A Small Dictionary of Proverbs (Revised Edition)

Author: Dong Xiaoyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Proverbs, also known as "common sayings" or "folk expressions," are colloquial and widely circulated fixed phrases or sentences. Most of them are created by the general public in the process of productive labor and social life, reflecting the life experience and aspirations of the people. They are an integral part of the Chinese language structure and hold significant importance in Chinese. They possess national, regional, and vibrant vitality. Not only are they numerous, but they are also concise, vivid, and vividly expressive, making them extensively used in oral communication and literary works. Publishing a reference work like the Dictionary of Proverbs plays a positive role in promoting national culture, preserving linguistic materials, and fostering the accumulation and development of culture.
Generally, people understand proverbs in a broad sense—any colloquial and widely circulated expressions are referred to as proverbs. In reality, they include maxims, aphorisms, epigrams, as well as some idioms, puns, and slang. Although the content of proverbs is relatively complex, broadly speaking, they should possess characteristics such as widespread popularity, distinct colloquialism, and simplicity, as well as relative fixation.
The Chinese language has a long and profound history. Proverbs have evolved over time and are scattered throughout historical documents across generations. Professor Dong Xiaoyu of Southwest Normal University led a group of scholars in collecting, organizing, and compiling this Dictionary of Proverbs, which is truly commendable.