GUANGYUN Meaning and
Definition
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Guangyun (广韵) is a Chinese dictionary compiled during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It serves as a reference for Chinese characters and their pronunciations.
This dictionary is known as a rhyme dictionary, as it is specifically focused on the tonal pronunciation patterns of Chinese characters. Guangyun consists of a large number of Chinese characters, organized according to their rhymes and tones. The book was compiled based on previous dictionaries, such as the Qieyun (切韵), but it expanded and revised those sources to create a more comprehensive and accurate resource.
The purpose of Guangyun is to provide a systematic and detailed guide to the pronunciation of Chinese characters, which is crucial for understanding ancient Chinese texts, poetry, and literature. It breaks down the characters into their constituent components, such as initial sounds, finals, and tones. Each entry in Guangyun provides the pronunciation of a character, along with extensive explanations and variations.
Guangyun has been widely used by scholars, linguists, and enthusiasts in the field of Chinese linguistics. It provides valuable insights into the historical development of the Chinese language and phonetic changes over time. The dictionary has also been instrumental in the fields of historical research, literary studies, and philology, as it sheds light on the nuances and intricacies of classical Chinese language and literature.
Overall, Guangyun is a crucial reference work for anyone interested in the ancient Chinese language and its phonetic structures. It continues to be a highly regarded and influential resource in Chinese linguistic studies.
Etymology of GUANGYUN
The word "guangyun" is of Chinese origin and consists of two characters: "guang" (廣) and "yun" (韻).
- "Guang" (廣) means 'vast' or 'extensive' and is commonly used to describe large or wide areas.
- "Yun" (韻) refers to the pronunciation or rhyme of a word. It can also mean a section or category of rhymes.
In the context of the word "guangyun", it specifically refers to the "Guangyun rhymes". The "Guangyun" is an ancient Chinese rime dictionary compiled during the Song Dynasty, which served as a guide for poets and scholars in Chinese literature. It categorized and provided the pronunciation and tones of various Chinese characters and their rhymes.
