The field of linguistics has been dominated by Western linguists for such a long time during which the study of linguistics in China has made seemingly a little progress. However, there is something noteworthy in anci...The field of linguistics has been dominated by Western linguists for such a long time during which the study of linguistics in China has made seemingly a little progress. However, there is something noteworthy in ancient Chinese intellectuals' thoughts for that they were also concerned with language phenomena while dealing with philosophy issues. As an outstanding representative of Confucian school, Xunzi had discussed the social essence of language, the relationship between language, world and people, and the development of language, etc. in his Zhengming, which possesses an enlightening significance on nowadays study of linguistics among Chinese scholars. Based on an overview of this classic works, this paper was intended to explore the linguistic view of Xunzi from two perspectives: the relationship between "ming" and "shi" (name and nature), and that between language and human thought. His awareness of language cognition was touched upon as well.展开更多
Xunzi's "Rectifying Names" involved different aspects of language:the nature of language,the functions of language,the standards to rectify names,and also some other aspects of general linguistics.We sho...Xunzi's "Rectifying Names" involved different aspects of language:the nature of language,the functions of language,the standards to rectify names,and also some other aspects of general linguistics.We should not hesitate to say Xunzi was the founder of our Chinese linguistics.This paper now discusses Xunzi's different linguistic standpoints by going over his "Rectifying Names."展开更多
This paper investigates Xunzi＇s ideas on self and community. According to Xunzi, the origin of Confucian rituals lies in the need to nourish human desires. However, this nourishment is more than the simple satisfacti...This paper investigates Xunzi＇s ideas on self and community. According to Xunzi, the origin of Confucian rituals lies in the need to nourish human desires. However, this nourishment is more than the simple satisfaction of desire. Rather, in the development of rituals, desires are evaluated and directed according to the overall good of a person in order that the person can actively pursue fulfilment and self-realization. If human beings are controlled by momentary desires, they live like beasts and cannot act as autonomous agents. Confucian rituals constitute a normative framework for human life and desires. Following Xunzi, this normative framework is based on a cultural and collective interpretation of our own nature. Through Confucian rituals a person can not only satisfy desires properly, but can also enjoy human relationships within the community. Most importantly, it is through these Confucian rituals that a person realizes himself as an agent who can control and direct his own life.展开更多
文摘The field of linguistics has been dominated by Western linguists for such a long time during which the study of linguistics in China has made seemingly a little progress. However, there is something noteworthy in ancient Chinese intellectuals' thoughts for that they were also concerned with language phenomena while dealing with philosophy issues. As an outstanding representative of Confucian school, Xunzi had discussed the social essence of language, the relationship between language, world and people, and the development of language, etc. in his Zhengming, which possesses an enlightening significance on nowadays study of linguistics among Chinese scholars. Based on an overview of this classic works, this paper was intended to explore the linguistic view of Xunzi from two perspectives: the relationship between "ming" and "shi" (name and nature), and that between language and human thought. His awareness of language cognition was touched upon as well.
文摘Xunzi's "Rectifying Names" involved different aspects of language:the nature of language,the functions of language,the standards to rectify names,and also some other aspects of general linguistics.We should not hesitate to say Xunzi was the founder of our Chinese linguistics.This paper now discusses Xunzi's different linguistic standpoints by going over his "Rectifying Names."
文摘This paper investigates Xunzi＇s ideas on self and community. According to Xunzi, the origin of Confucian rituals lies in the need to nourish human desires. However, this nourishment is more than the simple satisfaction of desire. Rather, in the development of rituals, desires are evaluated and directed according to the overall good of a person in order that the person can actively pursue fulfilment and self-realization. If human beings are controlled by momentary desires, they live like beasts and cannot act as autonomous agents. Confucian rituals constitute a normative framework for human life and desires. Following Xunzi, this normative framework is based on a cultural and collective interpretation of our own nature. Through Confucian rituals a person can not only satisfy desires properly, but can also enjoy human relationships within the community. Most importantly, it is through these Confucian rituals that a person realizes himself as an agent who can control and direct his own life.
