Germogli di un altro sapere dal lontano Occidente: analisi dei neologismi nel Zhifang waiji di Giulio Aleni S.J.

This thesis examines the contribution to the formation of modern Chinese lexicon made by Jesuit missionary Giulio Aleni from Brescia (1582-1649). In particular, this work aims at analysing the Chinese neologisms included in Giulio Aleni’s Zhifang waiji (“Record of Foreign Lands”). The dissertation consists of four chapters: chapter 1 gives a general introduction about the spread of Christianity in China, from Nestorians in the Tang period to Catholic missionaries during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There is an accurate analysis of the Jesuits’ missionary works, in particular of Father Matteo Ricci’s. This chapter is necessary to understand the strategy that the Jesuits adopted in China in order to preach Christianity as well as the reasons why they compiled numerous scientific works in Chinese. The chapter ends with a description of the “ Chinese Rites Controversy” that took place during the first years of the Qing period and the consequent suppression of the Jesuit order. Chapter 2 introduces Father Giulio Aleni and analyses the milestones of his life, from his studies in Italy to the end of his missionary activities in the Fujian province. Chapter 3 aims at describing the literary activity of Giulio Aleni. In particular, it includes a brief description of the Zhifang waiji, the text which this thesis focuses on. Chapter 4 analyses the neologisms retrievable in the Zhifang waiji. It includes an introduction to the principal features of Chinese Linguistics and to word-formation methods in Chinese.