Chinese Language

CHINA: The Red Dragon

Chinese Language

* Monosyllabic - each word has only one syllable

* Tonal - word meaning may change with changes in tone

* Ideographic - writing doesn’t represent sound of words

* Written language has 214 signs, written from right to left, in columns from top to bottom.

Chinese Literature

* old and rich literary traditions

* oldest literature written in one language

* in writing, characters stand for things or ideas

* language  did not really change or evolve into a completely different one

* greatly influenced by Chinese philosophers (Confucius, Lao Tzu, etc.)

* after the fall of each dynasty, a grand history of the previous dynasty will be written by scholars in the present dynasty.

Classical Literature

Five Chinese Classics – basis of studies /Chinese education

1. Book of Poetry / Book of Songs / Book of Odes (Shih Ching)                              

                – oldest collection of Chinese poetry, folk and ceremonial songs

2. Book of History (Shangshu)

                – compilation of documentary records related to events about olotics, religion, etc. in ancient history of China

3. Book of Rites (Li Chi’i)

                – book of right etiquette or conduct, social forms, and ceremonial rites

4. Book of Changes (I Ching)

                – divinations, rituals and magic formulas

5. Spring & Autumn Annals (Chun Ching)– earliest surviving historical records of China arranged chronologically

Four Books – illustrating the core value and belief systems in Confucianism

1. Great Learning – expresses many themes of Chinese philosophy and political thinking

2. Doctrine of the Mean – focuses on the "way" (道) that is prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone

3. Analects of Confucius – compilation of speeches by Confucius and his disciples; has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of China and later other East Asian countries...