Migration and Technological Dialogue in Early Modern East Asia: A Historiographical Review

Abstract

By reviewing historiographical trends within existing scholarship on migration and movement, and knowledge and technological dialogue in early modern East Asia, this article demonstrates how these bodies of work have become increasingly interdisciplinary and inclusive, thereby challenging prior characterisations of the region. Recent trends within the field combined with considerations of embodiment are, however, laying the groundwork for more meaningful integration by examining how migrants actually transferred, adapted, and leveraged their knowledge and skills. This article concludes by pointing to the potential to fully bring to the fore the complex nature of both migrants and technological dialogue.