A richly empirical discussion of ethnic identity formation in the ancient world, presenting the peoples of China's southern frontier.

In this innovative study, Erica Fox Brindley examines how, during the period 400 BCE–50 CE, Chinese states and an embryonic Chinese empire interacted with peoples referred to as the Yue/Viet along its southern frontier. Brindley provides an overview of current theories in archaeology and linguistics concerning the peoples of the ancient southern frontier of China, the closest relations on the mainland to certain later Southeast Asian and Polynesian peoples. Through analysis of warring states and early Han textual sources, she shows how representations of Chinese and Yue identity invariably fed upon, and often grew out of, a two-way process of centering the self while de-centering the other. Examining rebellions, pivotal ruling figures from various Yue states, and key moments of Yue agency, Brindley demonstrates the complexities involved in identity formation and cultural hybridization in the ancient world, and highlights the ancestry of cultures now associated with southern China and Vietnam.

"In this innovative study, Erica Brindley examines how, during the period 400 BCE-50 CE, Chinese states and an embryonic Chinese empire interacted with peoples referred to as the Yue/Viet along its southern frontier. Brindley provides an overview of current theories in archaeology and linguistics concerning the peoples of the ancient southern frontier of China, the closest relations on the mainland to certain later Southeast Asian and Polynesian peoples. Through analysis of Warring States and early Han textual sources, she shows how representations of Chinese and Yue identity invariably fed upon, and often grew out of, a two-way process of centering the self while de-centering the other. Examining rebellions, pivotal ruling figures from various Yue states, and key moments of Yue agency, Brindley demonstrates the complexities involved in identity formation and cultural hybridization in the ancient world and highlights the ancestry of cultures now associated with southern China and Vietnam"--

"In this innovative study, Erica Brindley examines how, during the period 400 BCE-50 CE, Chinese states and an embryonic Chinese empire interacted with peoples referred to as the Yue/Viet along its southern frontier. Brindley provides an overview of current theories in archaeology and linguistics concerning the peoples of the ancient southern frontier of China, the closest relations on the mainland to certain later Southeast Asian and Polynesian peoples. Through analysis of Warring States and early Han textual sources, she shows how representations of Chinese and Yue identity invariably fed upon, and often grew out of, a two-way process of centering the self while de-centering the other. Examining rebellions, pivotal ruling figures from various Yue states, and key moments of Yue agency, Brindley demonstrates the complexities involved in identity formation and cultural hybridization in the ancient world and highlights the ancestry of cultures now associated with southern China and Vietnam"--

This open access book presents multidisciplinary research on the cultural history, ethnic connectivity, and oceanic transportation of the ancient Indigenous Bai Yue (百越) in the prehistoric maritime region of southeast China and southeast Asia. In this maritime Frontier of China, historical documents demonstrate the development of the “barbarian” Bai Yue and Island Yi (岛夷) and their cultural interaction with the northern Huaxia (华夏) in early Chinese civilization within the geopolitical order of the “Central State-Four Peripheries Barbarians-Four Seas”. Archaeological typologies of the prehistoric remains reveal a unique cultural tradition dominantly originating from the local Paleolithic age and continuing to early Neolithization across this border region. Further analysis of material culture from the Neolithic to the Early Iron Age proves the stability and resilience of the indigenous cultures even with the migratory expansion of Huaxia and Han (汉) from north to south. Ethnographical investigations of aboriginal heritage highlight their native cultural context, seafaring technology and navigation techniques, and their interaction with Austronesian and other foreign maritime ethnicities. In a word, this manuscript presents a new perspective on the unique cultural landscape of indigenous ethnicities in southeast China with thousands of years’ stable tradition, a remarkable maritime orientation and overseas cultural hybridization in the coastal region of southeast China.

Modern forces converge and gender roles are challenged in this volume that explores the influence of Yue opera - a subgenre of Chinese opera that transformed all-male opera into an all-female art forms, with women cross-dressing as male characters.

Marina Zhang addresses her topic with vigor and a touch of involved passion that is often missing from the clinical analyses that frequent the China business bookshelves. The impact of technology on china's development and the way it is so thoroughly informing China's economic and social transformation is a significant insight which Ms. Zhang's book explores in well-researched detail and through fresh eyes. China 2.0 is a cogent and worthwhile addition to any china businessman's or scholar's bookshelf. - Clinton Dines, Former CEO, BHP Billiton China There is no lack of opinions about china, and certainly there is much information. Those that succeed know how to find information that is factual, rich and that can serve as a guide. That is what china 2.0 does. It is a resourceful guide for anyone looking for success in china's booming economy. - Scott Kronick, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Beijing Want to reach China's one billion consumers? then China 2.0 will be your indispensible guide to understanding this transforming giant, from leveraging Internet and Web 2.0 channels to working with China's emerging private capital markets. Don't venture into china without it! - Charlene Li, Partner, Altimeter Group, and Co-author of Groundswell A key question in china's evolution towards a fully modern economy is whether it can develop efficient and possibly new types of firm and new social institutions. This will depend heavily on how information comes to be handled. this pioneering book compellingly explores this highly significant new questions. - Gordon Redding, Professor of Asian Business, INSEAD, and Author of The Future of Chinese Capitalism The unique and compelling viewpoint offered by Marina Zhang on the changes in china, and the impact that new and emerging technologies are having in this transformation, makes China 2.0 a positive exception to the question of whether or not the world really needs another China business book. - Michael Ricks, CEO, Investor Growth capital Asia Limited and Former CEO, Ericsson China This book opens the lid on the new era that has begun inside China as it is transformed by the power of new technologies, led by Web 2.0. With insights that only an insider can bring, it deftly highlights the opportunities and challenges for business people, policymakers, researchers and students alike. If reading this book doesn't open your eyes, cause you to abandon old prejudices and lead you to redefine your responses to one of the most far-reaching developments in the world today, then nothing will! - Peter J. Williamson, Professor of International Management, Judge business School, University of Cambridge, and Author of Dragons at Your Door