Towards a New Generalisation of the Tri‐Axial Orientation System in Situ Rgyalrong

Abstract

AbstractThis paper revisits the orientation systems in Situ Rgyalrong (Burmo‐Qiangic, Sino‐Tibetan). These systems reflect heliocentric (e.g., east/west) or topographic (e.g., upriver/downriver) orientation, typically within a frame of absolute reference. While scholars agree that the orientation systems of different Situ dialects are generalisable to a tri‐axial model, the precise semantic values reflected by the three axes have always been controversial. In explaining synchronic semantic divergences among Situ orientation systems from a diachronic perspective, the present work first reveals historical layers within the three axes. Through internal reconstruction, it then identifies the original meanings of the two sets constituting the innovative Axis II. Finally, using typological parallelisms and local topographic features, this paper analyses the Proto‐Situ orientation system as a tri‐axial system of orthogonality, and infers the original meanings of the system’s three axes. Importantly, this study shows how the comparative method can be applied to solving semantic problems in languages rich in morphology.