Characterizing of Chinese lexical networks

In this paper, we investigate Chinese lexical based on complex network theory. We study statistical properties of the networks and find that lexical networks show some important characteristics such as small world, the power-law distribution and hierarchical structure. These statistical properties display the global organization of Chinese lexical. The origin and formation of such properties are investigated from a macroscopic Chinese culture and philosophy perspective. It is interesting to find Chinese culture and philosophy may shape the formation and structure of Chinese lexical. The results of the paper can give some insight of Chinese language learning. It strengthens the idea that learning the lexical helps to understand Chinese culture. Furthermore, understanding Chinese culture and philosophy does help to learn Chinese lexical. The hub nodes in the networks show close relationship with Chinese culture and philosophy. Learning the hub characters and lexical which construct should be the first step and most important task for Chinese learning.