The Kunqu Sound System As A Koine In Ming Dynasty

The object of this research is to reconstruct the sound system of Kunqu Opera which originated in middle Ming dynasty (1400A.D—1550 A.D). As one of the oldest existent forms, not only the classical literatures but also a standard of pronunciation was preserved. A so-called "Guanhua" dialect was used in the opera while this dialect can always resist the influence of other dialects. On such a background, through the study of the sound system in Kunqu Opera, a general insight of the Guanhua sound system during Ming dynasty can be obtained. The significance in this research is to make an analysis and reconstruction of the sound system of Kunqu Opera, which may assist the study of the koine during Ming & Qing Dynasties.