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2024 Vol. 9, No. 2
Published: 2024-03-10

 
1 A Chinese Character Is Composed of Form, Sound, and Meaning, but What Is the Sound Component?
Liu Danqing
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 1-1 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
5 The Modern Transformation and Disciplinary Development of Graphology
Huang Dekuan
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240201
In the contemporary humanistic disciplinary framework of China, graphology stands out as one of the disciplines with the longest historical lineage and successful realization of modern transformation. The transition of graphology from traditional “xiaoxue” (small studies) to a modern discipline serves as a typical example. This evolution is characterized by the gradual separation from “xiaoxue”, the establishment of a system centered around the study of Chinese character forms, the emergence of sub-disciplines such as classical Chinese character studies, modern Chinese character studies, and the creation of a terminology system reflecting fundamental theories. These milestones constitute crucial junctures in the transformation and development of graphological, illustrating the historical progression of its evolution and representing the continuous advancement of the discipline. Through summarizing the experiences gained from the modern transformation of graphology, this study reveals the historical factors and limitations influencing its transformative development. Such insights are indispensable for advancing the construction of philological disciplines in the new era. Research in contemporary graphology should consistently bolster awareness of modern disciplines, strive to overcome historical limitations inherent in the transitional period, and further enhance the levels of disciplinary construction and academic research. This effort is pivotal for establishing the disciplinary status and academic value of modern graphology within the framework of constructing a distinctive Chinese philosophy and social sciences system, academic system, and discourse system. In the course of the modern transformation and development of graphological, certain conspicuous limitations have also been identified. We posit that there are four key aspects deserving attention in this regard. This paper further outlines the tasks to be undertaken in order to achieve the objectives of philological disciplinary construction.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 5-14 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
15 Introduction: The Systemic Significance of Core Lexicon and the Depth of Philosophical Translation
Han Shuifa
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 15-16 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
17 Translation of the German Word “Recht”: A Specific Predicament Encountered by Hanese Philosophy
Wen Bing
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240202
The German word Recht contains multiple layers of meaning such as “justice”, “fairness”, “rights”, “law”, etc. To examine the Chinese translations of Recht in important works of Marx and Engels into Chinese, and clarify the correspondences between Recht and the translated terms such as “law”, “right” and “legal right”, we can find that it is difficult for these translations to fully express the essence of Recht. This challenge arises due to the divergence in language and consciousness reflected in cultural traditions and ways of thinking, and behind them are differences that are rooted in distinct historical developments. The Germanic peoples inherited Roman law more than other European countries in the process of conquering ancient Rome. The word Recht carries the concept of “justice” and “rights” based on the principles of equality and freedom that originated in the establishment of the Roman city-states and are semantically related to the concept of “justice” and “rights”, which are absent in the Chinese legal tradition. The intricate relationship among language, consciousness, and the world can be explored through the translation of such important keywords. The exploration of the multilayered meanings of these crucial terms can reveal the underlying realities and historical development behind the linguistic and conceptual orders, which precisely constitutes an area where Hanese philosophy can focus its efforts.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 17-27 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
28 The Lexical Change and Intellectual Development of the Key Concept of “Selflessness” in Hanese Philosophy
He Huanhuan
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240203
“Selflessness” is a key concept in Buddhist philosophy. From the perspective of the negative expressions in Sanskrit, the negation of “self” in Buddhism, that is, “selflessness”, can be divided into two categories. Firstly, it denies the existence of “self” without any affirmation, and “selflessness” means the non-existence of nature or subject (in the reincarnation). Secondly, by excluding attributes such as “permanent, unique, autonomous, and dominant”, it affirms the “consciousness” that has no such attributes, and “selflessness” equals “consciousness-only”. However, Chinese translated Buddhist scriptures do not make this distinction or even cannot distinguish these two categories. Therefore, the translated terms “selflessness” and “not-self” actually obstruct the correct understanding of “selflessness” in its original context. When Buddhism first entered into China, Lao-Zhuang terminology was often used to translate Buddhist texts. The “not-body” originated from Laozi’s “non-body” was used to translate the “selflessness”. Later, “not-body” was completely replaced by “selflessness” which originated from the “I lost myself” of Zhuangzi. As Buddhist thought penetrated into Chinese culture, the “selflessness” of Buddhism came into Confucianism, and important changes occurred in the meaning and usage of the term. The “selflessness” of Confucianism originates from Confucius’ “selfless”, however, by the influence of Buddhist doctrines, Neo-Confucianists of Song and Ming Dynasties’ understanding of “self” had changed from self-interest into the subject of self-interest, which interprets the ontological meaning of “selflessness” of Buddhism as a concept that mainly expresses the moral realm in Confucian system. The lexical change and intellectual development of “selflessness” from Chinese translation into Sinicization/Chineseization show a typical model of foreign language to spread, to develop, to integrate, and finally to become a part of Hanese philosophy.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 28-40 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
41 International Study of Language Conflict: Retrospect and Prospect
Fang Xiaobing
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240204
Based on extant literature drawn from WoS and other databases, this paper reviews the current state of international language conflict research, including the definitions, categories, causes, research methods, and differences between language conflict and language competition. It is found that four theoretical frameworks have been applied in the existing studies: language contact theory, language security theory, language identity theory and linguistic rights theory. The following three research gaps can be identified. Firstly, the abundance of empirical research and lack of theoretical construction makes it difficult to form any influential schools of thought; secondly, the focus on isolated case studies neglects the need for comparative and comprehensive research; thirdly, the lack of practical solutions reduces the social relevance and value of research. Future research should examine language conflicts at the level of international organizations, consider linguistic ethics along with linguistic rights, and establish long-term mechanisms for preventing and managing language conflicts.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 41-52 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
53 The Croatian Language and National Construction from the Perspective of Conflict
Dai Manchun
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240205
In explorations of language conflicts, Croatia is a case in point, where language, triggering conflicts, was instrumentalized in conflicts as well. Political and intellectual elites in Croatia deliberately separated their language from those used by other South Slavs with resort to collective narratives of languages, and attempted to justify Croatian national identity through the naming of the Croatian language as a national language, as well as language standardization and normalization. Pluricentric variation in language policies and public reactions to policy changes during the period of Yugoslavia fully reflected Croatian elites’ intended use of language naming in constructing an independent Croatian national identity. The relationship between the Croatian and the Serbian languages named as one single language or separate ones, entangled with national sentiments and political issues, witnessed Croatia’s historical process of seeking independence. After the establishment of Croatia as an independent state, academic criticisms of the old name Serbo-Croatian and claiming credit for the Croatian language standardization and development reflected a long-lasting minority language mentality. This article’s historical account of the Croatian language and nation-building demonstrates the significant role of language in constructing national identity and establishing an independent nation to the effect that language conflicts could be a vital force in breaking a nation and its national identity. In line with the above discussion, in the contemporary context of protecting Chinese dialects and ethnic minority languages, we must keep alert to detrimental effects of perceived “separatist linguistic nationalism” and historical misreading or distorted interpretations on the building of a Community for the Chinese Nation, and thus the whole society is encouraged to join efforts in promoting Putonghua and its writing system as our national common language.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 53-63 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
64 Data-Based Statistical Study of Language Conflicts in Europe Over the Past Forty Years
He Shanhua and Wang Jingwen
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240206
Europe is a region characterized by the coexistence of linguistic diversity and language conflicts for centuries. This paper offers a panoramic examination and in-depth case analyses of language conflict events in Europe since 1980. The study draws upon existing databases, including the Protest and Coercion Data, Hate Crime Data, and the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, incorporating the HIEF (Heterogeneity Index of Ethnic Fractionalization) into the discussion. Over the past 40 years, language conflicts have been documented in 60% of European countries (27 countries), involving 43 languages, indicative of the widespread prevalence of the phenomenon. While the proportion of language conflicts, relative to the total number of conflict events, is not substantial, their impact is noteworthy. The primary issues raised in these conflicts pertain to administration, education, and justice, among others, with most being peacefully resolved, primarily through legislative measures on language rights. However, in regions with deeply entrenched nationalist ideologies, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe—including Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Ukraine—language conflicts have escalated into serious armed conflicts or diplomatic frictions, raising significant concerns at the European regional level. As European societies and governments adopt a more tolerant attitude towards linguistic super-diversity, language conflicts may persist on a broad scale but with diminished intensity, which introduces new challenges for future research and language management.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 64-76 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
77 Review of International Literature on Language Issues Related to Climate Change
Xu Xiaoying and Wang Chunhui
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240207
Climate change, driven by both human activities and natural factors and characterized by global warming, is the most urgent common challenge facing human society. Over the past three decades, the research on “climate change” and “climate change-related language issues” has witnessed rapid growth, emerging as an interdisciplinary research area. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the international research literature on “climate change-related language issues”. Five major research topics have been identified, namely, climate change and language migration and loss, language accessibility, discoursive power and construction of discourse representation, vocabulary issues and speech therapy. Findings show that research on these topics exhibits four main characteristics. Namely, 1) The multidisciplinary nature of climate change research determines the multidisciplinary nature of climate change-related language issues; 2) While climate change-related language issues have global commonality shared by all human beings on one hand and these studies also have national/regional disparity on the other hand; 3) Climate justice has been at the core of climate change-related language issues; 4) It has been the climate change controversies that formulate the research topics of climate change-related language issues. In conclusion, this paper suggests that whereas China actively participates in global climate governance, the Chinese linguistic community should focus on and actively engage in the research of climate change-related language issues, thereby enhancing the influence of linguistics in the realm of climate change research.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 77-88 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
89 Towards an Interdisciplinary Paradigm for Research on Weather Expressions
Dong Sicong
DOI: 10.19689/j.cnki.cn10-1361/h.20240208
The meteorological environment shapes weather expressions in human languages and thus provides explanatory values for linguistic typology. Past decades have witnessed much research on the effects of the meteorological environment on the phonetic/phonological and lexical aspects of weather expressions. However, not much research has been conducted on the grammatical aspect. This study proposes an interdisciplinary paradigm for research on weather expressions with more foci on their grammatical diversity. Under this paradigm, the diversity of weather expressions can be accounted for in two major steps: parameterized classification and interdisciplinary explanation. First, the collected data of weather expressions are classified and labelled with parameters including encoding type, transitivity, directionality, and nominal morpheme usage, to obtain a system of typological patterns. Next, such patterns are analysed with the theories, methods, and data from linguistics, meteorology, cultural studies, and cognitive sciences, and with tools such as geographic information systems, so that the underlying intra- and extra-linguistic influencing factors can be discovered. Several case studies of Sino-Tibetan languages demonstrate how the paradigm can be employed. This promising framework has extended the typological studies on weather expressions and identified linguistic clues to cognitive mechanisms and text information mining, and shall yield more valuable findings with an enriched explanatory toolbox and expanded data.
2024 Vol. 9 (2): 89-96 [Abstract] ( 0 ) HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 0 )
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