Proverb Illustrated

Author: Wang Zhongxian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-06
Features: The text and images in "Popular Sayings Illustrated" were formed in the 1930s and 1940s in Shanghai. They provide detailed illustrated explanations of some popular sayings that emerged during that time, reflecting certain aspects of Shanghai's social life to some extent. Due to the social life and linguistic environment of that era, the words, phrases, and sentences in these explanations were influenced by classical Chinese, vernacular Chinese, dialects, and foreign languages, differing significantly from modern Chinese. With the changes in society, many of these sayings have disappeared from daily life, while others still appear in people's spoken language or even written texts. The publication of this book aims to provide a reference for linguists and researchers of old Shanghai society. To authentically present the social landscape, linguistic habits, and customs of old Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s, this book largely retains the original style and features, hoping readers will discern as they read. One saying, one cartoon—encompassing the myriad aspects of life; one anecdote, one scene—unveiling the mysteries of language; seven categories, a perfect match of text and images—tracing the traditional Chinese context; one hundred volumes, grand in scale—reaching a unique peak of illustrated cultural innovation. The original title of this book is "Shanghai Popular Sayings Illustrated," written by the renowned newspaper publisher Wang Zhongxian of the Republican era and illustrated by the painter Xu Xiaoxia. It is a popular book that interprets society through language. The 226 popular saying entries it collects were formed from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republican era, commonly used by the lower classes of Shanghai's bustling streets. With his profound knowledge and versatile interpretive skills, the author uncovers the sociocultural information reflected in these sayings and presents them in vivid, humorous, and witty explanations. Among them, popular sayings like "to mooch," "trickster," "to shake down," "to set up a match," "to flatter," and "to be incompetent" have gradually evolved into nationally recognized colloquial terms with folk characteristics as time passed.