Loanwords in the Chinese Language

Approaching the topic from a diachronic perspective, this volume is the first book-length work to chart the developmental trajectory, features, functions, and categories of loanwords into Chinese, drawing on both long standing examples as well as the many new loanwords that have entered the Chinese language in the 21st century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A loanword, also known as a wailaici, is a term that possesses a similar meaning and phonetic structure to a word originating from a foreign language and has been assimilated into the recipient language. Throughout history, cultural interactions between China and various other nations have resulted in the introduction and integration of a vast array of loanwords into the Chinese language. Taking a diachronic approach, this comprehensive volume stands as the first book-length work to chronicle the developmental journey, characteristics, functions, and categories of loanwords into Chinese.

The author begins by providing a foundational overview of the Chinese loanword system, delving further to examine trends and standardization in Chinese loanword studies and the broader research landscape of contemporary loanword studies. By seamlessly blending theoretical insights with real-life illustrations of Chinese loanwords, the author explores not only well-established examples from dictionaries but also a significant number of noteworthy loanwords that have been adopted in the 21st century. The author elucidates how the intricacies of the Chinese loanword system are intricately intertwined with the complexities of the Chinese character system.

This title serves as an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Chinese loanwords, linguistics, language, and culture.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367674397