The characteristics and formulating principles of the punctuation system in ancient Chinese texts:In comparison with European traditions

Through an overview on punctuation marks in ancient Chinese scriptures and a comparison with European punctuation traditions,this paper explores the nature and formulating principles of punctuation marks in ancient Chinese texts from a contemporary linguistic viewpoint.It reveals that from ancient times the Chinese language has been lacking of a binary punctuation system to indicate two syntactic levels:clause and sentence.The fuzziness of juzi(句子,sentence) in contemporary Chinese grammar system can be explained with the excessive grammatical information after the binary punctuation system adapted from European punctuation is introduced.The paper argues that the problems in modem Chinese punctuation system stems from the mismatch between binary level punctuation and the actual state of the Chinese language.As a reference to the adjustment and regulation of Chinese punctuation system in future,it suggests that the use of punctuation marks should respect the language characteristics.