 January 1891
Died12 October 1977(1977-10-12) (aged 86)
Occupationscholar, writer, educator

Chen Wangdao (Chinese: 陳望道; pinyin: Chén Wàngdào; Wade–Giles: Ch'en Wang-tao) (1891–1977) was a Chinese scholar and educator. He is recognized as the first and only person to translate the Communist Manifesto into Chinese completely so far.[1] He also served as president of Fudan University from 1949 to 1977.

Chen was born Mingrong (明融) in 1891, while Wangdao is his courtesy name.[2] Beginning in 1915, he studied at Waseda University, Toyo University and Chuo University successively. He eventually obtained his Bachelor of Laws at Chuo University. The experience in Japan brought him into contact with communist ideas.[3]

Chen returned to China as the May Fourth Movement began. He found a job teaching Chinese literature at then Chekiang Provincial No.1 Normal School. Meantime, Chen spread the New Culture with colleagues whose passions coincided with his own. The authority decided to dismiss them for that method. Despite students' agitation against the order, he was obliged to return to his hometown in 1920.

Chen was among the founders of Shanghai's Marxist research institute in May 1920.[4]: 18  In August of that year, he became one of the founders of the Shanghai Communist Group.[4]: 18 

In 1920, The Communist Manifesto was printed and distributed in Chinese, with its publishing being a major priority of the Shanghai Communist Group.[5]: 104–106  Chen Wangdao is credited as translator of the first printing.[5]: 106  Its quickly became a popular text among Chinese intellectuals.[5]: 106  It was dubbed "the first red book of China."[5]: 106 

Later, he set up a group on the communist campaign in Shanghai, together with Chen Duxiu, Li Hanjun et al. He became a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), after it was founded in 1921. He was at odds with Chen Duxiu soon. He left the CCP in 1922 and rejoined in 1957.[6]

References

  1. ^ "《共产党宣言》有23种中译本-光明日报-光明网". epaper.gmw.cn. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  2. ^ "陈望道的遗闻轶事". szb.yw.gov.cn. Archived from the original on 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  3. ^ "走得再远都不能忘记来时的路-文摘报-光明网". epaper.gmw.cn. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
  4. ^ a b Huang, Yibing (2020), Zheng, Qian (ed.), An Ideological History of the Communist Party of China, vol. 1, translated by Li, Sun; Bryant, Shelly, Montreal (Quebec) New Delhi: Royal Collins, ISBN 978-1-4878-0390-2
  5. ^ a b c d Li, Ying (2024). Red Ink: A History of Printing and Politics in China. Royal Collins Press. ISBN 978-1487812737.
  6. ^ "解密:陈望道为何退党 翻译《共产党宣言》历史细节--中国共产党新闻-人民网". dangshi.people.com.cn. Retrieved 2017-12-14.