Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
32
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
32-36
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
The study of military technical terms is essential for understanding the evolution of military science and technology.
Chinese military terminology has a long and complex history that reflects the development of Chinese military
strategy, tactics, and technology. This article explores the historical evolution of Chinese military technical terms,
tracing their origins, development, and impact on modern military lexicon. By examining ancient texts, historical
records, and contemporary usage, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the linguistic and cultural
significance of Chinese military technical terms.
KEYWORDS
Chinese Military Terminology, Military Technical Terms, Sunzi Bingfa (The Art of War), Wuzi, Han Dynasty Military,
Tang Dynasty Military, Gunpowder, People's Liberation Army (PLA), Modern Military Lexicon, Information Warfare,
Cyber Warfare, Space Warfare, Military Strategy.
INTRODUCTION
Military technical terms are specialized vocabulary
used to describe various aspects of military science and
technology. These terms play a critical role in ensuring
precise communication within the military and
between military and civilian sectors. In China, the
development of military technical terms is deeply
intertwined with the nation's extensive and complex
Research Article
A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF CHINESE MILITARY TECHNICAL TERMS
Submission Date:
June 04, 2024,
Accepted Date:
June 09, 2024,
Published Date:
June 14, 2024
Crossref doi
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume04Issue06-07
Salimova Sohiba Bazarboyevna
Doctoral Student Of Termiz State University, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
33
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
32-36
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
history, reflecting its evolving strategies, tactics, and
technological advancements.
Chinese military terminology has its roots in ancient
times, documented in classical texts that have
influenced military thought not only in China but
around the world. These texts, such as Sun Tzu's The
Art of War and the Wuzi by Wu Qi, provide insight into
early military strategies and the corresponding
technical vocabulary. Over the centuries, as China
encountered new challenges and technological
innovations, its military lexicon expanded and adapted,
incorporating new concepts and terminologies.
The imperial periods of Chinese history, particularly the
Han and Tang Dynasties, saw significant advancements
in military technology, such as the development of
cavalry units and the introduction of gunpowder.
These periods contributed new terms to the Chinese
military lexicon, reflecting the changing nature of
warfare and military organization.
In the modern era, particularly during the 20th century,
the influence of Western military technology and
international military standards became increasingly
evident in Chinese military terminology. The
establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
and the subsequent modernization efforts introduced
standardized terms that aligned with global practices.
The ongoing evolution of military technology in the
21st century, including advancements in information
warfare, cyber capabilities, and space technology,
continues to shape Chinese military terminology. These
developments highlight the dynamic nature of military
language and its ability to adapt to new strategic and
technological realities.
This article aims to explore the historical evolution of
Chinese military technical terms, tracing their origins,
development, and impact on modern military lexicon.
By examining ancient texts, historical records, and
contemporary
usage,
this study
provides a
comprehensive overview of the linguistic and cultural
significance of Chinese military technical terms.
Through this exploration, we gain a deeper
understanding of the interplay between language,
technology, and military strategy in China’s rich
historical context.
Historical Background
Ancient China
The history of Chinese military technical terms can be
traced back to ancient times, with the earliest records
found in classical texts such as the Sunzi Bingfa (The
Art of War) by Sun Tzu and the Wuzi by Wu Qi. These
texts, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period
(770
–
476 BCE) and the Warring States Period (475
–
221
BCE), contain numerous technical terms related to
strategy, tactics, and military organization.
Sunzi Bingfa (The Art of War)
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
34
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
32-36
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Sun Tzu's The Art of War is one of the most influential
military texts in Chinese history. It introduced several
key technical terms, such as "
兵
" (bīng) for soldiers or
troops, "
势
" (shì) for strategic advantage, and "
计
" (jì)
for planning or strategy. These terms have persisted
through centuries and remain relevant in modern
military discourse.
Wuzi
The Wuzi by Wu Qi is another critical text that
contributed to the development of Chinese military
terminology. Wu Qi emphasized the importance of
logistics, introducing terms like "
粮道
" (liáng dào) for
supply lines and "
军需
" (jūn xū) for military supplies.
These terms highlight the logistical aspects of military
operations, which were crucial for sustaining armies in
the field.
Imperial China
During the imperial period, Chinese military
terminology continued to evolve, influenced by
technological advancements and foreign interactions.
The Han Dynasty (206 BCE
–
220 CE) and Tang Dynasty
(618
–
907 CE) saw significant developments in military
technology, including the use of cavalry and firearms.
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty introduced terms related to cavalry,
such as "
骑兵
" (qí bīng) for cavalry troops and "
马具
"
(m
ǎ
jù) for horse equipment. The invention of the
crossbow during this period also led to new technical
terms, such as "
弩
" (n
ǔ
) for crossbow and "
弩兵
" (n
ǔ
b
ī
ng) for crossbowmen.
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty witnessed the introduction of
gunpowder, which revolutionized military technology.
Terms like "
火
药
" (hu
ǒ
yào) for gunpowder and "
火器
" (hu
ǒ
qì) for firearms became prevalent. The Tang
military also developed advanced siege weapons,
leading to terms like "
投石机
" (tóu shí jī) for trebuchets
and "
攻城器械
" (gōng chéng qì xiè) for siege
equipment.
Modern Era
The modern era has seen a further evolution of Chinese
military technical terms, influenced by Western
technology and international military standards. The
20th century, in particular, marked a period of
significant change, as China modernized its military and
adopted new technologies.
Early 20th Century
During the early 20th century, the influence of Western
military technology introduced new terms into the
Chinese lexicon. Terms like "
坦克
" (t
ǎ
n kè) for tanks, "
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
35
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
32-36
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
飞机
" (fēi jī) for airplanes, an
d "
雷达
" (léi dá) for radar
became common. The establishment of the People's
Liberation Army (PLA) in 1949 also led to the
standardization of military terminology, aligning
Chinese terms with international standards.
Late 20th Century to Present
In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, the
rapid advancement of technology has continued to
shape Chinese military terminology. The development
of information warfare, cyber capabilities, and space
technology has introduced new terms such as "
信息
战
" (xìn xī
zhàn) for information warfare, "
网
络战
" (w
ǎ
ng
luò zhàn) for cyber warfare, and "
太空
战
" (tài kōng
zhàn) for space warfare.
CONCLUSION
The historical evolution of Chinese military technical
terms provides a window into the broader trajectory of
Chinese military strategy, tactics, and technological
advancements.
From
the
ancient
wisdom
encapsulated in classical texts like The Art of War and
the Wuzi, to the sophisticated and standardized
terminology of the modern era, these terms have not
only facilitated military communication but have also
mirrored the dynamic changes in Chinese military
thought and practice.
In ancient China, the creation and use of military
technical terms were closely tied to the strategic and
tactical innovations of the time. The foundational
works of Sun Tzu and Wu Qi introduced terms that
have endured through centuries, underscoring the
timeless nature of their insights into warfare. These
early terms laid the groundwork for a military lexicon
that would evolve with each successive dynasty.
The imperial periods, particularly during the Han and
Tang Dynasties, saw significant advancements in
military technology and organization. The introduction
of cavalry and gunpowder weapons, along with the
corresponding technical vocabulary, marked a period
of rapid military development. The terms from these
eras reflect the practical and technological challenges
faced by Chinese military forces, highlighting the
importance of logistics, weaponry, and strategic
planning.
The modern era brought with it the influence of
Western military technology and international
standards, leading to the adoption and adaptation of
new terms into the Chinese military lexicon. The
establishment of the People's Liberation Army and
subsequent modernization efforts necessitated a
standardized and globally aligned military terminology.
This period also saw the incorporation of terms related
to new technological domains such as aviation, radar,
and mechanized warfare.
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
36
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
32-36
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
In the 21st century, the rapid advancement of
technology continues to shape Chinese military
terminology. The development of information warfare,
cyber capabilities, and space technology introduces
new terms that reflect the changing nature of modern
warfare. These terms not only demonstrate the
adaptability of the Chinese military lexicon but also
highlight China's ongoing efforts to remain at the
forefront of military innovation.
Overall, the study of Chinese military technical terms
reveals a rich and evolving linguistic landscape that is
deeply intertwined with China's military history. By
tracing the origins and development of these terms,
we gain valuable insights into the cultural,
technological, and strategic factors that have shaped
Chinese military thought. As China continues to
modernize and innovate, the evolution of its military
terminology will undoubtedly continue, reflecting new
challenges and advancements in the ever-changing
realm of military science and technology.
REFERENCES
1.
Sun Tzu. (1963). The Art of War. Translated by
Samuel B. Griffith. Oxford University Press.
2.
Wu Qi. (2006). The Book of Wuzi. Translated by
Ralph D. Sawyer. Westview Press.
3.
Needham, J. (1986). Science and Civilisation in
China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical
Technology, Part 7, Military Technology: The
Gunpowder Epic. Cambridge University Press.
4.
Fairbank, J. K., & Goldman, M. (2006). China: A
New History. Harvard University Press.
5.
Shambaugh, D. (2002). Modernizing China’s
Military: Progress, Problems, and Prospects.
University of California Press.
