Abstract

Built on a lot of literature research and field investigation, this paper will combine social linguistics and ethnology to objectively analyze some phenomenon of kinship terms, by using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Taking part of kinship terms in China as an example, this paper makes a qualitative description of kinship terms from the perspective of ethnology and linguistics, and studies the formation, influence and identification of kinship terms system, which reflects the formation and evolution of kinship terms in different human social environment, and in different historical periods, and finally sums up the scientific methods of researching kinship system.  

Key words: kinship terms, social linguistics, ethnology-

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

1.1 the definition of kinship terms-1

1.2 the kinship terms in the concept of ethnology-1

1.3 the main classification and framework of kinship terms-2

1.4 the features of chinese kinship terms-2

2. The Formation Process and Causes of Kinship Terms-5

2.1 kinship terms formed in marriage-5

2.2 kinship terms formed in procreating-6

2.3 kinship terms formed in adoption and salvation-6

2.4 kinship terms formed in friendship-6

2.5 kinship terms formed in taming or worship-6

3. The Profound Impact on Ethnic Groups of Kinship Terms-7

3.1 forming the cognitive of kinship-7

3.2 consolidating the relations of ethnic group-7

3.3 distinguishing the different schools of gens-8

3.4 maintaining the genetic health of posterity-8

3.5 shaping the variety of history, culture, and language-8

4. Methods of Identifying Kinship Terms-9

4.1 in the field of ethnology-9

4.2 in the field of sociolinguistics-9

5. Conclusion-9

Works Cited-10