A Dictionary of Proverbs - (Revised Edition)

Author: Dong Xiaoyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
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 spoken language 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 have a broad understanding of proverbs—any phrase or sentence that is popular, easy to understand, and widely circulated is referred to as a proverb. In reality, it encompasses proverbs, maxims, aphorisms, as well as some idioms, allusions, and colloquialisms. Although the content of proverbs is relatively complex, broadly speaking, they should possess characteristics such as widespread popularity, distinct colloquial nature, and simplicity, as well as relative fixation.
The Chinese language has a long history and is deeply rooted. Proverbs have evolved over time and are scattered throughout historical documents across generations. Professor Dong Xiaoyu from Southwest Normal University, along with a group of scholars, collected, organized, and compiled this Dictionary of Proverbs, which is truly commendable.