Typology and the Study of Dongba Writing

Typology and the Study of Dongba Writing

朱建军 上海外国语大学

Zhu jianjun  ShangHai foreign studies University

Abstract: Typology has attracted more and more attention in language studies. Linguistic typology is not only a branch of linguistics, but also a kind of important method in language studies. But in the field of written languages, using typology to resolve some theoretical and actual problems is just beginning. Dongba Writing has its own unique nature and a special status in the history of the world’s writing systems. However, the characteristics of Dongba writing we have known are based on the isolating study or the comparison with other few writing systems (especially Chinese characters). Facing the world’s writing systems which have different characteristics, some conclusions about Dongba writing we have made maybe are unilateral. In order to understand the individuality of Dongba writing and the status in the history of the world’s writing systems more accurately, it is necessary to introduce typology into the study of Dongba writing. Under guidance of typology, we can approach to more scientific conclusions about Dongba writing’s origin, nature and characteristics. In addition, our research plays a positive role in the theory of writing’s typology.

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