Collection of Academic Papers on the Compilation of the Modern Chinese Dictionary

Author: Han Jingti (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-12-03
Features: The National Language Dictionary adheres to the principle of using Beijing pronunciation as the standard, with the pronunciation of characters and words based on the Beijing dialect system, rather than the "Old National Sound" system, which distinguishes between entering tones and sharp/plain initials. This is a historic leap forward. In terms of word selection, it includes modern terms but also a large number of (modern Chinese) and a small number of ancient Chinese words, making it somewhat heterogeneous and lacking in standardization. The annotations adopt a semi-classical style, and the dictionary language has not fully transitioned from classical to colloquial. The annotations on function words are a highlight—they address both lexical and grammatical issues, reflecting the nature of modern Chinese. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of classical terms, dialect terms, and foreign terms are based on the needs of standard modern Chinese usage, requiring only those who are knowledgeable in both ancient and modern Chinese and proficient in both Eastern and Western studies to compile. This book is a definitive dictionary for standardizing modern Chinese vocabulary. Before it, no such dictionary existed; dictionaries of a similar nature that followed improved upon it in certain aspects along the path it pioneered. In this sense, the Modern Chinese Dictionary is a milestone in the development of Chinese lexicography.