Ancient and Modern Sounds of Chinese Characters (Revised Edition)

Author: Li Zhenhua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-01-01
Features: Learning and researching language cannot be separated from phonetics. Learning and researching Chinese, whether ancient or modern, has always been inseparable from Chinese phonetics. Many famous scholars in the Qing Dynasty of China achieved great success in philology, an important reason being their significant contributions to the study of ancient phonology. They used their knowledge of ancient phonology to discover or solve problems that previous scholars had not identified or addressed, correcting some of the errors made by earlier researchers. Not only did they make innovative contributions to the interpretation and correction of ancient texts, but they also left behind invaluable cultural heritage in various fields such as characters, phonology, etymology, grammar, and many others.
As everyone knows, the historical origins of Chinese are long and profound. During its historical development, Chinese has undergone both temporal variations and regional dialectal differences. The differences between ancient and modern Chinese phonetics are quite significant, and the variations among modern Chinese dialects are even more complex. In recent decades, many scholars and experts have conducted research, collation, and studies on ancient rhyme books. A series of ancient rhyme books, comparative phonetic works, and phonological treatises have been published, along with continuous emergence of works on major dialects. This has provided significant reference value for people learning and researching ancient classics, the history of the Chinese language, especially phonology, characterology, etymology, as well as the history of literature and ancient history. It has also facilitated comparative studies of the Sino-Tibetan language family, research on Chinese dialects, and efforts to standardize Chinese, improve the quality of Chinese language education, and more.
Among the comparative phonetic works, the Middle Chinese phonological system Qieyun (along with comparisons of Middle Chinese with ancient phonology, ancient phonology with Middle Chinese, Middle Chinese with Beijing pronunciation, Middle Chinese with some modern Chinese dialects, and modern phonology with Middle Chinese, etc.) is not uncommon. However, combining both temporal and synchronic differences of Chinese phonetics, placing them on the same plane for comparison—as, for example, the pronunciation of a single Chinese character from ancient phonology to Middle Chinese, to modern phonology (including Putonghua and several major dialects)—such works are rare. This type of combined comparison allows people to clearly understand the historical evolution of Chinese phonetics and the current state of Chinese in various dialects at the same time. Additionally, compiling different historical phonetic changes into one book makes it easier to check and use.
We believe that if such a phonetic table were published, it would be highly useful for people learning and researching phonology, dialects, and the common language, as well as for creative writing in poetry, prose, and other literary forms, and for studying the history of the Chinese language and ancient cultural classics.
For these reasons, while we were working together on inputting the pronunciations of characters from the Guangyun into computers, we also jointly developed the plan to compile this Comprehensive Phonological Table of Chinese Characters. We formulated the purpose, principles, format, and specific content of the book, engaging in repeated discussions and research. The entire book was written by Zhou Changji, with the work taking over two years to complete. The phonetic table incorporates the research findings and materials of predecessors and contemporary scholars, and we will list the main works in the preface. Special thanks are due to Professor Guo Xiliang, Professor Ning Jifu, and Professor Wang Futang for their interest in this book, as well as for the materials we have absorbed and referenced from their works. During the compilation process, Mr. Xie Ying provided assistance, and graduate students Ding Zhongwen and Zhang Jie, along with several ladies and gentlemen, helped verify and transcribe some materials. Professor Fu Xuancong, Professor Zhou Zuxun, and some enthusiastic friends have always shown concern and support for our work. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them here.
Professor Lü Shuxiang, the honorary director of the Institute of Linguistics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, contributed by inscribing the title of the book while ill, which was a great support and encouragement. We are deeply grateful for this. We will never forget that during the publication process, Mr. Sheng Keling of Zhonghua Book Company reviewed the manuscript while ill, Mr. Li Jiemin devoted himself wholeheartedly to the work, and calligrapher Liang Tianjun meticulously and diligently transcribed the entire manuscript. His unique and beautiful calligraphy added brilliance to the book. Many other editors and workers also put in tremendous effort, and without their contributions, this book would not have been possible. Here, we extend our highest respect and sincere thanks to them.
Due to limitations in our expertise and resources, there may be errors or omissions in the book. We sincerely welcome any corrections and suggestions.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the research funding from Minzhigen State University, as well as the support of Vice President Deidong and Dean Yi. We are also deeply grateful to the leadership of Xiamen University and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Xiamen University for their support and assistance.