"中国话" by 郑子宁 argues that language offers a lens to trace the historical development and cultural exchange between different ethnic groups in China. The book analyzes linguistic aspects of Chinese culture, including food, numbers, animals, kinship terms, and place names. It examines language evolution through a chronological, longitudinal perspective and explores inter-lingual communication and transmission through a spatial, cross-sectional perspective.
Through this linguistic approach, the book reveals the historical and cultural memory of Chinese people. Readers will understand the clear trajectory of historical development and cultural interaction among diverse ethnic groups as presented by the author.
Key concepts
- 语言学角度 — Analyzing culture through the study of language.
- 纵向时间维度 — Examining language development and evolution over time.
- 横向空间维度 — Investigating the spread and communication between different languages.
- 饮食文化 — Linguistic exploration of Chinese food culture.
- 数字文化 — Linguistic exploration of Chinese numerical culture.
- 动物文化 — Linguistic exploration of Chinese animal culture.