上古汉语中言说动词“言”的语法化研究

A Grammaticalization Study of the Verbal Verb “Yan” in Ancient Chinese

摘要: 上古汉语中言说动词使用频率较高，“言”是其中具有代表性的常用词。本研究以语法化理论为框架，基于CCL语料库考察上古汉语文献中“言”的语义分布、演变路径及动因。研究发现，“言”在言说动词基础上衍生出多项语义，在先秦时期广泛使用，形成了多条语法化路径。其主要动因包括转喻机制、句法位置变化、重新分析、高频使用及语义演变。而“言”在现代汉语中，基本只具备动词和名词意义，虚词的语法意义萎缩。“言”的语法化在一定意义上代表了言说类动词的语法化历程，对汉语言说动词的语法化研究有一定借鉴意义。

Abstract: In ancient Chinese, speech verbs were frequently employed, with “yan” being a representative example. This study employs grammaticalization theory as its framework and analyzes the semantic distribution, evolutionary trajectory, and driving forces of “yan” in ancient Chinese texts using the CCL corpus. The research reveals that “yan” derived multiple meanings from its verb function, was widely used during the pre-Qin period, and developed several grammaticalization pathways. Key drivers included metonymy mechanisms, changes in syntactic position, reanalysis, high-frequency usage, and semantic evolution. In modern Chinese, however, “yan” primarily carries verbal and nominal meanings, while its grammatical function as a function word has diminished. The grammaticalization of “yan” reflects, to some extent, the grammaticalization process of speech verbs and provides valuable insights for studies on the grammaticalization of speech verbs in the Chinese language.