ancient pronunciation; old phonology
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
ancient pronunciation; old phonology
formalA broad term used in linguistics and historical phonology to refer to the pronunciation of characters in ancient times, as distinguished from modern pronunciation.
Studying ancient pronunciation is an important way to understand the evolution of Chinese characters.
The ancient pronunciation of this character is very different from its modern pronunciation.
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Scholars reconstruct ancient phonology systems through rhyme dictionaries.
noun
Old Chinese phonology; Zhou-Qin period pronunciation
formalIn the specialized field of Chinese historical linguistics, this term often specifically refers to the phonology of the Old Chinese period (roughly the Zhou and Qin dynasties, c. 1046–207 BCE), which is a foundational layer for later phonological studies.
Old Chinese phonology primarily studies the phonological system of the Zhou and Qin periods.
The rhymes in the 'Book of Songs' are important materials for investigating Old Chinese phonology.