“Fathers” Galore
In many ancient Chinese texts we frequently come across names with a suffix transcribed fǔ such as Féng Chǒu-fǔ, Guǎn Zhōu-fǔ, etc. (from the Zuǒ Zhuàn). In some cases the suffix is written in an alternative form, i.e. Zhēng-kǎo-fǔ (Zuǒ Zhuàn, second form in Kǒng Zǐ Jiā Yǔ). This seems to have been...
Spremljeno u:
| Izdano u: | URI:https://journals.openedition.org/extremeorient, |
|---|---|
| Glavni autor: | |
| Format: | Article ou chapitre numérique |
| Jezik: | Anglais |
| Izdano: |
Extrême-Orient Extrême-Occident
2012
|
| Online pristup: | Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM |
| Sažetak: | In many ancient Chinese texts we frequently come across names with a suffix transcribed fǔ such as Féng Chǒu-fǔ, Guǎn Zhōu-fǔ, etc. (from the Zuǒ Zhuàn). In some cases the suffix is written in an alternative form, i.e. Zhēng-kǎo-fǔ (Zuǒ Zhuàn, second form in Kǒng Zǐ Jiā Yǔ). This seems to have been a naming convention in the higher ranks of society that was current in most states in the Chūnqiū and Zhànguó periods. Beyond the lexicographical information telling us that fǔ is a “honorific suffix attached to names of high-ranking men” (e.g. Axel Schuessler, ABC Etymological Dictionary of Old Chinese : 243), we are, in fact, quite ignorant about the specific circumstances under which this suffix was granted to a person. The character chosen for the main form of the suffix, i.e. the same one as is used for “father”, obviously points to a connection with this important role, but the foundation of this connection has not yet been clarified. The following article intends to explore historical, social, and genealogical data of selected persons with this name suffix in order to identify the parameters allowing for, or even calling for, this honour. It can be shown, that the suffix marked a function, i.e. that it was not merely honorific but in actual fact a title. A precise description of the contents of this function is not attempted for this would necessitate further biographical research in relation to the personages thus designated. |
|---|