本文讨论历史语言学中的五个基本观念:基本假设、基本目标、基本方法、基本材料、基本定位。历史语言学中的最基本的假设就是“齐一性”原理。最基本的目标则是理解语言变化。基本方法正在不断发展。基本材料以活语言材料为第一,文献记载为辅,后者尚需得到现代科学的解释。基本定位是从史学过渡到科学。 This article discusses five basic concepts in historical linguistics: basic assumptions, basic objectives, basic methods, basic materials, and basic orientation. The most basic assumption in historical linguistics is the principle of “unity.” The basic goal is to understand the language changes. The basic method is evolving. Basic materials to live language materials as the first, the literature supplemented, the latter still need to be modern scientific explanation. The basic orientation is from history to science.