Changes of word meaning in Chinese

Abstract

This research is intended to study the changing meaning of Chinese words. The change is due to both linguistic and extralinguistic factors which can be categorized into 4 groups : extension, narrowing, amelioration, and pejoration. Changes of concepts, ways to of life, society values and culture are reflected in word meaning. Therefore, the study of word meaning involves studying various changes of human activities in each period of time.