Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.3> Article
Research Article

An Analysis of Mosuo Writing System in a Sociolinguistics Context

Jingyi LiaoFaculty of Education and Society, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK* Yingqi LiuThe School of Foreign Languages, Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, 312030, China

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Mosuo language is an official dialect used by the Mosuo ethnic minority group in Southwest China. It has long been regarded as purely oral without orthography. However, newly found hieroglyphics at an isolated Mosuo village demonstrate significant prospects if develop and promote in all Mosuo society. This paper uses the method of in-depth qualitative interviews of people’s insight towards this orthography and its critical role in social life and in terms of cultural heritage inheritance. This paper reveals that firstly, the 32 symbols Mosuo people use is the origin of the Dongba hieroglyphs; Secondly, Youmi hieroglyphs are a unique orthography that are exclusively used by Mosuo people live in Youmi village; Lastly, Youmi hieroglyphs has significant cultural importance especially in Mosuo religion. This paper also proposes a detailed plan in which the Mosuo hieroglyphs can be popularized and in its greatest effect.

Keywords: Hieroglyphs; Mosuo ethnic minority; Religion; Cultural heritage
Published: May 17, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/3/2022642
Volume: CHR Vol.3
pp. 998-1004
Download PDF

References

  1. Liu Lingling. (2015). Investigation and research on the current situation of language use among Mosuo people in Yunnan (Master's thesis, Yunnan Normal University). https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname=CMFD201601&filename =1015903931.nh
  2. Shi Xiangdong & Liu Yun. (2015). Overview of Mosuo Dialect. Language Studies (03), 112-124.
  3. Song Yang. (2009). Analysis of Dongba Character Graphic Symbols and Inspiration to Graphic Design (Master's Thesis, Jiangnan University). https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx? dbname=CMFD2010&filename=2009250058.nh
  4. Wang Weiyan, Lin Jinping, Li Qiang, Liu Li & Chen Yizhi. (2009). The "isolated island" of the Mosuo matrilineal culture in Lugu Lake and its cultural ecology perspective - and on the protection of the Mosuo matrilineal culture in Lugu Lake. Yunnan Geographical Environment Research ( 01), 18-23.
  5. Gao Yuanyuan. (2013). Research on the protection of Lugu Lake Mosuo culture under the background of tourism development. People's Forum (20), 162-163. doi: 10.16619/j.cnki.rmlt.2013.20.008.
  6. Guo Jing. (2017). Research on the Change and Development of Mosuo Culture in Lugu Lake Area (Master's Thesis, Yunnan University). https://kns.cnki.net/KCMS/detail/detail.aspx?dbname= CMFD201902&filename=1017209829.nh
  7. Liu Hui. (2001). Doubts on "Mosuo Cultural Reserve"——On the Protection and Development of Minority Cultural Tourism Resources. Journal of Tourism (05), 27-30.
  8. Xu Bin. (2006). The impact of modern society on Mosuo culture in Lugu Lake. Journal of Minzu University of China (04), 45-49. doi: 10.15970/j.cnki.1005-8575.2006.04.008.
  9. He Jiquan. (2011). Centennial Research and Reflection on Dongba Literature. Ideological Front (05), 34-41.
  10. Sha Yuying. The development of human concepts from the vocabulary of the Mosuo people [J]. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 1996(03): 328-333.