“民族性”概念的语词谱系——基于语词渊源和语词形义的考察

Etymological Analysis of the Concept of“National Characteristic”:Investigating the Genesis,Morphology,and Semantics of the Expression

“民族性”概念有着复杂的语词谱系,由它的母体概念“民族”的语词支系和自身概念的语词支系构成。在词源和词形层面上,在英语中,民族性的重要语词形式ethnicity和nationality,分别由ethnic和nation派生而来。在中文里,“民族性”既是中文民族一词的衍生,也是ethnicity和nationality的译词。在词义层面上,ethnic和nation不仅为ethnicity和nationality的意义提供了载体,也制约着民族性意义的发展方向。nationality和ethnicity都被解释为民族特性,但前者偏重政治意义,后者偏重于文化意义,而作为译词的中文“民族性”长期受制于这两种解释。因此,民族性这一概念虽然有着固定的语词形式,却表达着变动的语词含义。从历史维度看,民族性的语词含义大致沿着生物意义向政治意义转换,再到文化意义的兴起的轨迹发展,标志着人类在看待自己与他人的关系上,态度所发生的深刻变化。

The article strives to explore three primary paradigms for defining or interpreting Minzuxing or national characteristic,aiming to reveal the multidimensional and deep-seated meanings inherent in this concept.Firstly,generally speaking national characteristic can broadly refer to the traits or characteristics of a nation.This interpretation aspires to uncover the internal commonalities within a nation and distinguish them from those of other nations,emphasizing the role of national characteristic in fostering internal cohesion and shaping a unique national identity.Secondly,national characteristic may also specifically refer to the spiritual attributes of a nation,defining it as the collective spirit or consciousness of a nation.This perspective underscores the significance of national characteristic in forming a collective consciousness and spiritual bond among the people.Lastly,many would agree that national characteristic can also be interpreted in terms of national or civic identity,correlating it with the political notion of a nation.This interpretation highlights the critical role of national characteristic in building political communities and fostering a sense of civic identity.These paradigms not only showcase the diversity and complexity of the concept of national characteristic but also seem to reflect the various understandings and sentiments people may have towards it.However,this plurality also implies that defining or interpreting national characteristic may unavoidably involve a narrow perspective,potentially leading to a biased view of certain national characteristics.Therefore,this paper emphasizes the importance of employing positive and well-intentioned definitions or interpretations to more accurately grasp the legitimacy and value of the concept of national characteristic.To promote a nuanced and comprehensive understanding,it is deemed necessary to thoroughly examine and interpret national characteristic from multiple angles and at various levels,avoiding oversimplification or reductionism into a single explanation or definition.In the paradigm that broadly refers to the traits or characteristics of a nation,we see that national characteristic is not just about a nation s internal commonalities but also about emphasizing its uniqueness vis-á-vis other nations.This paradigm requires respect and acknowledgement of the cultural and social diversity within each nation,while also recognizing the differences and distinguishing characteristics among nations.The framework that specifically addresses the immaterial dimensions of a nation delves into the intangible and consciousness aspects of national characteristic,underlining the importance of shared historical experiences,cultural traditions,and value systems in shaping a national ethos.This perspective reminds us that national characteristic encompasses not only outward cultural and social characteristics but also embodies internal spirit and ideology.It,moreover,facilitates a deeper understanding of national collective identity and cohesion.Interpreting national characteristic in terms of national or civic identity aligns with the political construct of a nation,underscoring its role in shaping both national identity and civic consciousness.This interpretation underscores the practical relevance of national characteristic in contemporary political and social spheres,highlighting its dual nature as both a cultural and metaphysical concept,as well as an indispensable part of political and social existence.In conclusion,this article firmly posits that a more holistic understanding of national characteristic could be attained via a comprehensive analysis of these paradigms,thereby equipping us to handle issues related to national characteristic more sensitively and thoughtfully.Moreover,positive and well-intentioned definitions or interpretations not only may aid in curbing misunderstandings and misapplications of national characteristic but also promote understanding and appreciation among the nations.