两周金文语法硏究 = DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON THE GRAMMAR OF BRONZEINSCRIPTIONS

Abstract

This is a thesis describing archaic Chinese grammar. The author utilizes the texts cast on four hundred and fifty or more pieces of bronze wares from Zhou Dynasty (11th century - 221 B.C.) in an attempt to present a true and detailed picture of the grammatical elements of the language used during that period。The thesis consists of two parts, namely morphology and syntax. In the examination of the morphology, the word classes (i.e. noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, numeral, measure word, adverb, preposition, conjunction, auxiliary word and interjection) are analysed and the new insights gained during the process which have added to the author's understanding of archaic Chinese grammar have been incorporated in the thesis. As for the syntax, the structure of all types of sentences is fully discussed and the structure of the composite sentences dealt with in depth. In each chapter, some grammatical points of the inscriptions on the oracle bones from Shang Dynasty 16th - 11th century B.C.) are also touched upon. Through the comparative study of the grammatical elements between the inscription on the oracle bones and those of the bronze wares, the historical development of archaic Chinese grammar is clearly seen. The last chapter is a summary of all the essential grammatical features in the texts on the bronze wares.