Chinese Characters and Culture

Author: Wu Guiyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This textbook is designed and compiled as a branch of Chinese character studies, aiming to enable learners to gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese characters, related historical and cultural knowledge, and the close relationship between Chinese characters and culture. The textbook primarily analyzes common Chinese characters, categorizing them under cultural classifications such as the patriarchal system, military and criminal laws, marriage and family, literature and art, clothing, food and drink, architecture, transportation, daily life, and natural conditions. Each unit consists of a single character or a group of related characters, explaining their form, meaning, and historical and cultural background of their formation. The principles for explaining characters are based on a combination of the form and meaning of Chinese characters, Chinese culture, and unearthed artifact images. A complete character entry includes the definition of the character, explanation, analysis of its form, related historical facts, images, and current usage. In terms of cultural interpretation, emphasis is placed on knowledge and (interest). The textbook is accompanied by a large number of images of unearthed artifacts, striving for authenticity and vividness.