Yi Linguistics

Author: Dai Qingxia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-05-01
Features: The study of Yi language has seen limited work before the 1950s, with only a few scholars writing some monographs and papers. After the 1950s, driven by the rapid development of modern linguistics and the need to address the use of Yi language and literature as well as to advance Yi education, the study of Yi language has made significant progress, achieving unprecedented results. Today, a research team for Yi language has taken shape, particularly with a large number of Yi language scholars who speak Yi as their native language. In recent decades, international research on Yi language has gained increasing attention, with some influential Yi language scholars emerging. It can be predicted that the study of Yi language will reach new heights in the coming years. However, looking back at nearly half a century of Yi language research, achievements in phonetics and grammar have been more substantial, while vocabulary has remained relatively weak. In fact, the vocabulary of Yi language is exceptionally rich, and its characteristics strongly influence and shape the phonetic and grammatical features of Yi. Therefore, to fully understand Yi language, it is essential to strengthen research on its vocabulary. Given this situation, in recent years, we have organized some teachers from the Yi Language Research Institute to conduct research on the topic of "Yi Lexicology," and have preliminarily formed our research framework. We hope this book can serve as a catalyst, promoting further research on Yi language vocabulary.