I would have to say the movement of the "Han people" is very complex. Most casual observers would think that the Mandarin version of Chinese language is the most "proper" version. In fact, it is the most modern version with the Beijing dialect heavily influenced by the Man language. Both the Minanese and Cantonese would claim their "version" as the most original Chinese. … [Read more...] about On Chinese Language Dialects and Chinese People
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Li Qingzhao: “月滿西樓”
"月滿西樓" is a poem written by 李清照 (Li QingZhao, 1084AD ─ 1155AD), regarded as one of the most prominent female poets from the Song Dynasty. The poem is about Li's longing for her husband's return from travels. Here is a song of the same name with lyrics entirely based on the poem, performed by singer 童丽 (Tong Li). … [Read more...] about Li Qingzhao: “月滿西樓”
李白 (Li Bai, 701-762AD): 静夜思 (Thoughts on a Still Night)
李白 (Li Bai, 701-762AD) is one of the most beloved Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) poets in Chinese history. This is a rendition of his poem, 静夜思 ("Thoughts on a Still Night") where he reminisces his home. Below are couple of videos presenting this poem in various ways. Many Chinese children, some, perhaps shortly after they start talking, will be taught this poem (see second video … [Read more...] about 李白 (Li Bai, 701-762AD): 静夜思 (Thoughts on a Still Night)
Fear of Kubin is the end of wisdom
Wolfgang Kubin, Bonn University Professor of Chinese Studies, is a well-known critic of Chinese literature, a critic in every sense of the word. Every time he speaks about Chinese literature, he makes waves among observers of Chinese literature. He was famous for “trashing” Chinese literature, which has at various times being interpreted as trashing of Chinese literature in … [Read more...] about Fear of Kubin is the end of wisdom
The folklore behind a Chinese antithetical couplet
The NYT just posted a report on how Cantonese is being "swept aside" by Mandarin in Chinatowns of North America. This post has nothing to do with that story. … [Read more...] about The folklore behind a Chinese antithetical couplet