The Methods of Seeking Meaning Through Sounds--On the Philological Thoughts Studies of Jingyishuwen

To seek meaning through sounds means to study the meaning of words through phonetics. It is a method that dates back hundreds of years ago. However, the systematic, scientific and theoretical establishment of this method did not come into shape until the Qing Dynasty. Qianjia School is especially renowned in phonetics etics and rhymes; therefore to seek meaning through sounds has developed into a mature Xungu principle, forming a scientific Xungu methodology. To seek meaning through sounds is a very important thought in philology, and Wang Yinzhi has made great achievements on Tongjiazi, Lianmianzi and Tongyuanzi studies with the help of this methodology.