Florence Yeh Chia-ying (葉嘉瑩 Yeh Chia-ying / 叶嘉莹 Yè Jiāyíng): A Tribute to Her Life and Legacy

Life and Contributions

Early Life and Education

Ye Jiaying, also known as Florence Chia-ying Yeh, was born on July 2, 1924, in Beijing, China. She hailed from a prominent Manchu family and began composing poetry at the age of ten. In 1945, she graduated from Fu Jen Catholic University, where she was mentored by the esteemed scholar Gu Sui.

Career and Impact

Ye Jiaying’s career spanned several decades and continents. She taught at various prestigious institutions, including National Taiwan University, Harvard University, and the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. At UBC, she served as a professor for 20 years and was later named Professor Emerita upon her retirement in 1989. Her work in Canada helped bridge cultural gaps and brought classical Chinese poetry to a broader audience.

Legacy in China and Canada

After retiring from UBC, Ye Jiaying continued to teach in China, where she founded the Institute of Chinese Classical Culture at Nankai University in Tianjin. She was deeply committed to preserving and promoting classical Chinese literature, often teaching for free and funding scholarships with her own money. Her dedication earned her the title of “the teacher of masters,” as she mentored many prominent Chinese literary figures.

Philanthropic Contributions

In a remarkable act of generosity, Ye Jiaying donated her entire savings and earnings—totaling 35.68 million yuan (approximately 4.93 million USD)—to Nankai University in 2018 and 2019. This substantial contribution was designated to support research on traditional Chinese culture, underscoring her unwavering commitment to education and the preservation of cultural heritage. ^[1]

Famous Poems

《哭女詩十首》 (“Ten Poems Crying for My Daughter”)

This collection of ten poems was written by Ye Jiaying after the tragic death of her daughter and son-in-law. The poems are a poignant expression of her profound grief and loss. They capture the raw emotions of a mother mourning her child, reflecting on the fragility of life and the depth of her sorrow.

Famous Quote:

“淚眼問花花不語，亂紅飛過鞦韆去。”

(“With tearful eyes, I ask the flowers, but they do not speak; scattered red petals fly past the swing.”)

《回憶臺灣白色恐怖時代》 (“Remembering the White Terror Era in Taiwan”)

In this work, Ye Jiaying reflects on her experiences during the White Terror period in Taiwan, a time of political repression and persecution. The poems in this collection convey the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of those who lived through this tumultuous era. They serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of political strife and the enduring spirit of those who survive it.

Famous Quote:

“白色恐怖，心中永難忘。”

(“The White Terror, forever unforgettable in my heart.”)

《迦陵詩稿》 (“Jialing Poetry Manuscript”)

This extensive collection includes 540 poems composed by Ye Jiaying between 1939 and 1995. The poems cover a wide range of themes, from personal reflections and historical events to nature and philosophical musings. The collection showcases her mastery of classical Chinese poetry and her ability to weave complex emotions and thoughts into her work.

Famous Quote:

“人生如夢，一樽還酹江月。”

(“Life is like a dream; let us offer a cup of wine to the river moon.”)

Well-known Students

Ye Jiaying mentored many prominent literary figures throughout her illustrious career. Some of her well-known students include:

• 白先勇 (Pai Hsien-yung): A renowned Taiwanese writer, known for his contributions to modern Chinese literature and his novel “Crystal Boys” (孽子).

• 陳映真 (Chen Yingzhen): A significant Taiwanese writer and social critic, recognized for his works that explore social and political issues in Taiwan.

• 席慕蓉 (Xi Murong): A celebrated poet, essayist, and painter, whose works are widely read in the Chinese-speaking world.

• 蔣勳 (Jiang Xun): A respected writer, poet, and art critic, known for his essays and literary criticism.

Conclusion

Ye Jiaying’s contributions to both Canada and China are immense. In Canada, she played a crucial role in introducing and popularizing classical Chinese poetry, enriching the cultural fabric of the country. Her work at UBC and her efforts to foster cross-cultural understanding have left a lasting legacy.

In China, her dedication to teaching and preserving classical literature has inspired generations of students and scholars. Her efforts to revive interest in classical poetry after the Cultural Revolution were particularly impactful, helping to restore a vital part of China’s cultural heritage.

Ye Jiaying’s life and work exemplify the power of cultural exchange and the enduring value of classical literature. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between East and West.