Aséanie
A new journal
Since the disappearance of journals like the Bulletin de la Société des Études Indochinoises, the Cahiers d'Asie du Sud-Est and Intermondes, francophone scholars on Southeast Asia have lacked a forum of expression covering the whole area of Southeast Asia. In 1997 a group of French-speaking scholars in Thailand took the intitiative to create the journal Aséanie Sciences humaines en Asie du Sud-Est.
The scholars, with the support of the cultural section of the French embassy in Thailand, the Institut de Recherche sur le Développement (former ORSTOM), the CNRS, and the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), aimed at creating a journal of social sciences focusing on Southeast Asia that would enjoy the active support of francophone scholars working in the field of Southeast Asian studies. The journal's name, Aséanie, was inspired by the political and economic reality of ASEAN. Stretching beyond the limits of regional institutions, the name conveys the sense of unity of a region perceived as a continent by itself.
Aséanie was also designed to disseminate the research work of scholars from Southeast Asian countries who mainly use French for scientific communication. In a wider perspective, and with a growing number of fundamental contributions, Aséanie hopes to become a reference tool for the francophone researchers on Southeast Asia. Challenged by an important number of excellent English-language journals in the field of Southeast Asian studies, Aséanie does not see itself as a rival product. Building on the long-standing tradition and the values of French scholarship, Aséanie aims at cultivating the original features inherent in this tradition and thus contributing to scientific dialogue and exchange.
The inaugural issue of the journal was published in March 1998. Currently Number Four is being prepared and due to be published in Autumn 1999. Articles in the first three issues cover the majority of Southeast Asian countries and reflect new research in archaeology, anthropology, history, literature, and sociology. Besides English abstracts of the articles, reviews, and bibliographical notes, every issue contains the reprint of a rare article or of source material together with an introduction and comments that underscore its enduring value. Since its inception, Aséanie has been well received and enjoys the active support of an increasing number of institutions. Remarkably, the positive response stretches well beyond the mainly French-speaking scientific community.
Aséanie is published bi-annually in Bangkok under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with the logistical support of the Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Silpakorn University).
Aséanie welcomes contributions that are based on original research in the area of social sciences and humanities. The journal is also open for contributions on economic, political, and legal topics if they deal with questions of general interest and broad outlook. Contributors may submit articles or reviews in French or English, though some priority will be given to French. Articles submitted are refereed. *
Aséanie Sciences humaines en Asie du Sud-Est is edited by François Lagirarde with the support of a board of editorial advisors at:
SIRINDHORN ANTHROPOLOGY CENTRE
20 Boromarachachonnani Road
Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Thailand
E-mail: aseanie@sac.or.th.