Title

A Philological Study on Tangut-Chinese Terms "𗡸𗡸/ 㳂房"

Author

Genre

Pages

685-745

DOI

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

yan-fang 㳂房, sji2 lu2 𗡸𗐦, Tangut language, Timely Pearl in thePalm

Abstract

This paper discusses the meaning of the Chinese 㳂房 yan-fang and its corresponding Tangut term 𗡸𗐦 from the phrase “送與㳂房/𗡸𗐦𗐤𘃡” found in the Tangut-Chinese bilingual glossary Timely Pearl in the Palm (1190). Previous interpretations of these two terms include meanings such as ‘accounting room,’ ‘Chen room,’ ‘wedding chamber,’ ‘bathroom,’ and ‘bridal chamber.’ This paper reviews the previous scholarship, discusses the original texts, and refutes the aforementioned interpretations. It is determined that the Chinese term “㳂房” not only refers to ‘dowry’ (as currently recognized by the academic community) but also originally had a gender-neutral usage, generally indicating ‘household supplies.’ Although “𗡸𗐦” in the Tangut documents can perhaps connote something similar to Chinese ‘dowry,’ it might not have meant exactly ‘dowry’ originally. By comparing the Tangut texts with related languages, it is speculated that “𗐦” might be glossed as ‘something to be prepared; gifts’ and not necessarily used exclusively in reference to women. This paper not only corrects the existing consensus but also provides a new perspective on Tangut language and history.