Newly compiled dictionary of history, literature, and geography

Author: Wang Jialiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-07-01
Features: This book strives to integrate linguistics, literature, and history/geography into a unified knowledge system, aiming to achieve a fundamental grasp of foundational knowledge in liberal arts disciplines. This is the guiding principle behind the book's compilation. In revising the section on linguistics and literature, we emphasize both language and literature, with a slight increase in the focus on literature. This decision was made to strengthen language and literature education, correct the previous misconception that "Chinese" () class only covers language and writing, and to provide middle and high school students with opportunities to enhance their literary appreciation, expand their reading, and cultivate comprehensive qualities. For general readers, it also allows for a better understanding of rich literary foundations and the history and current state of literary creation both domestically and internationally.
In revising the history section, we cover historical knowledge from ancient to modern times, both in China and abroad. We pay attention to the systematic nature of the discipline while also highlighting key points, focusing on introducing commonly used knowledge. This approach aligns with middle school history curricula and broadens the scope of historical reading.
Regarding the geography section, we not only include human geography, which falls under the concept of "liberal arts," but also incorporate natural geography (which typically falls under the category of "sciences"). This decision is based on the completeness of the discipline itself: from the perspective of geography, both human and natural geography are equally important, and focusing on only one aspect cannot be considered a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Even for liberal arts majors, mastering some basic natural geography knowledge is essential. Therefore, introducing relatively complete geographical knowledge is appropriate.
In terms of sources, we strive for completeness and accuracy. The regional geography section (including Chinese and world geography) is primarily based on statistical data from around 1995. Since this book caters to the needs of middle and high school students studying history, literature, and geography, as well as the broader demand for such knowledge in society, we have carefully selected entries primarily based on middle school textbooks while also incorporating the fundamental concepts and foundational knowledge that liberal arts majors must master. Additionally, we include emerging interdisciplinary knowledge and recent research findings to ensure the book aligns with modern knowledge structures.
Looking at the time span of the included terms, it ranges from ancient times to the end of the 20th century, with a greater emphasis on modern and contemporary topics to give the book a strong sense of modern relevance.