Due to historical and regional variations, the evolution of the Vietnamese language, dialectal differences across regions, and social usage conventions, many variant forms exist among Vietnamese Sinographic characters 越南类汉字 (Nôm characters). This study introduces the concept of rationale 理据 and classifies Sinographic characters into three categories: fully rationalized Sinographic characters, semi-rationalized Sinographic characters, and non-rationalized Sinographic characters. Based on this classification, the study analyzes the intrinsic rationale of Sinographic variant characters and examines the inheritance and transformation among different types through comparative discussions of selected character groups. Finally, the research systematically identifies the characteristics of Sinographic variant characters, revealing their spatiotemporal imprints, structural and semantic patterns, and patterns of inheritance and development.
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