El invento de Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618) para el aprendizaje del chino mediante partituras musicales

Method for the learning of Chinese through musical staffs invented by Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618)

Abstract

Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618), a Spanish Jesuit, stands out as a pioneering Western contributor to the development of the Hanyu pinyin method, a cornerstone in learning the Chinese language. His unique approach integrated his knowledge of music, utilizing musical staffs as an innovative tool to facilitate mastery of Chinese tones. Despite the significance of this contribution, there has been a noticeable gap in both Chinese and international academic circles, with a lack of comprehensive study on this aspect of Pantoja's work. This oversight may stem from the fragmentary nature of the historical sources concerning this invention. Consequently, the method’s details often remain unexplored in discussions about Pantoja’s contributions. Our study aims to bridge this gap by meticulously analyzing primary sources from the Ming and Qing dynasties. We provide an in-depth exploration and discussion of Pantoja’s musical pinyin method, offering new insights into its application and impact on the early European settlers in China. This research not only sheds light on Pantoja’s innovative techniques but also contributes to a better understanding of the cross-cultural exchange during this period.