| Yuzhuan, also called "Zhuanyu", is an important category of traditional Chinese linguistics. It would be helpful to us to study the traditional Yuzhuan theory, which would strengthen our understanding phonology and critical interpretation of texts. We intend to discuss the intension, the production reason, the research history of Yuzhuan and some other questions related to it.Part one: heterogeneous and homogeneous-the dual nature of intension of YuzhuanThe intention of Yuzhuan is different in the argumentation of scholars in different historical periods. There are essential differences in language phenomena described by scholars.We attempt to discuss Yuzhuan phenomena through the concepts of heterogeneous Yuzhuan and homogeneous Yuzhuan.Firstly, Yangxiong and Guopu 's Yuzhuan theory is not founded on a pure phonetic system, but on diatectology or relative languages. It is heterogeneous. Heterogeneous Yuzhuan results from the split of language, it marks the forming of dialects or relative languages.Secondly, in the argumentation of scholars of Qing Dynasty, the intention of Yuzhuan is not the same as Yangxiong and Guopu's. It is a category of words' meaning development.Thirdly, it is important to distinguish heterogeneous Yuzhuan from homogeneous Yuzhuan. Heterogeneous Yuzhuan and homogeneous Yuzhuan are two kinds of language phenomenon which have essential difference. Distinguising heterogeneous Yuzhuan from homogenenous Yuzhuan could help us strengthen the understanding of Yuzhuan phenomena and the historical development of Yuzhuan theory.Part two: the historical development of Yuzhuan theoryFrom Xihan Dynasty to Qing Dynasty, Yuzhuan theory went through the course of taking place, developing,and reaching peak. To review briefly the historical development of Yuzhuan theory could help us recognize Yuzhuan theory's origin, development, research approach, achievement and function etc, could help us summarize predecessors' experience, draw their research results and construct perfect, scientific theoretical system of Yuzhuan theory.Firstly, Yuzuan research before Qing Dynasty was about heterogeneous Yuzhuan, Which basically cleared up synonyms and dialect words.Secondly, in Qing Dynasty, Yuzhuan studying was carried on on thebasis of further investigation on ancient Chinese phonology. Its achievement was reflected in homogeneous Yuzhuan research.Thirdly, Zhangtaiyan and Wangli studied Yuzhuan more scientifically. They inheritted the scholar's research results of Qing Dynasty, used the scientific term, and began to study etymology.Part three: more discussionThere are not only certain relations but essential differences between Yuzhuan and Yinyangduizhuan. Yuzhuan is a category which belongs to the lexicology, but Yinyangduizhuan to the the phonology. The scholars who studied Yuzhuan usually explain it with Yinyangduizhuan, but those who studied Yinyangduizhuan usually look for evidence from Yuzhuan phenomena. |
