The highly anticipated next book in Tuttle's Stories for Language
Learners series is here!
This book presents 22 classic Chinese proverbs and the traditional tales
behind them. The stories are bilingual, with the Chinese and English
versions presented on facing pages. Each includes an explanation of how
the proverb is used today, cultural notes, vocabulary and discussion
questions. Audio recordings of the tales read by native speakers are
included--giving students a chance to improve their pronunciation and
comprehension.
Some of the proverbs featured in this collection include:
-
"Painting the Eyes on the Dragon"
Based on the story of a famous court painter in 6th century China who
painted dragons, this proverb refers to the finishing touches needed
to bring a work of art or literature to life. In a discussion, it
refers to the final statements used to clinch the argument.
-
"Waiting for Rabbits by a Tree Stump"
Based on an ancient folktale about a foolish farmer who sees a rabbit
kill itself in front of him by running into a tree stump, then gives
up tilling his field to wait for more rabbits by the stump. This
saying is applied to people who wait passively for luck to strike
again. It also refers to impractical people who stick to one way of
doing things only because it has worked for them once in the past.
-
"Pure Water Has No Fish; Perfect People Have No Friends"
Many versions of this historical tale exist. The one told here is
about a 2nd century AD official sent to govern a far-flung outpost on
the Silk Road who is fastidious in applying strict rules and thereby
causes the local people to rebel against him. In the professional
world, it is used to refer to people who do not like to work with an
overly strict supervisor or colleague.
Whether being used in a classroom or for self-study, Chinese Stories
for Language Learners provides an educational and entertaining way for
intermediate Mandarin learners to expand their vocabulary and
understanding of the language.
