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Paper abstract:

This paper studies a unique Manchu-Mongolic-Turkic trilingual edict from Qing to Qoqand in 1788, this study combines the methods of linguistics, philology, and history. The main content of this edict was enticing the ruler of Qoqand to capture Samsaq, the escaped orphan of Burhan id-din Khoja, and send him to Qing. I offer the transcription and translation of all three language versions and the translation of its Chinese version for the first time. Through analyzing the text for its linguistic features and translation features, I point out its original text was Manchu, and all other versions were translated from Manchu. I argue this document shows the absence of Chinese in the Qing court’s multilingualism in contact with the area outside the Sinosphere, and the role of Oirat Mongolic in Central Asia even 30 years after the falling of Jungars, and the Qomul Turkic has left a deep mark on the Qing court’s vernacular Turkic practicing in Peking. Then I introduce the historical background of this document and explain why and how this edict was not delivered. I also argue that the fate and whereabouts of Samsaq have all along been tracking Qing’s attention because he was holding the legitimacy of ruling the Qing newly conquered land, and the Central Asian rulers were not cooperating with Qing on this issue. I argue this document is not only important for history but also for historical Turkic linguistics, and I also emphasize that this edict is the only cultural relic that remained nowadays among all the others. This paper is based on first-hand materials, including archives and other historical materials.