Chen Wangdao

Chen Wangdao

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 person who known that translated 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] Since 1915, he studied at Waseda University, Toyo University and Chuo University successively. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws at Chuo University eventually. The experience in Japan brought him into contact with communist ideas.^[3]

Chen backed to China as the May Fourth Movement began. He found a job to teach 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 the hometown in 1920.

Thereafter, he assented to the request of Dai Jitao to translate the Communist Manifesto. Dai provided a translation in Japanese. Besides, Li Dazhao also provided its English version.

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 CPC, after it was established in 1921. He was at odds with Chen Duxiu soon. Thus, he left the party in 1922. He rejoined the party in 1957.^[4]

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