Abstract：Based on the translation and editorial process of the Chinese edition of the Dictionary of Human Geography (edited by R.J.Johnston et al, 3rd edition), the authors outline the recent research dynamics of Human Geography in western countries, and point out the differences and gaps of research in this field between China and the western world.
Concerning the differences and gaps of research between China and western countries, another three aspects can be concluded as follows. Firstly, the ways and methods of research adopted in China remain to be improved. Although the Human Geography research in China also experienced the quantitative revolution,which greatly increased the practical value of research, however, due to most Chinese researchers lacking good mathematical bases, to a certain extent, the ways they take are still subjective, the methods they adopt to analyze the data collected are still backward. Secondly, the contents of research lack depth. Over a long period of time, most Chinese researchers put their attention on description & induction and seldom on deduction & inference, in other words, they are skilled in phenomenon description, but lack of bring forth new ideas in theory. Under such situation, the theoretical development of Human Geography in China is very slow and the China characteristic theoretical system is far from being established, many thoughts, theories and models have to be imported from western countries. However, due to the differences at many aspects between China and western countries, such as the political systems, cultural tradition, value concepts as well as natural environment, the western theories are not suited to the research and practice in China. Thirdly, the scope of research is narrow and the development of sub-disciplines is imbalanced. From this point of view, the research of Human Geography in China has great development potential, however, for the Chinese human geographers, the burden is still heavy and the road is still long.
田文祝, 柴彦威, 李平. 当代西方人文地理学研究动态——《人文地理学词典》评述[J]. 人文地理, 2005, 20(4): 125-128.
TIAN Wen-zhu, CHAI Yan-wei, LI Ping. THE RESEARCH DYNAMICS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY IN WESTERN COUNTRIES——A Review of The Dictionary of Human Geography. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, 2005, 20(4): 125-128.
