Newly compiled Chinese-English classified dictionary = A NEW CHINESE ENGLISH CLASSIFIED DICTIONARY

Author: Wang Jitong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: A New Comprehensive Chinese-English Classified Dictionary is a unique type of Chinese-English vocabulary reference book that differs from conventional dictionaries. It includes over 60,000 standardized terms commonly used in contemporary China across various fields, providing corresponding modern English translations. The dictionary balances the systematic word selection of encyclopedic dictionaries with the diversity of linguistic dictionaries: it not only includes general vocabulary but also records common idiomatic phrases and fixed expressions. It covers not only the named entities typically found in classified dictionaries but also verbs and adjectives that describe human actions, behaviors, and the properties or states of things—all guided by the principles of applicability and convenience.
A New Comprehensive Chinese-English Classified Dictionary is a unique type of Chinese-English vocabulary reference book that differs from conventional dictionaries. It includes over 60,000 standardized terms commonly used in contemporary China across various fields, providing corresponding modern English translations. The dictionary balances the systematic word selection of encyclopedic dictionaries with the diversity of linguistic dictionaries: it not only includes general vocabulary but also records common idiomatic phrases and fixed expressions; it covers not only the named entities typically found in classified dictionaries but also verbs and adjectives that describe human actions, behaviors, and the properties or states of things—all guided by the principles of applicability and convenience.
The dictionary is divided into ten major categories and fifty-eight subcategories. The classification is centered around "humans" to form a unified whole, arranged in the order of things related to human survival and development. First, there is an objective environment suitable for human survival, which includes factors such as astronomy, meteorology, history, and geography (first major category). Next come biology, plants, and animals. Then, humans evolve, and as soon as they appear, they face challenges related to healthcare and sanitation (second major category). Clothing, food, shelter, and transportation are fundamental human instincts (third major category). Daily items are necessities (fourth major category). Further along, there is a need for cultural and recreational activities (fifth major category). Agriculture and industry form the foundation of human development (sixth major category). Once a complete society emerges, laws are required to ensure its smooth operation (seventh major category). Politics, military affairs, and diplomacy are part of the superstructure (eighth major category). As specialization and disciplines grow, various professions and trades emerge (ninth major category). Actions, behaviors, properties, and states differ from the nine previous categories, which are primarily noun-based, and are thus listed separately (tenth major category).
The classification of the dictionary combines international best practices for encyclopedic dictionaries with traditional Chinese lexicographical conventions, making it highly logical. Each Chinese entry generally provides one English translation, though some may correspond to multiple translations, separated by semicolons (;). Multiple Chinese synonyms are listed in a comma-separated (,) format. The same Chinese entry may appear multiple times in different contexts, corresponding to the same or different translations. To save space, articles are generally omitted before translated entries.
This is a reference book with encyclopedic characteristics, covering a wide range of disciplines. Mr. Jiang Liang, a renowned lexicographer, served as the chief editor of this dictionary, greatly enhancing its quality. Many others, including Wang Zhiguang, Sun Boliang, Li Chen, Li Hanchong, Wang Liang, Ge Licheng, Zhong Jun, Li Lingyun, and Yao Ping, participated in the compilation and editing. Wang Wenwen provided support for the publication. Without the support of these individuals, it is difficult to imagine the dictionary reaching its current level of perfection. Additionally, during the compilation process, we referred to numerous domestic and international documents, which cannot be listed here. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the relevant authors.