中原地域称谓的由来及其地域范围的嬗变

“Pingyuan”:Its Origin of Name and Evolution of Geographical Range

地名中原,由来已久,且长期为人们广泛使用。其地域上的连续性、核心地区的稳定性、地理位置的重要性影响着中国历史的进程。由于它不是国名,也不是行政区划,历来没有明确的界定,也没有固定专指。地名中原是中与原的合称,其称谓在三国时代产生,其内涵也在随着时代演变而演变,由单义变为多义。由于它位居我国中部,地处黄河中下游,得天独厚的自然条件,使这里最早迈进农耕文明的先进行列,并使中原文化成为一种强势文化,对周边地区乃至中华文明的形成与发展都有着重大的影响。

＂Zhongyuan＂ is a long-established name,and it is in a wide use. Its continuity in geographical scope,stability in core district and importance in geographical position have exerted a great influence on the course of Chinese history. Because it is neither a state name nor an administrative division,it does not have a clear definition or a fixed special indication. ＂Zhongyuan＂ is a co-name of ＂zhong＂ and ＂yuan＂. It originated from the Three Kingdoms,and its connotation has changed with the change of the times. At last,its meaning has changed from the singular to the polysemous. ＂Zhongyuan＂ is located in central China,i.e. the middle and lower earliest to influence Key reaches of the Yellow River. Its unrivalled natural conditions enabled it to stride forward at the farming civilization. Thus,＂Zhongyuan culture＂ has become a strong culture,and had a considerable on the formation and development of surrounding areas,and even Chinese civilization.