The Radical-rule and Arrangement System of Characters of Wu Jing Wen Zi: a Rebuttal of Yu Jiaxi's View

『오경문자(五經文字)』 부수 분류의 표준과 소속자의 귀속 체례 - 여가석(余嘉錫)의 『오경문자(五經文字)』 부수 평가에 대한 반박

Compiled in 776 by Zhang Shen, Wu Jing Wen Zi was regarded as the epitome of model book for standardized regular script in Tang Dynasty. Following early works like Shuo Wen Jie Zi, Zhang Shen adopted radical-rule for the compilation of this work. 3,250 characters were selected from the Five Classics and 160 radicals were established. Yu Jiaxi (1884-1955) harshly criticized the radical system of Wu Jing Wen Zi for being inconsistant and confusing. With careful review and analysis of examples from Wu Jing Wen Zi, this paper discusses the pupose of the compilation of this work, its unique radical-rule system, principles of arrangement of characters with the same or similar radicals, and the differentiation of variant characters. It further discusses the value of Wu Jing Wen Zi by its innovative radical-rule and effective differentiation of variant characters. It concludes with a rebuttal of Yu Jiaxi's argument and restate the necessity of reevaluation of this work even to this day.