Disappearing Words (Ancient Times Graphic Series)

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Features: Words are indeed a barometer of an era; the evolution of vocabulary reveals the clear imprints of each period. Lexical change follows patterns such as gradual and abrupt shifts. In relatively stable or closed societies, the speed of lexical change is proportional to the environment. The rapid proliferation of language is primarily driven by social, political, and economic transformations, as well as changes in social thought, lifestyles, and the development of culture and technology.
I remember a story about a criminal in Europe who was imprisoned just before World War I. By the time he was released during World War II and returned to the world, he could no longer read newspapers. The emergence of numerous new things, ideas, and concepts during major societal upheavals forms the foundation of lexical innovation. Periods like the Spring and Autumn and Warring States, the Han, the Wei-Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties, and the Tang Dynasty were peak times for the creation of new vocabulary in ancient China. Since the early 20th century, China has experienced a series of (twisting and turning) transformations, marking another peak in lexical development.
Confucius said, "It is necessary to rectify names," because during that time, significant social changes led to contradictions between names and reality, necessitating the rectification of names. "Names" refer to vocabulary. Drastic societal shifts disrupt the relative balance between language and social structure, and this imbalance acts as a catalyst for lexical evolution...