Linking past insights with contemporary understanding: an ontological and knowledge graph approach to the transmission of ancient Chinese classics

Abstract Ancient Chinese classics embody and transmit the intellectual heritage of China across generations. These texts, rich in enduring ideas, narratives, and insights, have been passed down through a lengthy historical process. While digital modeling of cultural heritage has advanced, research that integrates both the unique characteristics of these classics and their transmission processes remains limited. This study introduces ClaOnto, an ontology specifically designed for ancient Chinese classics. It captures the various versions of these texts and their interrelations, contents, related individuals, locations, periods, and languages. It also emphasizes the processes and evaluations involved in their transmission. This contributes to a more nuanced understanding and increased awareness of preserving ancient classics. ClaOnto comprises three modules: Basic Information, Transmission Information, and Evaluation Information. Its development involved adapting and enhancing existing mature ontologies, as well as designing new concepts and relationships to articulate the knowledge and intangible values transmitted through these classics across generations. Additionally, by employing methods such as data mining, text analysis, and data visualization, this study outlines a workflow for implementing this ontology-based knowledge graph, demonstrated using the Tao Te Ching as a case study. The methodological enhancement enriches the analysis of how the intangible value in classics manifests through transmission.