Semantic Evolution of the Word "Zhong" in Ancient Chinese Language from the Perspective of Lexical Typology
Based on the cross-linguistic investigation conducted by the Moscow Lexical Typology Group(MLexT),this article utilizes the framework and parameters of the"HEAVY"semantic field proposed by MLexT to conduct an in-depth analysis of the semantic development of the term"zhong"(重)in ancient Chinese language.The study reveals that during the Pre-Qin period,the fundamental semantic parameters of"zhong"(重)were"describing objective attributes"and"positive or neutral visual perception".In the Western Han period,with the addition of a new parameter emphasizing"bodily sensations","zhong"(重)developed a negative extended meaning associated with"difficulty and complexity of work or tasks".Consequently,the semantic evolution of"zhong"(重)involved a shift from encoding solely objective characteristics to simultaneously encoding both objective and subjective characteristics.This research not only enhances our understanding of the semantic develop-ment of the term"zhong"(重)in ancient Chinese but also provides a new perspective for the study of semantic evolution in the Chinese lexicon.
lexical typologyancient Chinese languagesemantic volution of "zhong"(重)cross-linguistic comparison
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