As the capital of China, Beijing is known for its rich history and a wide variety of locations with historic names. Many of these names feature unique pronunciations that differ from what might be anticipated based on standard Mandarin. Some of these unusual pronunciations are rooted in Beijing’s historical and local dialects, while others reflect cultural and linguistic changes over the centuries. In this article, we will examine the pronunciations of several well-known places in Beijing: Dashilanr, Majiapu/Shilipu, and The Imperial College (Guozijian).
Dashilanr (大栅栏 dàshílànr)
Dashilanr, a renowned commercial street situated near the Qianmen area, stands out as one of Beijing's most intriguing place names. In standard Mandarin, the character "栅栏" is pronounced "zhàlán," meaning a fence or railing. However, for Dashilanr, the pronunciation is "shílánr." This distinctive pronunciation has led to various theories about its origins.
One popular explanation comes from Professor Zhou Yimin of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Normal University. He proposes that "Dashilanr" is a remnant of an ancient Beijing pronunciation known as "Dashi lan'er" (大拾烂儿), which has been preserved through time as part of the city's linguistic heritage.
Another theory posits that Dazhalan was initially a narrow alley near Xichang Street in the Xidan area. To differentiate the two locations, the pronunciation "Dashi lan'er" became more prevalent for the area by Qianmen, while the street name retained the pronunciation "Dazhalan." This differentiation may have helped locals avoid confusion.
Majiapu and Shilipu (马家堡 mǎjiāpù, 十里堡 shílǐpù)
Majiapu and Shilipu are both streets in Beijing, but the pronunciation of the character "堡" (bǎo) in these names can be perplexing due to its multiple pronunciations in Chinese. Pronounced as "bǎo," it typically signifies a military fortress, such as "bǎolěi 堡垒" (fortress) or "diāobǎo 碉堡" (pillbox), suggesting a defensive structure, especially in military contexts.
Conversely, when "堡" is articulated as "pù," it denotes a place that was historically used as a rest stop or station for travelers, merchants, or couriers. This usage is linked to the ancient transportation networks, in which "pù" stations served as vital resting points on long-distance routes. Over time, some place names with this character preserved the pronunciation "pù," despite the character itself still being written as "堡."
In Beijing, Majiapu and Shilipu use the second pronunciation, "pù." These areas have historically functioned as important transport hubs or rest stops along significant roads, and the pronunciation continues to be part of the region's legacy. The prevalent use of "pù" can also be observed in northern China, particularly in areas linked to ancient transportation routes.
The Imperial College or Guozijian (国子监 Guózǐjiàn)
Guozijian is another significant historical site in Beijing, having been the foremost educational institution in imperial China during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The term "监" (jiàn) generally refers to an official institution or government office, and its pronunciation differs from its other meanings, as seen in the word "监狱 jiānyù" (prison), where it is pronounced "jiān" with a first tone.
The unique pronunciation of "监 jiàn" in Guozijian is due to its reference to an official government institution. In ancient China, the names of government offices, particularly those of high status, were pronounced with the fourth tone (jiàn) to emphasize their official nature. Using the first tone (jiān) could result in confusion with terms related to prisons or oversight institutions, which is why "jiàn" is utilized for Guozijian to prevent such misunderstandings.
The distinctive pronunciations of these place names in Beijing illustrate the city's rich historical and linguistic evolution. These unique pronunciations often arise from ancient customs, dialects, and distinctions made to prevent confusion. By recognizing these historical and cultural influences, we can deepen our appreciation for the intricate linguistic landscape of Beijing. These names are not merely geographical markers; they are also reminders of the city's extensive and storied past.
The intriguing situation regarding why certain place names in Beijing seem to have incorrect pronunciations.
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