A Brief History of the Chinese Language III: From Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese Phonetic System

by Xi Xiang

Overview

As the third volume of a multivolume set on Chinese phonetics, this book examines the phonetical system of Modern Chinese and phonetical changes from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese.

Chinese language history is generally split into three phases: (1) Old Chinese, the form of the Chinese language spoken between the 18th century BCE and the 3rd century CE, (2) Middle Chinese, between the 4th century CE to around the 12th century CE, and (3) Modern Chinese, since the 13th century. This volume studies the phonetical systems of Modern Chinese, including the initials system, vowel final system, nasal final system, entering final system, and tonal system. The author discusses the distinct change of these systems from the period of Middle Chinese to that of Modern Chinese and studies the formation of the standard pronunciation of the common language of the modern Han nation.

This comprehensive groundwork on Chinese phonetical history will be a must read for scholars and student studying Chinese language, linguistics, and especially for beginning learners of Modern Chinese phonetics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032381091
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/30/2022
Series:	Chinese Linguistics
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Xi Xiang is Professor at Sichuan University (China) and a distinguished linguist. His research interests are focused on Chinese language history and Chinese linguistics. His major works include A Brief History of Chinese, the Dictionary of Poetry Classics, Commentary on the Translation of Poetry Classics, the Dictionary of Ancient Chinese Knowledge, and the Concise Ancient Chinese Dictionary, among others.

Table of Contents

1. Phonetic System of the Modern Chinese Language 2. The Development of the Initial System from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese 3. The Development of the Vowel Final System from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese 4. The Development of the Nasal Final System from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese 5. The Development of the Entering Final System from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese 6. The Development of the Tone System from Middle Chinese to Modern Chinese 7. Formation of the Standard Pronunciation of Common Language of Modern Han Nationality