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| Project Details |
| Funding Scheme : | General Research Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Number : | 18622622 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Title(English) : | Hong Kong Modernism in Wenyi Xinchao | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Title(Chinese) : | 《文藝新潮》與香港現代主義 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Investigator(English) : | Dr Au, Chung To | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal Investigator(Chinese) : | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Department : | Department of Literature and Cultural Studies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Institution : | The Education University of Hong Kong | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| E-mail Address : | auct@eduhk.hk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tel : | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Co - Investigator(s) : |
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| Panel : | Humanities, Social Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subject Area : | Humanities and Arts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise Year : | 2022 / 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fund Approved : | 182,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Status : | Completed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Completion Date : | 30-6-2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Project Objectives : |
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| Abstract as per original application (English/Chinese): |
No consensus has been achieved on when literary modernism began in Hong Kong. Some critics trace the beginning of Hong Kong modernism to the 1950s, while others argue that its roots lie further back. While it is difficult to determine beginning of Hong Kong modernism with precision, it is an indisputable fact that the publication of Wenyi Xinchao [Literary New Wave] in the 1950s by Ma Lang (a.k.a. Ma Boliang), who served as a poet-cum-editor of the magazine, was crucial for the later development of Hong Kong modernism. The relationship between the magazine and modernism has been the focal point for much discussion since then. However, to what extent did the magazine devote to promoting modernism is controversial. For example, while Ma Lang claimed that the magazine was meant to advocate modernism in Hong Kong in the 1950s, a major and regular contributor to the magazine, Lee Wai-Ling, thought otherwise. In the seventh issue of the magazine, Lee remarks that whether the much-used term “modernism” should be considered a catch-all term is still a question that has yet to be answered.
Despite the fact that no consensus has been reached about the relationship between the magazine and modernism, it is a common belief that the magazine has had a potent influence on the later development of Hong Kong modernism. Therefore, rather than following along with the current discussion, this proposed project will focus on the following question: What are the elements of modernism to be found in the magazine? Among previous studies it should be noted that only a few have actually investigated the characteristics of modernism. In addition, the recent development of Western modernist discourse has not been taken into account. This project aims to bridge this research gap by examining all fifteen issues of the magazine. Two distinctive features of Hong Kong modernism observed in the magazine will be discussed in detail. This study argues that the transformative political stance of the magazine, from nationalism to localism over the years, and its localized Chinese lyrical tradition are in fact a progressive and future-oriented force in the development of Hong Kong modernism.
Upon reconsidering the characteristics of modernism found in the magazine, this project will help conceptualize the distinctive features of early Hong Kong modernism.
香港現代主義究竟始於何時到目前為止還沒有定論。例如，有部分學者認為香港現代主義的起點是五十年代，但亦有研究認為應該追溯至更早的時間。雖然要為香港現代主義的起點定一個準確的年份並不容易，但一般認同《文藝新潮》在這個文學思潮中扮演十分重要的角色。《文藝新潮》於1950年代由馬朗（馬博良）出版，他本身是詩人但同時亦是這本文學雜誌的編輯。由於《文藝新潮》對香港現代主義發展影響深遠，所以兩者的關係一直是研究及討論的焦點。然而，到底《文藝新潮》多大程度上倡導現代主義仍然需要進一步討論。事實上，雖然馬朗指出《文藝新潮》是旨在推動現代主義的發展，但雜誌的主要撰稿人之一李維陵卻持不同想法。李維陵在雜誌的第七期中指出，「現代主義」這個概念能否涵蓋現代生活的種種問題是值得反思，及有待研究。 正如上述提到儘管香港現代主義的起點還沒有定論，但較能肯定的是《文藝新潮》對香港現代主義日後的發展有重要的影響，因此是項研究將集中在以下的議題上：《文藝新潮》包含了哪些現代主義的特徵？事實上，在現有的研究中只有極少數對現代主義的特質進行探討。同樣地，現有的分析亦很少參考最新的西方現代主義論述。這項研究希望透過分析雜誌全部內容（共十五期），嘗試補充這些方面的研究，其中焦點會放在以下兩種重要的特色。這個研究計劃提出並且說明這本雜誌政治取向的轉變（由民族主義改變為本土主義），以及把中國抒情傳統本地化這兩種特徵，為日後香港現代主義的發展奠定了基礎。 是項研究計畫相信通過把《文藝新潮》中主要的現代主義特色勾劃出來，會有助理解早期香港現代主義的特徵。 |
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| Realisation of objectives: | Introduction During the reporting period, significant progress has been made toward fulfilling the research objectives outlined for the study of early Hong Kong modernism, particularly through the lens of the influential literary magazine Wenyi Xinchao (Literary New Wave). Three research papers were presented at international conferences, and one of these papers, titled “The Fundamental Tenets of Early Hong Kong Modernism,” has been transformed into a journal article accepted for publication in Modernism/modernity, scheduled for June 2025. These scholarly contributions collectively address the identified gaps in the existing literature on Hong Kong modernism. Addressing the Research Objectives 1. Filling the Research Gap The primary aim of “The Fundamental Tenets” is to conceptualize the significant characteristics of early Hong Kong modernism through a systematic examination of Wenyi Xinchao. This study highlights two central tenets embodied in the magazine: its anti-communist political stance and its lyrical qualities. By focusing on the works of Ma Lang (also known as Ma Boliang or Ronald P. Mar, 1933–), who served as both a poet and the editor of Wenyi Xinchao, this research addresses the relatively underexplored features of modernism in the magazine and its alignment with contemporary Western modernist discourse. 2. Conceptualizing Hong Kong Modernism In my article, I argue that the political ideas and poetic style of Stephen Spender significantly influenced both Ma Lang's and Wenyi Xinchao's political stance and poetic preferences. This connection has historically been overlooked, and this study aims to fill that void by establishing a clearer understanding of how these influences contribute to the fundamental tenets of Hong Kong modernism. 3. Political and Traditional Perspectives The second conference paper, titled “Ma Lang’s ‘Ghost Ship’ and Early Hong Kong Modernism,” reinforces the two major tenets of early Hong Kong modernism by closely examining Ma Lang’s thirty-cent novel, Ghost Ship. This analysis not only further elucidates the political and lyrical aspects present in Wenyi Xinchao but also situates Ma Lang's work within the broader context of Hong Kong's modernist literature. 4. Contribution to the Study of Modernism The third paper, “Lyrical Modernism: A Study of the Relationship between Hong Kong Modernism and Chinese Lyrical Tradition,” explores how traditional Chinese lyrical forms have influenced the development of Hong Kong modernism. By investigating the lyrical novels of both Ma Lang and Leung Ping-kwan, this study reveals the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity. It highlights how Leung Ping-kwan’s works continue and evolve the lyrical traditions established by Ma Lang, thus enriching our understanding of modernism as a whole. Future Directions The PI is currently drafting two journal articles based on the insights gained from the conference presentations, which are scheduled for submission for peer review in December. These forthcoming articles will serve as vital reference points for future studies on Hong Kong modernism and will contribute further to the broader discourse on modernism. Conclusion In conclusion, the research outputs generated during this reporting period have made substantial strides toward achieving the project's objectives. By systematically examining Wenyi Xinchao and its relationship with early Hong Kong modernism, this study not only fills a significant research gap but also enhances our understanding of the complex dynamics between politics, tradition, and modernity in the literary landscape of Hong Kong. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summary of objectives addressed: |
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| Research Outcome | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Major findings and research outcome: | This study has produced significant findings that enhance the understanding of early Hong Kong modernism through the examination of Wenyi Xinchao. The key findings are as follows: 1. Conceptual Framework of Early Hong Kong Modernism The analysis of Wenyi Xinchao reveals two fundamental tenets of early Hong Kong modernism: an anti-communist political stance and a lyrical quality. These characteristics reflect the socio-political context of Hong Kong during the early modernist period and serve as critical lenses for understanding early modernist literature. 2. Influence of Stephen Spender The research identifies the important influence of British poet Stephen Spender on Ma Lang and Wenyi Xinchao. Spender's political ideas and poetic style significantly shaped the magazine's editorial direction and the works of its contributors, illustrating the transnational dimensions of modernism and how Western influences permeated Hong Kong's literary scene. 3. Exploration of Ma Lang’s Works The examination of Ma Lang’s thirty-cent novel, Ghost Ship, reinforces the established tenets of early Hong Kong modernism. This narrative exemplifies the anti-communist sentiment of the time while integrating lyrical elements resonant with traditional Chinese poetic forms. This duality highlights the complex interplay between modernity and tradition in Ma Lang's work, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the development of Hong Kong modernism. 4. Lyrical Tradition and Modernism The study of the relationship between Hong Kong modernism and Chinese lyrical tradition reveals that traditional poetry significantly shaped the modernist literary landscape. By analyzing works by Ma Lang and Leung Ping-kwan, the research shows how contemporary authors have drawn upon and evolved these lyrical traditions, enriching the narrative of Hong Kong modernism. The concept of the "lyrical novel" emerges as a distinctive form that bridges past and present literary practices. 5. Contribution to Future Research The findings advance the understanding of early Hong Kong modernism and provide a foundational reference for future scholarly work in this area. Insights gained can inform ongoing discussions about the interplay between politics, tradition, and modernity within modernist studies. Research Outcomes The research outputs include three conference papers, the acceptance of one journal article for publication, and the development of two additional articles that will further explore these themes. These contributions are set to enhance the academic discourse surrounding Hong Kong modernism and serve as valuable resources for researchers interested in the intersections of literature, politics, and cultural identity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potential for further development of the research and the proposed course of action: |
The findings from this study on early Hong Kong modernism open several avenues for further research. First, a deeper exploration of the works of lesser-known contributors to Wenyi Xinchao could illuminate additional perspectives on modernism in Hong Kong, enriching the discourse surrounding the magazine's impact. Second, comparative studies between Hong Kong modernism and other regional modernist movements can enhance understanding of the unique characteristics and influences that shape literary practices across cultures. To advance this research, the proposed course of action includes the submission of two additional journal articles based on the findings from recent conference presentations. These articles will delve into the intricate relationships between political ideologies and literary forms, as well as the evolution of lyrical traditions in contemporary literature. Moreover, organizing a symposium focused on Hong Kong modernism could foster collaborative discussions among scholars, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and attracting new research interests in this vital area of study. By pursuing these initiatives, the research can significantly contribute to a broader understanding of modernism and its diverse manifestations in a global context. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Layman's Summary of Completion Report: | This research explores the early modernist movement in Hong Kong, focusing on the influential literary magazine Wenyi Xinchao (Literary New Wave). The study identifies two key features of early Hong Kong modernism: an anti-communist political stance and a lyrical quality, both of which reflect the social and political climate of the time. One major finding is the significant influence of British poet Stephen Spender on the magazine and its editor, Ma Lang, highlighting how Western ideas shaped local literature. The research also examines Ma Lang's novel Ghost Ship, which embodies these modernist traits while drawing on traditional Chinese poetry. Additionally, the study reveals how contemporary writers like Leung Ping-kwan have continued to evolve these lyrical traditions, blending the old with the new in their works. Looking ahead, the research proposes further exploration of other contributors to Wenyi Xinchao and comparisons with modernist movements in other regions. By publishing additional articles and organizing discussions among scholars, this study aims to deepen our understanding of Hong Kong's unique literary landscape and its place within the broader context of global modernism. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research Output | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Peer-reviewed journal publication(s) arising directly from this research project : (* denotes the corresponding author) |
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| Recognized international conference(s) in which paper(s) related to this research project was/were delivered : |
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| Other impact (e.g. award of patents or prizes, collaboration with other research institutions, technology transfer, etc.): |
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| SCREEN ID: SCRRM00542 |