从同源词定义的嬗变看同源词研究理论的进步

汉语同源词研究产生于先秦,但理论研究比较薄弱。直至近代才提出同源词的定义。早期的同源词定义注重从外在词汇意义及语音来下定义,不能揭示同源词的本质特点。科学的定义应包括一组词在意义上具有“同一语根”的本质特点及“音近义通”这一主要特征。同一语根即具有共同的词源意义,这对判定同源词具有决定性作用,是理论上的重大进步。

On the Theoretical Progress of the Cognate Words' Study from the Change of the Definitions of Cognate Words

The study of Chinese cognate words emerged at pre-Qin dynasty; but the theory study of it was still weak.The definition of the cognate words was not put forward until modern times.In early times,researchers made definitions from word meanings themselves and sounds,which could not reveal the nature of cognate words.The perfect definitions of cognate words should include the essential characteristics of a group of words which have the same roots and the main characteristics of similar meanings and sounds.The same roots mean they have the same etymological meanings which were the most important thing in judging cognate words.This is a great progress in the theoretical study of cognate words.