甲骨文“臣”字形义新释——兼及商代的职官泛称“亚”和“尹”

The Meaning and Shape of the Graph Chenin Oracle Bones and the Titles of Some Political Positions in Shang Dynasty

过去对于甲骨文"臣"字形义的认识有误,正确的解释应为"臣,长也。事上监下也。像耳目之形"。这可以得到甲骨文中诸多"臣"字字形和辞例的验证。实际上,商代的"臣"是一种职官泛称。商代类似于"臣"的职官泛称还有不少,"亚"和"尹"是其中的典型。此时称"臣""亚"和"尹"的职官,不仅存在于内服,而且存在于外服,这主要是因为商代的职官分职还不明确。

The scholars in the past made mistakes in understanding shape and meaning of the graph Chenin oracle bones.Its right meaning is officer and it looks like ear and nose,which can be demostrated by its use in oracle bones.Chenis a title of position in Shang Dynasty.At the same time,Yaand Yin have similar use in this period.Because of the unclear job title in Shang Dynasty,Chen、Ya、Yin not only exist in the inner regions,but also exist in the outer regions.