A Diachronic Study of the Chinese Kinship Terms “Dixiong” and “Xiongdi”

本文以汉语亲属称谓词“兄弟”与“弟兄”作为研究对象，通过历时角度系统地考究两者在各时期出现频率以及从上古至现代的语义演变轨迹及地域分布特征。通过分析传世文献、历史文献及现代方言材料，发现“兄弟”的语义经历从并列词组到偏指化，再到语义泛化多路径演变。“弟兄”在发展过程中逐步替代“兄弟”的本义功能。二者的发展过程解释词汇受到声调规则、语言接触等原因自动调节的机制，进一步揭示语言发展遵守文化认知和经济性原则。This study investigates the Chinese kinship terms “xiongdi” and “dixiong” from a diachronic perspective, systematically analyzing their historical frequency, semantic evolution, and geographical distribution from ancient times to the modern era. By examining transmitted texts, historical documents, and modern dialectal materials, the research reveals that “xiongdi” underwent a multi-path semantic evolution: from a compound phrase to semantic narrowing and later semantic broadening. Meanwhile, “dixiong” gradually replaced the original semantic function of “xiongdi” over time. Their developmental trajectories demonstrate how lexical systems self-regulate through mechanisms such as tonal rules and language contact, further illustrating how language evolution adheres to principles of cultural cognition and economy.