THE EXPRESSION OF LOCAL TEMPORAL ORDER IN THE VAGUE TIME OF CHINESE DIALECTS: A CASE STUDY OF HUBEI DIALECTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55877/cc.vol34.751Keywords:
temporal order, Chinese dialects, ambiguity, local knowledgeAbstract
In the context of globalization, standardized, linear clock time is increasingly becoming the dominant temporal system. However, this process has not eradicated the diverse “temporal syntax” deeply ingrained in local cultures. This study takes the prevalent temporal expressions in Hubei dialects as an entry point, aiming to explore how language, as a social practice, participates in constructing and sustaining a local temporal order that differs from mainstream precise practices. It is argued here that dialectal temporal terms reflect a temporal philosophy that emphasizes harmony with natural rhythms and cyclical social activities, thereby fostering a more flexible and human-centred rhythm of life within local communities.
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