The interactions among languages in the Qinghai Area of China involved the historical migration of those who came into the area at some point in time and settled in. In addition, political driving forces dictated various migratory movements of different ethnic groups to settle into the area throughout history. The Qinghai Area, known as Amdo in the Tibetan cultural world, constitutes a geographical depression in the northeastern end of the Tibetan plateau which is ideal for grazing and farming. The climate of the region is largely monitored by the mega size salt water lake known as the Qinghai Lake. The largest number of mixed cultural areal contact occurs around this lake particularly towards the east. The geographical feature of the area has proved itself as a strategic hub for military expansion at different time in history creating dynamics of interaction in every juncture. As a result, different levels of multilingual influences are observed among of the regional languages of each language groups. Among the diversified languages flourished in the area, the most prominent language groups are the Sinitic, Bodic and Mongolic languages. Through studies of corpuses, literature and contributions of human participants, the present condition of multilingual mixing among Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian were explored. Within the various phenomena of language mixing and language changes, it is notable that these languages have lost parts of their original features while having gained foreign features as a result of language contacts among these ethnic groups. / published_or_final_version / Linguistics / Master / Master of Arts

Plateau pika (Ochotonidae: Ochotona curzoniae) is widespread in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). It is endemic to QTP and restricted to high altitude area, ranging from 3,000 to 5,200 m above sea level. In this study, I examined the genetic structure of O. curzoniae along the Qinghai-Tibetan Railway (QTR) using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences, and investigated whether QTR had become a barrier of gene flow to populations of O. curzoniae on its two sides. In total, I found 26 haplotypes of cyt b sequences from 29 individuals, of which the mean length was 1,190 bp including 68 informative sites, and the mean genetic distance was 1.7%. Two major clades were revealed in phylogenetic trees as well as TCS haplotype network. In general, the relative positions of haplotypes in the clades were corresponded to their geographic distribution. Most haplotypes of clade I were from east side, while all the haplotypes of clade II were from west side of QTR. Significant population differentiation was revealed between populations from the opposite sides of QTR, but not the same side. Due to the far smaller geographical distances between sampling sites between opposite sides than those of the same side, the differentiation pattern was not consistent with the theory of isolation by distance. Therefore, QTR might have resulted as a barrier to gene flow between populations of O. curzoniae living on opposite sides of QTR. The degree of genetic differentiation between populations of O. curzoniae on opposite sides of QTR will probably further increase in the future.

明清之際，各個類型的遊牧勢力團體逐步屹立於中國的政治舞臺上，形成了許多民族政權並存的時代，這些政權雖然彼此間的政治結構迥然有別，但在立國的基礎中，農業始終擔負著相當的比重；揆諸當時的局勢，吾人似乎不可將此僅僅視作一般人所謂的農業民族與遊牧民族的競賽，而應體認是各個政權存或滅的競奪時代。本論文除前言、結語外，分四章十四節，計八萬餘言。前言敘述本論文的研究主題及相關的學術研究和資料介紹。第一章敘述青海和碩特政權形成及剖析其政權結構。第二章序述和碩特政權的擴張，討論其政權構成的基本要因。第三章從內外環境的變遷，略言和碩特由興盛而衰亡的契機。第四章探討和碩特滅亡的因素：政權結構的缺失、內外勢力的交衝，致使和碩特喪失其競爭的長處而淪亡。結語略述本研究的作者心得。本文的主要限制在於缺乏青海和碩特自身所撰述的記載，必須透過消化現存史料中的立場，爬梳出青海和碩特的角度與認識。未來的發展是運用本論文經探究而得的遊牧政權結構, 用以檢視其他遊牧社會的政權結構，釐清原始共主制與汗王制之間的蛻變關係。

The faunal remains from Lajia, a late Neolithic and early Bronze Age site in northwestern China reveal that sheep, a newly introduced domesticate during this time period, are the central source of meat for the site’s residents. This represents a shift from earlier modes of subsistence in the region, which were focused on pig husbandry. This project provides important information regarding food production and animal husbandry during a period in which larger centres of power were emerging and new domesticates were being exploited. Sheep were the most common domesticate in the Lajia assemblage, followed by pigs and cattle. This corresponds with a general pattern in northern China during this period, in which sheep are increasingly utilized. However, an examination of age profiles reveals that mature adult sheep were rare in the assemblage, which suggests that they were being exploited for meat. This is not consistent with evidence from other northern Chinese sites during this time period, where sheep are interpreted as being a source of secondary products such as milk and wool. In addition to this, an analysis of bone breakage aimed to determine whether remains were processed. These tests were inconclusive, revealing that the main source of fragmentation in the assemblage was related to butchery, but with no significant correlation between increased levels of fragmentation and high-utility skeletal elements. As well as providing a relevant case study for the development of animal use during the Early Bronze Age, the analysis of faunal remains at Lajia represents a building block for the continuing development of zooarchaeology in the Chinese context. / Graduate / 0324 / 0332 / dfargo@uvic.ca

The faunal remains from Lajia, a late Neolithic and early Bronze Age site in northwestern China reveal that sheep, a newly introduced domesticate during this time period, are the central source of meat for the site’s residents. This represents a shift from earlier modes of subsistence in the region, which were focused on pig husbandry. This project provides important information regarding food production and animal husbandry during a period in which larger centres of power were emerging and new domesticates were being exploited. Sheep were the most common domesticate in the Lajia assemblage, followed by pigs and cattle. This corresponds with a general pattern in northern China during this period, in which sheep are increasingly utilized. However, an examination of age profiles reveals that mature adult sheep were rare in the assemblage, which suggests that they were being exploited for meat. This is not consistent with evidence from other northern Chinese sites during this time period, where sheep are interpreted as being a source of secondary products such as milk and wool. In addition to this, an analysis of bone breakage aimed to determine whether remains were processed. These tests were inconclusive, revealing that the main source of fragmentation in the assemblage was related to butchery, but with no significant correlation between increased levels of fragmentation and high-utility skeletal elements. As well as providing a relevant case study for the development of animal use during the Early Bronze Age, the analysis of faunal remains at Lajia represents a building block for the continuing development of zooarchaeology in the Chinese context. / Graduate / 0324 / 0332 / dfargo@uvic.ca

Cette thèse est consacrée à l’étude de la question tibétaine et des différents aspects sous lesquels elle est traitée : géographique, économiques, stratégiques et politiques. Nous étudions l’évolution des attitudes et les divergences d’opinion selon une polarisation allant du conservatisme au progressisme. Nous en mesurons les influences dans l’histoire récente et nous projetons les développements probables à court et moyen termes.- Cette thèse s’attache à démontrer que le Tibet reste un enjeu important pour la Chine et qu’à ce titre, la ligne de chemin de fer reliant le Qinghai au Tibet symbolise la politique et la solution chinoise vis-à-vis du Tibet. - Cette thèse s’attache à démontrer que le dalaï-lama est toujours considéré par les tibétains comme la seule instance à même de pouvoir résoudre les problèmes tibétains, et ceci en dépit des nombreuses crises auxquelles le chef spirituel a pu être confronté.- Enfin, cette thèse s’attache à démontrer que la société chinoise est en train d’évoluer vers une attitude plus progressiste. Sur cette question notamment, les intellectuels chinois ont acquis davantage d’influence que par le passé, influence qui pourrait, à l’avenir, se développer davantage. Ce travail, relevant d’un champ d’analyse pluridisciplinaire, couvre l’essentiel du XXème siècle et de l’époque actuelle. Il se focalise particulièrement sur la période postérieure aux années 1980, qui a été le témoin d’une internalisation plus poussée de la question tibétaine. / This thesis focuses on the Tibetan issue in its various aspects: geographic, economic, strategic and political. We examine the evolution of attitudes and differences of opinion according to their polarization ranging from conservatism to progressivism. We assess their influences in recent history and we project the likely developments in the near future.- This thesis aims at showing that Tibet remains an important matter at stake for China. Hence the Qinghai-Tibet rail link embodies the Chinese national policy as well as the Chinese solution vis-à-vis Tibet.- This thesis aims at demonstrating that the Dalai Lama is still regarded by Tibetans as the key to the resolution of Tibetan problems despite the many crises the spiritual leader has had to face.- Finally this thesis aims at pointing out that the Chinese society is evolving towards a more progressive attitude. On this issue Chinese intellectuals have acquired more influence than before and this influence could develop even further in the future. This work belongs to an inter-disciplinary field of study and covers most of the 20th century and present times. It focuses especially on the post 1980’s period when the Tibetan issue became more international.

With the distinguished natural and cultural tourism resources, Tibet is undoubtedly a desirable travel destination both domestically and internationally. With the newly opened Qinghai-Tibet railway to Lhasa in July 2006, Tibet tourism development was boosted markedly due to the increased accessibility and affordability. This study evaluates the impacts of the increased accessibility achieved through the Qinghai-Tibet railway on tourist travel decisions for, and experiences in, Tibet from travelers’ perspectives. The relative importance of the train journey in comparison with the destination experience at Tibet is also examined. A destination choice framework is proposed based on a review of previous literature. It is applied in this study to understand tourists’ travel destination choice of Tibet. A questionnaire survey was designed as the major primary data collection method to collect travelers’ perceptions on the train journey and Tibet tourism. Conducted on the train to and from Lhasa of Tibet, a total of 187 questionnaires were collected, including 82 for the pre-visit sample and 105 for the post-visit sample. Important destination choice factors for Tibet are identified in this study. The findings also support the importance of the railway on tourists’ destination choice of Tibet and in the overall travel experience of Tibet. Expectations and satisfactions with the destination are also compared to indicate possibilities for further destination development in Tibet. This study improves the understanding of both the supply and demand sides of the tourism industry in Tibet. Both practical implications and academic implications are presented based on the major findings of this study. Contributions of this study and future research opportunities are discussed.

With the distinguished natural and cultural tourism resources, Tibet is undoubtedly a desirable travel destination both domestically and internationally. With the newly opened Qinghai-Tibet railway to Lhasa in July 2006, Tibet tourism development was boosted markedly due to the increased accessibility and affordability. This study evaluates the impacts of the increased accessibility achieved through the Qinghai-Tibet railway on tourist travel decisions for, and experiences in, Tibet from travelers’ perspectives. The relative importance of the train journey in comparison with the destination experience at Tibet is also examined. A destination choice framework is proposed based on a review of previous literature. It is applied in this study to understand tourists’ travel destination choice of Tibet. A questionnaire survey was designed as the major primary data collection method to collect travelers’ perceptions on the train journey and Tibet tourism. Conducted on the train to and from Lhasa of Tibet, a total of 187 questionnaires were collected, including 82 for the pre-visit sample and 105 for the post-visit sample. Important destination choice factors for Tibet are identified in this study. The findings also support the importance of the railway on tourists’ destination choice of Tibet and in the overall travel experience of Tibet. Expectations and satisfactions with the destination are also compared to indicate possibilities for further destination development in Tibet. This study improves the understanding of both the supply and demand sides of the tourism industry in Tibet. Both practical implications and academic implications are presented based on the major findings of this study. Contributions of this study and future research opportunities are discussed.

西藏因青藏高原的地理環境和不利漢人居住往來的氣候，所以在中國歷代並沒有和西藏有官方性質的接觸，直到松贊幹布統一吐蕃開啟和唐朝政治、文化交流。在清朝時在西藏設立駐藏大臣，並頒布「欽定藏內善後章程」二十九條，明確規定中央和西藏地方關係。但至中華民國成立初期政局紛亂，中斷中央對西藏的治理。 國民黨在國共內戰挫敗，並撤退至台灣。1949年中共政權在北京成立，「昌都之戰」後中共開始治理西藏，並成立西藏自治區。但因西藏的宗教、文化的不同而產生隔閡和衝突。2006年青藏鐵路興建完成後，改變中共對西藏的治理。達賴喇嘛之前曾一度肯定青藏鐵路對西藏的開發將是有目共睹，但之後又改稱，青藏鐵路不利於西藏。青藏鐵路究竟是一把北京政府直插西藏的利刃，還是一條改善西藏人民生活的「幸福線」？就如同達賴前後兩種看法般眾說紛雲。 但是青藏鐵路的興建對西藏的影響是不可否認的，本論文將以政治影響、社會變遷、經濟發展三方面來探討。 / Tibet is a region on the Qingzang Plateau that inclement and precipitous surrounding. Official communication of Tibet with ancient China started from Tang dynasty. In period of Qing dynasty, the emperor set up Ambans to Tibet, and issued a 29-point decree which appeared to tighten Qing control over Tibet. The rule is interrupted during the period of Republic of China. And Dalai Lama ruled Tibet without Chinese interference. The People's Republic of China was established and governed Tibet after Battle of Chamdo. There are many conflicts between Han and Tibetan due to difference culture and religion. Furthermore, China government decided the construction of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The railway is very meaningful and influenced on Tibet. This essay will be discussed and investigated the impact in the three terms of politics, society, and economic.

It is widely accepted that the late Pliocene spans a time with globally warmer conditions compared to today. Regional specifics in temperature patterns from this period, however, remain poorly known. In this study, we reconstruct quantitatively late Pliocene climates for eight sites at the southeastern border of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (SBTP), based on palaeobotanical data compiled from published sources using the Coexistence Approach (CoA), and analyze anomalies with respect to modern climates. The reconstructed temperatures indicate that in the late Pliocene, the northwestern part of the study area was cooler than its southern part. This spatial differentiation in temperature was largely due to differences in altitude: the northwest of the SBTP probably had higher altitudes than the south at that time. Mean annual temperatures (MATs) were around 1. °C higher than today, suggesting a cooling trend since the late Pliocene. Our data show that summer temperatures have declined significantly since the late Pliocene while winter temperatures have remained similar to those of the present, different from observations in other territories. The unexpected summer and winter temperature changes can be explained by the regional orogenic uplift plus the global cooling. The eastward extrusion of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau might have blocked the southward cold high pressure of the winter monsoon and forced it to circumvent the eastern flank of the plateau, weakening its impact on the SBTP. The post-Pliocene mountain uplift increased the overall altitude of the region, which caused the temperature decline for both summer and winter. The reconstructed summer precipitation was lower while the winter precipitation was higher than today, suggesting a weaker monsoon climate during the late Pliocene.