Lexical Features of Yang Mingkun’s Performance Language

Abstract

Three transcribed versions of the Yangzhou storytelling of Pi Wu lazi 皮五辣子 (Rogue Pi Wu) describe how Pu Lin 蒲琳 (fl. 1780), Yu Youchun 余又春 (1919-1995), and Yang Mingkun 楊明坤 (1949-) tell the story of Pi Wu in performance (Wang Yingzhi 王穎芝, 1996; Wang Cheng 王澄, et al., 1985; Yin Boda 殷伯達, et al., 2015).1 The taoyu 套语 (stock phrases or setting phrases) and verses employed by Pu Lin in his oral performance have been transcribed to create the atmosphere of a storytelling event. In contrast to Pu‟s version, the transcribed texts of Yu and Yang are simple, as there are more stock phrases and verses applied to the Yangzhou pinghua in Pu's version than in the other two versions combined. Moreover, the differences in the use of colloquial words between the three versions are considerable. Yang Mingkun's narrative of Rogue Pi Wu relies on the lexicon of the Yangzhou dialect; the Yangzhou dialect acts as a vital comedic element in Yang's presentation. Why does his version demonstrate a specific linguistic style of expression among the three transcribed texts? In this article, I will examine the differences in wording among the three texts and explore the comedic elements in Yang's presentation with a view to illustrating why Yang's narration of the story of Pi Wu sounds colloquial and why Yang uses the current style of language expression. Firstly, I will explore the differences in the application of stock phrases, verses, and colloquial words among the three texts. Then, I will explore why Yang relies on the lexicon of the Yangzhou dialect when reciting the story of Pi Wu. Next, I will explore the comedic elements applied by Yang Mingkun during his performance. Finally, I will argue that Yang has developed a special style in line with the expectations and requirements of the audience.