From ancient times to the present day, fathers have been the core of the family and a symbol of authority. The title of father and its meaning are of great significance in Chinese culture. The words "dad" and "dad" mentioned in the article both represent respect and love for the father, however, how did they come to be?
1. The pun meaning of "dad".
The word "father" first appeared in the exchange between the Han people in the Central Plains and the Xiongnu in the northern grasslands. The Huns used to affectionately call their father "Daddy". According to the Qing Dynasty scholar Duan Yuci's explanation in the "Commentary on the Interpretation of Shuowen", "father" was originally the name of the father of the ancient Qiang people, and later spread to the Han society. Duan Yuxi believes that the original meaning of the word "father" is a combination of the words "old" and "yong", which means "old and sighing", which conveys the children's respect and reluctance to their elderly father. This explanation explains the meaning of "father" from the perspective of the evolution of the Chinese character form.
Modern scholar Yuan Ke proposed in the book "Introduction to Ancient Culture" that the word "father" could initially be split into two words: "old" and "brother". Among them, "old" represents the father, and "younger brother" means that the children may threaten the status of the parents when they grow up. Taken together, the two mean that fathers need to be wary of situations where their children may grow up to surpass themselves. This interpretation reveals the cautionary effect of the word "daddy" about the crisis of patriarchy.
In addition, it is believed that "father" originally originated from polyandry in a matrilineal clan society. In this kind of society, children desperately compete for the caresses and attention of their biological fathers, and the title "dad" has more meaning.
2. The origin and meaning transformation of "Dad".
The word "dad" originated in the Qiang language, and originally meant "to rely on" and "to look up". When the Han Chinese migrated to the Western Regions, the word penetrated into the Chinese language through folk exchanges, and became an affectionate and respectful title for their father. Compared with "dad", the pronunciation of "dad" is more mellow and popular, more affinity, so it is deeply loved by the Han people.
With the development of society and cultural changes, "Dad" has gradually replaced "Dad" as the most common title for fathers. This can also be seen as a change in Chinese family values and social values. In ancient feudal society, "father" was the most common title of father, but in modern times, with the influence of Western culture and the transformation of social concepts, the concept of Chinese family has undergone revolutionary changes, and father is more affectionately called "father".
In general, the ancient title of father is inseparable from the integration of Chinese culture. This title not only expresses respect and respect for the father, but also reflects the inheritance of ancient social customs, patriarchal concepts and family culture.
As a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, China has a rich variety of fatherly titles. Different regions, ethnicities, and customs will have an impact on the title of the father, resulting in a variety of names for the father. Some special paternal titles are mentioned in the article, such as the grandfather is called "Dada" in some areas, and in the coastal area of northern Jiangsu, "Daddy" refers to the grandfather, and so on. The emergence of this diversity is closely related to the diversity of China's population and geography.
The Chinese population is large, and the differences between local dialects and dialects are huge. As a result, the title of father has also diversified with the change of region. In China, which is often referred to as a "country of dialects", the same name may have different pronunciations and meanings in different regions.
In addition, China is also a multi-ethnic country, and cultural differences between various ethnic groups can also have an impact on paternal titles. Different ethnic groups have different languages and traditions, so the title of father will vary from one ethnic group to another.
With the development of society and the changes of the times, China's family concept and social value orientation have also changed, which has also led to the diversity of fathers' titles. In ancient feudal society, the title of father was mostly used as "father", which was related to the values of attaching importance to fertility and family reproduction in feudal society at that time. However, with the influence of modern Western culture and the change of social concepts, the concept of family in China has undergone a revolutionary change, and the father is more affectionately called "Dad". This transformation is a change in Chinese social values, and the role of the father is no longer only the authority and responsibility of the family, but also emphasizes equality and affection.
In general, the diversity of Chinese fatherly titles is a reflection of Chinese social pluralism and cultural diversity. The differences in the way fathers are addressed in different regions, ethnicities, and eras reflect the complexity and changes in Chinese society. The diversity of father's pronouns also shows the changing values of the Chinese family. Although there are many kinds of names for fathers, it can be seen that people respect and love fathers, and different emotional and cultural values are reflected in different titles. Whether it is "Dad", "Dad" or other titles, they are all respectful and grateful to fathers, showing the importance that Chinese attach to family and affection.
In the traditional Chinese concept of the family, the father has always been regarded as the core of the family and a symbol of authority. The title of father has also changed with the changes in society, reflecting a shift in family values.
In ancient China, fathers were called "fathers". This title folds the father's position as the authority of the family in feudal society. The ancients believed that the word "father" was originally the honorific title of the ancient Qiang people for their father, indicating that the old father deserved respect. This embodies the traditional concept of respecting the old and loving the young in ancient families. At the same time, some scholars have also pointed out that "father" can initially be split into the words "old" and "brother", indicating that fathers need to be wary of situations where their children may surpass themselves when they grow up. This interpretation reveals the cautionary effect of the word "daddy" about the crisis of patriarchy. In ancient society, the title of father contained respect and respect, reflecting the influence of patriarchal concepts in feudal society.
In modern times, Chinese society has undergone tremendous changes, and the traditional concept of family has also changed. In feudal society, the father, as the core of the family, has absolute authority, and children need to respect their father and follow his father's decisions. However, with the development of modern society and the change of social values, people's attention to family and affection has also changed.
In modern times, the Western concept of family has had a significant impact on Chinese society. Western culture focuses on the freedom and equality of the individual, and places more emphasis on equality and respect between family members. The penetration of these values has led to a change in the concept of family in Chinese society, and in the process of this transformation, the status of the father has also changed.
In the process, the title of father also changed. In modern China, it is more common for people to refer to fathers as "dad". Compared with "dad", the pronunciation of "dad" is more mellow and popular, and more affinity. This title is more intimate and intimate, reflecting the emphasis on the father's affection. At the same time, it also undermines society's values of equality and respect for the family.
This change in the title of father and the change in family concept reflect the pluralism of family concepts and the promotion of social progress in China. The father changed from a stern authority to a close partner in the family, paying more attention to equal communication with his children and the exchange of affection. The shift in the core authority of the family from the father to the shared responsibilities and decision-making of husband and wife reflects the new understanding of family and kinship in modern society.
In general, the change in the title of father reflects a change in the concept of the Chinese family. The ancient "Dad" reflects the influence of the patriarchal concept of feudal society, while the modern "Dad" reflects the new values of family equality and respect. This transformation has contributed to the progress of Chinese society and the diversification of family values.