Submitted by: Submitted by zaju
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Pages: 6
Category: Literature
Date Submitted: 06/15/2012 06:29 PM
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...