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Article published In: Proper Names:
Edited by Chia-Jung Pan and Yang Huang
[Asian Languages and Linguistics 6:1] 2025
► pp. 7–33

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How to address your kin the Shandong way

A case study on kinship terminologies in the Yi’nan dialect

ORCiD logo with link | Beijing Normal University
Published online: 19 August 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.25008.bai
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of the kinship terminology system in the Yi’nan dialect of Shandong, China, exploring its linguistic features, pragmatic usage, and underlying socio-cultural context through native speaker insights. The analysis focuses on the structural and semantic properties of the system, including the formal distinctiveness of certain terms. Notably, the study also examines the grammatical and socio-pragmatic rules governing the use of terms for address, reference, and teknonyms, demonstrating the flexible and strategic use of pronouns as a key mechanism for navigating social dynamics of respect and familiarity. Recognizing the threats posed by urbanization, generational shifts, and the prevalence of Mandarin Chinese to the dialect’s survival, this research emphasizes the critical importance of documenting these terminologies for the preservation of cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background
    • 2.1Socio-cultural background
    • 2.2The dialect: classification and features
      • 2.2.1Phonology and grammar
      • 2.2.2Personal pronouns
      • 2.2.3Naming conventions
  • 3.The kinship system
    • 3.1Structure and meaning
    • 3.2Forms and markedness
  • 4.The use of kinship terms
    • 4.1Terms of address
    • 4.2Terms of reference
      • 4.2.1Referring to the kin of the addressee
      • 4.2.2Referring to the kin of the speaker
    • 4.3Teknonymy
  • 5.A system facing decline
  • 6.Summary and conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • Abbreviations
  • References
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