Bernhard Karlgren (1889-1978) was a renowned Swedish sinologist, linguist, and philologist, widely recognized for his monumental contributions to the field of Chinese historical phonology and the establishment of modern Chinese linguistics. Considered the founder of modern Chinese phonology, his innovative methodologies and meticulous analyses laid the foundation for subsequent studies in this field.
Karlgren’s extensive research and publications revolutionized the understanding of Middle Chinese phonology by rigorously reconstructing its sounds through the application of comparative linguistics, ancient Chinese rhymes, and historical Chinese text analysis. His works, including "Grammata Serica Recensa" (1950) and "The Phonology of the Hsiang-kang Dialect" (1931), are acknowledged as fundamental references for scholars worldwide, shaping the field of Chinese phonology for decades.
Furthermore, Karlgren's efforts led to the development of the Karlgrenian transcription system, a standard romanization scheme widely adopted for Mandarin and other Chinese dialects. His system preserved the nuances of pronunciation, contributing to the accurate representation of Chinese sounds for academic and linguistic purposes.
Karlgren's dedication to the study of Chinese language and culture extended beyond phonology. His comprehensive studies on Chinese grammar, paleography, and historical linguistic evolution greatly expanded the understanding of ancient Chinese texts and their historical development.
In recognition of his tremendous contributions, Bernhard Karlgren remains an eminent figure in sinology and his works continue to serve as cornerstones in the field of Chinese linguistics.
