Chinese Archaeology as a Discourse Practice

Multiple factors and a variety of forces jointly promote the development of Chinese ar­chaeological discourse practice. The materiality and the substantiality of archaeological sub­ject make Chinese archaeologists believe that they are engaged in a scientific and objective work, and they avoid the discussion of highly uncertain signified meaning as much as pos­sible. Therefore, the archaeology cannot fully meet its goal of humanity. Although it often states that it aims at the study of the (whole) ancient society and life, actually what they do mostly belongs to chronology. Archeology in China is characterized by the state-orientated ideology and the pan-administrative disciplinary management model under bureaucracy, which will ensure the development of archaeological activities. And so far, the archaeo­logical publication, evaluation and talent cultivation systems still largely copy, extend and strengthen the traditional role of the discourse.

Keywords: Chinese Archaeology, Discourse, Theory.

Chinese Archaeology as a Discourse Practice