Linguistic Issues Series: Volume 1

Author: Dai Zhaoming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The compilation of this series of essays will absolutely not adhere to a single "ism," school, or methodology, but must accommodate various "isms," schools, and methodologies. If such a purpose can be considered an "ism," then it might be appropriately termed "moderatism." Since "ism" is disregarded, it is evident that this series primarily values issues. So, are there certain selection criteria for "issues"? Although the series is small in scale, it still aims to contribute slightly to the research of linguistic disciplines. Therefore, the selection of manuscripts cannot be without standards. In our eyes, valuable issues should at least meet the following conditions:
1. They are genuine issues, not pseudo-issues. A genuine issue is one that everyone recognizes as a problem, while a pseudo-issue is often something that is not a problem at all. The study of genuine issues creates theories and ideas, whereas the study of pseudo-issues only generates academic bubbles.
2. They are novel issues. Not only should the topic or material be new, but the conclusions should also be innovative. We do not wish to revisit old topics, but we welcome original and insightful explorations of them.
3. They are cutting-edge issues. Research on such issues has the function of enlightening new knowledge, deepening understanding, advancing academia, and accumulating knowledge. We pay particular attention to them.
4. They possess the nature of uncovering hidden truths. Research on such issues is akin to archaeological discoveries, where the materials may be ancient, and the conclusions often surpass those of predecessors. As for whether they are theoretical or applied issues, universal or specific issues, synchronic descriptive issues or diachronic evolutionary issues, internal or external linguistic issues, macro-linguistic or micro-linguistic issues, or rhetorical issues, we treat them all equally without prejudice. Of course, in terms of specific languages, this journal primarily focuses on Chinese studies, as well as language contact and comparison issues related to Chinese. However, we are equally welcome to studies of other languages that hold theoretical value.