토욕혼(吐谷渾) 명칭 재고찰

Abstract

The naming issues of the Tuyuhun tribe has long been a focus of academic research on Tuyuhun history, with abundant research findings both domestically and internationally. On the basis of previous research, this article employs methods such as Chinese phonology, ethnic history and literature to study the pronunciation of terms such as “吐谷渾(Tuyuhun)”, “退渾(Tuihun)”, “吐渾(Tuhun)”, “吐谷(Tuyu)”, and “渾(Hun)”. It reconstructs their pronunciation and studies the meanings behind terms such as “阿柴虜(A-chailu)”, “貲虜(Zilu)”, “河南(Henan)”, “阿貲虜(A-zilu)”, “野虜(Yelu)”, and “va zha(A-za)”, which may increase the understanding of ethnic nomenclature. In fact, “退渾(Tuihun)”, “吐渾(Tuhun)”, “渾(Hun)”, and “吐谷”(Tuyu)” are all variant readings and abbreviations of “吐谷渾”(Tuyuhun). “阿貲”(A-zi) and the ancient Tibetan A-za(also written as va zha, translated as “阿夏” in Chinese) share the same pronunciation but differ in translations of the name “阿柴 (A-chai)”. “阿柴虜(A-chailu)”, “貲虜(Zilu)”, “阿貲虜(A-zilu)”, and “野虜(Yelu)” are surnames of some Xianbei people who settled in the Hexi region. These surname also serve as derogatory terms for “吐谷渾(Tuyuhun)”. However, a cautious attitude should be taken in the interpretation of the name “吐谷渾(Tuyuhun)”. In the absence of clear and direct interpretation records, premature conclusions are not advisable.