Phonetic Loan Characters and Chinese Language Teaching

Abstract

ABSTRACT

         This article explains phonetic loan characters (假借字), one of the six categories of Chinese characters construction (六书) in ancient China. In reality, phonetic loan characters represent a way of using existing Chinese characters rather than a method of creating new ones. Although this category is no longer actively used, phonetic loan characters still exist in modern Chinese, and many of them are frequently used. The article discusses the definition and distinctive characteristics of phonetic loan characters, their various forms, and the relationships between their structure, pronunciation, and meaning in comparison with newly created characters. Additionally, it offers suggestions for teaching phonetic loan character and emphasizes that Chinese language instruction, particularly the teaching of Chinese characters, should not overlook the importance of providing knowledge about these characters. Instead, educators should focus on helping learners understand and make connections between the structure, pronunciation, and meaning of phonetic loan characters and those of newly created characters. This approach not only enhance learners’ ability to memorize Chinese characters more easily and efficiently, but also expands their vocabulary.