LINGUIST List 14.696

Tue Mar 11 2003

Books: Sociolinguistics, Mandarin Chinese: Killingley

Editor for this issue: Marisa Ferrara <marisalinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. LINCOM.EUROPA, Usage of pronouns, address and relationship terms in Chinese

		
Title: Usage of pronouns, address and relationship terms in Chinese
Subtitle: 
Series Title: Languages of the World 30
			
Publication Year: 2003
			
Publisher: Lincom GmbH
 http://home.t-online.de/home/LINCOM.EUROPA/
			
Availability: Available

Author: Siew-Yue Killingley				

Paperback: ISBN: 3895868477, Pages: 70, Price: USD 30 / EUR 31 / GBP
	 21.

Abstract:
			
Enhanced by a questionnaire on attitude and usage using thirteen
respondents (ten of them native Chinese speakers), this study traces
the development of the written pronoun ta, the expression of 'it' in
Chinese, and the use of tamen with non-human reference. The
exclusive-inclusive distinction between women and zanmen (including
its variants) is examined, followed by an examination of the
expression of number when using nin. Is there a form ninmen, and if
so, how is it used? The study also investigates the way speakers feel
about certain terms of address and relationship terms largely
connected with sex differentiation and marital status, taking into
account the complex situation arising from various language reforms
and counter-reforms in the People's Republic of China reflecting the
accepted politically correct ideas at different stages.

Some unexpected features of usage among Chinese speakers worldwide are
revealed. There are similarities of usage across geographical and
social divisions as well as among members of different age groups,
although in the ar ea of address and kinship terms, there is an
occasional tendency for usage to be linked to geographical
distribution. Surprising dissimilarities of us age among speakers of
the same geographical and social group are also revealed. The study
also incidentally reveals the diversity of names with which Chinese
speakers refer (in Chinese and in English) to what is loosely
described as 'Chinese' or 'Mandarin' by foreigners.
			
Lingfield(s): Sociolinguistics
	
Subject Language(s): Chinese, Mandarin (Language Code: CHN)

Written In: English (Language Code: ENG)