Summary
This book argues that by analyzing the development and transmission of Chinese vocabulary across time and space, one can trace the historical trajectory and cultural exchange between different ethnic groups in China. It examines specific cultural domains, including food, numbers, animals, kinship terms, and place names, to illustrate linguistic evolution and inter-group communication.
The book employs a linguistic lens to dissect these cultural facets, considering both diachronic (temporal evolution) and synchronic (spatial diffusion and interaction) perspectives. Through this analysis of language, it seeks to reveal the historical memory and cultural identity of Chinese people.
Key concepts
- Linguistic perspective — The book uses linguistics as its primary approach to understanding cultural phenomena.
- Temporal dimension (纵向的时间维度) — Analysis of language development and evolution over time.
- Spatial dimension (横向的空间维度) — Examination of the spread and exchange between different languages.
- Cultural memory (文化记忆) — The historical imprint and collective remembrance embedded within language.
- Ethnic group historical development and cultural exchange (不同民族间的历史发展与文化交流) — The book maps the interconnected progress and interactions between various Chinese ethnic groups.
From the book
Description: 本书从语言学的角度切入，分别深入探讨了中国的饮食、数字、动物、称谓、地名等方面的文化。一方面，作者从纵向的时间维度，分析语言的发展、演变；另一方面，又从横向的空间维度，探讨不同语言之间的传播、交流。作者借由语言，探索中国人的历史与文化记忆，为我们描绘出一条清晰的、不同民族间的历史发展与文化交流轨迹。