Rhyme dictionaries and rhyme tables will be examined for their contribution to our understanding of earlier stages in the phonological system of the Chinese language, and of changes in rhyming practices. Development of grammatical features in the history of the language will also be examined. Included as part of the course will be a cursory look at the origin and evolution of the Chinese script, the classification and development of modern Chinese dialects, taboo words and their effect on language change, and the relationship between language and literature. Other topics may also be included. The course will be conducted through lectures combined with class discussions of assigned readings.
Course work includes students' presentation of their take-home assignment and research project.
Please e-mail instructor in advance to request deadline extension. Chan, Marjorie K.M. and James H-Y. Tai. 1994. Sixth North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics. Two volumes, edited by Jose Camacho and Lina Choueiri. Volume 2, pp.