语源和字源

Language Origin and Etymology

语言与文字都是符号系统 ,都有自身的能记与所记 ,汉字与汉字所记录的语词处于不同层次 ,所以语源与字源是不同的 ,而它们的区分应以各自的能记与所记为基础 ,不可混淆。但同时 ,由于汉语与汉字的特殊性 ,字源与语源又紧密相关 。

Language and words are both systems of symbols with their own signifier and signified. Language origin is different from etymology in that Chinese characters and the lexical items of Chinese are categories on different levels. Based on an understanding of the different systems of signifier and signified, this article suggests that a distinction should be made between language origin and etymology. Yet, at the same time, it is suggested that language origin and etymology are closely related. A good understanding of the relations between the two is certainly necessary for their systematic study.