An Interpretation of the Great Poet Li Bai’s Bilingual and Biliterate Abilities: A Review Article

In this study, the researcher examines the purported bilingual/biliterate abilities of the famed Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762). The evidence for this claim has been based on Li Bai being allegedly able to translate a letter sent to the Tang Emperor Xuanzong, the Chinese emperor reigning from 712 to 756. This letter was purportedly sent from officials from the Kingdom of Bó-Hǎi, a Korean kingdom known as Parhae or Balhae in Korean. Parhae (Balhae) was in existence as an independent kingdom from 698 to 926.