澳门作为飞地的“危”与“机”——16-19世纪华洋交往中的小人物

16-19世纪的三百年间,澳门在近代全球贸易体系中扮演过一个举足轻重的角色.作为一块特殊的“飞地”,清朝政府从未放弃澳门主权,葡萄牙政府对澳门进行局部的、有限的管治.这种独特的人文地理环境,给世界各国的冒险家提供了大大小小的生存机会.以船民、通事、工匠、仆人为代表的历史小人物,利用澳门这个舞台与外部世界交流沟通,依靠日益繁盛的中外贸易谋生,熟练掌握和传播西洋文明的知识,甚至得到出洋的机会.这类目不识丁的平民百姓,往往比读书人更具冒险精神和开拓意识,更早走出中国和开眼看世界,对澳门乃至中国历史发挥着潜移默化的作用.

Life Experience of Plebian in Macau from the 16th to the 19th Century

Playing a vital role in the global trading network from the 16th to the 19th centuries,Macau could be considered an "enclave" from the Chinese government’s point of view or "exclave" in the eyes of the Portuguese government.It was against such a unique human geographical context that adventurers found Macau a heaven to seek opportunities.Focusing on four categories of people,namely,boat people,interpreters,craftsmen,and servants,this article demonstrates how plebian in Macau was able to master practical Western skills and knowledge while working with Westerners.Some of them even went aboard and worked overseas.Many of them were not only able to make a living but also achieve upward social mobility.Compared to most Chinese literati,the plebian,who was in most cases illiterate,was more adventurous to gain a glimpse of the outside world.The long-term impact that they left on Macau and China should never be underestimated.