SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with examination and interpretation from the orthographical viewpoint of the system of historical kana usage (rekishiteld, kana-zukai) proposed by the 17th century scholar-priest Keichu, and its relationship to previous and subsequent kana usage and kana usage theory. In the introductory chapter, the meanings and scope of the terra kana-zukai are considered, as also the question of how kana-zukai first arose. Chapter Two consists of a description of kana usage before Keichu, in order to put the historical kana usage of Keichu into perspective. In Chapter Three a brief introduction to Keichu and his works is given, together with a consideration of the significance of his kana usage studies within his work as a whole. Chapter Four sets out assumptions concerning the sound-system of the language of Keichu as a preliminary to examination of his kana usage writings. Chapter Five looks at the beginnings and development of Keichu's kana usage theory before Waji shoran-sho, his main work on Kana usage. Chapter Six consists of an introduction to, and translated excerpts from, Waji shoran-sho. In Chapter Seven, the kana usage and kana usage theory of Keichu is considered from the viewpoint of the layout of Waji shoran-sho. Chapter Eight sets out the principles of Keichu's kana usage theory Chapter Nine examines the actual kana spellings set out in Waji shoran-sho. Chapters Ten and Eleven consider two specialized aspects of Keichu's kana usage theory. Chapter Twelve looks briefly at kana usage and kana usage theory after Waji shoran-sho down to the present day. In the Conclusion, the findings of the study are set out. The various appendices deal with relevant topics which it was not possible to fit conveniently into the main body of the thesis.