Volume 04 Issue 01-2024
81
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This scientific article explores the distinctive characteristics and specific features of military technical terms in the
Chinese language. The Chinese language, with its rich history and unique linguistic structure, presents a fascinating
domain for the study of military terminology. This paper delves into the historical development, linguistic
characteristics, and modern trends in the usage of military technical terms in Chinese, shedding light on the
importance of language in military communication and the cultural significance embedded in these terms.
KEYWORDS
Chinese Military Terminology, Chinese Military Language, Military Technical Terms, Chinese Military Tradition,
Linguistic Characteristics, Historical Development, Cultural Significance.
INTRODUCTION
Military technical terms in the Chinese language form a
distinct and essential component of the nation's
military culture and communication. The Chinese
language, with its intricate characters, historical depth,
and rich linguistic heritage, offers a unique perspective
on how military concepts and terminology have
evolved over centuries. This scientific article delves
into the specific features that define military technical
terms in the Chinese language, tracing their historical
development, exploring their linguistic characteristics,
and highlighting their significance in contemporary
military contexts.
Research Article
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF MILITARY TECHNICAL TERMS IN THE CHINESE
LANGUAGE
Submission Date:
January 21, 2024,
Accepted Date:
January 26, 2024,
Published Date:
January 31, 2024
Crossref doi
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume04Issue01-14
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 01-2024
82
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
China's military history spans thousands of years,
characterized by periods of innovation, consolidation,
and adaptation. From ancient texts like Sun Tzu's "The
Art of War" to modern strategies, the Chinese
language has been instrumental in conveying military
knowledge and doctrine. Understanding the nuances
of military terminology in Chinese not only aids in
effective communication within the armed forces but
also sheds light on the nation's rich martial heritage
and strategic thinking.
This article will examine the historical roots of Chinese
military
terminology,
dissect
its
linguistic
characteristics, and investigate its modern evolution.
Furthermore, it will explore the cultural significance
embedded within these terms, showcasing how
language shapes military thought and fosters a deeper
connection
between
China's
past
and
its
contemporary military endeavors. Ultimately, an in-
depth analysis of military technical terms in the Chinese
language offers valuable insights into the language's
role in shaping military strategy and preserving cultural
heritage.
The historical development of military technical terms
in the Chinese language is a journey that spans
millennia, reflecting the nation's rich martial heritage
and its evolving military doctrines. From the earliest
recorded military treatises to the modernization
efforts of the People's Liberation Army, these terms
have undergone continuous transformation while
preserving elements of tradition and cultural
significance.
Ancient Military Treatises: The foundation of Chinese
military terminology can be traced back to ancient
texts that laid the groundwork for military thought and
strategy. The most notable of these is "The Art of War"
(
孙子兵法
, Sūn Z
ǐ
B
ī
ng F
ǎ
), attributed to Sun Tzu during
the Warring States period (5th century BCE). This
seminal work introduced key concepts such as "
兵法
"
(bīng f
ǎ
) for military strategy and "
计策
" (jì cè) for
tactics, which remain essential components of military
terminology to this day.
Imperial China: During the imperial era, especially in the
Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties,
military manuals proliferated, expanding the lexicon of
military terminology. Notable military strategists and
authors like Qi Jiguang (
戚
继光
) and Yang Banhou (
杨
班侯
) contributed to these texts, which detailed
various aspects of military organization, tactics, and
weaponry. The terms coined during this period
encompassed a wide range of subjects, including "
军纪
" (jūn jì) for
military discipline and "
战术
" (zhàn shù) for
tactics.
Influence of Classical Chinese: One characteristic of
historical Chinese military terminology is its reliance on
classical Chinese characters. These characters often
Volume 04 Issue 01-2024
83
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
carry deep meanings and can be combined to form
compound terms, allowing for precise and nuanced
expression. For example, "
兵
" (bīng) means "soldier,"
and "
法
" (f
ǎ
) means "method" or "law," combining to
form "
兵法
" (bīng f
ǎ
) or "military strategy."
Modernization and Globalization: In the late 19th and
early
20th
centuries,
China
faced
military
modernization efforts, which brought about a shift in
terminology. The introduction of Western military
concepts and technology led to the incorporation of
foreign loanwords, such as "
坦克
" (t
ǎ
n kè) for "tank"
and "
飞机
" (fēi jī) for "aircraft." This period witnessed
a blending of traditional Chinese military terminology
with terminology influenced by Western languages.
Contemporary Trends: In contemporary China, military
technical terms have continued to evolve, with a
growing emphasis on standardization and integration
with international military lexicons. Transliterations of
English terms, such as "
导弹
" (d
ǎ
o dàn) for "missile,"
have become common
to ensure seamless
communication in joint military operations and
international collaborations.
The historical development of military technical terms
in the Chinese language reflects the nation's dynamic
military history, the influence of classical Chinese
characters, and the adaptation of foreign concepts. As
China's military power continues to grow, its military
terminology remains a testament to its enduring
martial traditions and its ability to adapt and integrate
with the changing global landscape. Understanding
these historical roots is essential for appreciating the
evolution
of
Chinese
military
thought
and
communication.
In the contemporary era, the landscape of military
technical terms in the Chinese language has undergone
significant changes and adaptations to meet the
demands
of
modern
warfare,
international
collaboration, and technological advancements. These
modern trends reflect the ongoing evolution of
military terminology in the Chinese context.
One notable trend in recent years is the emphasis on
standardization and consistency in military technical
terminology. Chinese authorities have worked to
ensure that military terms are universally understood
within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and across
various branches of the armed forces. This
standardization aims to reduce ambiguity and improve
communication in military operations.
China's growing involvement in international military
collaborations and peacekeeping missions has led to
the integration of international military terminology
into the Chinese lexicon. This includes the use of
English loanwords and transliterations for advanced
military technologies, concepts, and procedures. For
instance, terms like "
无人机
" (wú rén jī) for "drone"
Volume 04 Issue 01-2024
84
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
and "
网
络战
" (w
ǎ
ng luò zhàn) for "cyber warfare"
have become commonplace in Chinese military
discourse.
With the rapid development of military technology,
Chinese military terminology has adapted to
accommodate these innovations. New terms have
emerged to describe cutting-edge military hardware,
such as "
隐身飞机
" (y
ǐ
n sh
ē
n f
ē
i j
ī
) for "stealth aircraft"
and "
人工智能
" (rén gōng zh
ì néng) for "artificial
intelligence." This reflects China's commitment to
modernizing its armed forces and staying at the
forefront of technological advancements.
In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual
communication has become essential, especially in
joint military exercises or international peacekeeping
missions. As a result, the Chinese military has adopted
terminology that accommodates communication with
foreign counterparts. Bilingual glossaries and language
training programs are used to ensure effective
communication with non-Chinese-speaking military
personnel.
While modernization and international integration are
evident trends, there remains a commitment to
preserving traditional Chinese military terminology.
Ancient texts like Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" continue
to be studied, and the wisdom contained within these
texts still informs contemporary military thinking.
Terms like "
兵不
厌诈
" (bīng bù yàn zhà), emphasizing
strategic deception, continue to be relevant and are
passed down as part of China's martial heritage.
Chinese military terminology often carries cultural and
historical significance, reflecting the nation's martial
traditions and philosophical influences. Terms like "
兵
马未动，粮草先行
" (bīng m
ǎ
wèi dòng, liáng c
ǎ
o xi
ā
n
xíng), highlighting the importance of logistics and
preparation, underscore the enduring influence of
ancient Chinese philosophy on military thought.
The military technical terms in the Chinese language
are not only a means of communication within the
armed forces but also carry profound cultural
significance deeply rooted in China's rich history,
philosophy, and martial heritage. These terms serve as
a bridge between the past and the present, reflecting
enduring values, strategies, and beliefs that shape the
nation's approach to defense and security.
Chinese military terminology often draws upon the
philosophical and strategic wisdom of ancient Chinese
scholars. The works of Sun Tzu, Confucius, and other
classical thinkers have had a profound impact on
military thought in China. Phrases like "
兵法
" (bīng f
ǎ
)
for military strategy and "
兵不
厌诈
" (bīng bù yàn zhà)
for strategic deception are not just words but
encapsulate centuries of philosophical insights that
emphasize the importance of strategy, adaptability,
Volume 04 Issue 01-2024
85
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
and the use of deception as a legitimate tactic in
warfare.
Many military terms in Chinese are metaphors deeply
rooted in Chinese culture. For example, "
百
战百胜
"
(b
ǎ
i zhàn b
ǎ
i shèng), meaning "a hundred battles, a
hundred victories," embodies the Confucian ideal of
continuous improvement and moral fortitude in
warfare. Similarly, the term "
千
军万马
" (qiān jūn wàn
m
ǎ
), which translates to "thousands of soldiers and
tens of thousands of horses," conjures images of a vast
and formidable army, reflecting China's historical
emphasis on military strength and unity.
Military technical terms often evoke specific historical
contexts and references, connecting contemporary
military operations to China's storied past. Phrases like
"
战国时期
" (zhàn guó shí qī) for the Warring States
period or "
长城
" (cháng chéng) for the Great Wall of
China not only convey historical events but also invoke
a sense of national identity and heritage.
China's martial arts traditions, such as kung fu and tai
chi, have left a lasting imprint on its military
terminology. Terms related to combat techniques,
discipline, and strategy often have parallels in martial
arts terminology. This connection underscores the
integration of physical and strategic aspects of warfare
in Chinese culture.
Chinese military terms frequently reflect traditional
values and virtues, such as discipline, loyalty, and
honor. Phrases like "
纪律严明
" (jì l
ǜ
yán míng),
meaning "strict discipline," highlight the importance of
order and obedience within the military ranks.
Concepts of honor and loyalty are also embedded in
terms like "
忠
诚
" (zhōng chéng) for "loyalty" and "
荣
誉
" (róng yù) for "honor."
In an era of rapid modernization and globalization, the
preservation of traditional military terminology serves
as a means to retain cultural identity and continuity.
These terms serve as a reminder of China's enduring
martial heritage and its commitment to preserving
cultural values even in a changing world.
In conclusion, the specific features of military technical
terms in the Chinese language offer a window into the
historical, linguistic, and cultural complexities that
shape China's military communication. Overall, the
study of military technical terms in the Chinese
language underscores the multifaceted nature of
language in military contexts. These terms are not
merely tools for communication but also carriers of
history,
culture,
and
philosophy,
offering
a
comprehensive view of China's martial heritage and its
contemporary military landscape. Understanding
these specific features is essential for scholars,
linguists, military professionals, and anyone interested
Volume 04 Issue 01-2024
86
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
01
P
AGES
:
81-86
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
in comprehending the intricate relationship between
language, culture, and warfare in China.
REFERENCES
1.
Yuegeng, Liu. "Military Terms and the
Standardization of Terms." China Terminology
01 (1989): 29.
2.
Imomiddinova, Nargiza Abduvakhidovna. "The
issue of calquing in chinese terminology (on
the example of military terms)." ASIAN
JOURNAL OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL RESEARCH
10.4 (2021): 464-470.
3.
Lu, Y. A. N. G. (2022). Formation and
Development
of
Military
Terminology
Discipline. China Terminology, 24(4), 12.
