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.
关键词
词汇类型学/上古汉语/"重"的语义演变/跨语言比较
Key words
lexical typology/ancient Chinese language/semantic volution of "zhong"(重)/cross-linguistic comparison
万方数据