Semantic Justifications for the Naming of the Chinese Word Guā

Abstract

The term 理据 (lǐjù), translating to ‘reason’ or ‘basis’, is pivotal in comprehending the ‘naming rationale of words’, which denotes the underlying principles guiding the assignment of specific names to words. This study delves into the naming rationale of 瓜 (guā) ‘melon/squash’, a prominent botanical category, aiming to enrich lexicological research and offer significant educational insights for teaching and learning melon-related vocabulary. The research compiles and analyzes 71 pertinent terms sourced from authoritative references, such as the Contemporary Chinese Dictionary (7^th Edition) and the Hanyu Da Cidian. These terms are systematically organized and scrutinized under two main categories, further subdivided into seven distinct subcategories based on their naming conventions. The findings illuminate the intriguing phenomena of ‘same entity, different names’ and ‘same name, different entities’ prevalent within melon-related terminology. This exploration deepens understanding of the intricacies and nuances inherent in language and naming conventions. The study also extends its reach by providing pedagogical recommendations for educators. These suggestions are tailored to enhance the teaching of melon-related vocabulary, ultimately aiming to improve vocabulary acquisition among learners. In conclusion, this research not only enriches the academic field of linguistics but also offers practical guidance for educators, rendering it a valuable resource for both theoretical understanding and practical application in language education.