Chinese Cultural perspective and meaning of Chinese keyword “仁(ren)”
Keyword, literately meaning they are the representative of the entire body of the certain knowledge to which they are related. Similarly, cultural keywords in a language are words which are significant in that language, and reflect the culture of the given language. (Wierzbicka 1997) This paper will focus on one of the Chinese keywords: “仁(ren)”, and argue the meaning and Chinese cultural perspective on “仁(ren)”. This is analysed in comparing the explanations and translations in related literature. Additionally, scholars agree with the fact that the interpretation of cultural keyword has become a major difficulty for outsiders to understand, because it has an inseparable
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Thus, the third cultural difference is focused on the social culture. Comparing the attitude towards dogs, English people love pets. Thereupon, they always hold a friendly attitude towards dogs, for instance, there are “be top dog”, “a lucky dog” and so forth. Conversely, Chinese people of consider “dog” as a disparaging term, therefore, it is common to find a word such as “狗腿子” (means someone is obsequious) , “狗仗人势” (means being a bully with the protection of a powerful person) and so forth. (Wan and Han 2014)
Having considered why there might have deviant meaning when translating words or phrases between Chinese and English, it is reasonable to look at a particular Chinese keyword: “仁/ren”. As a result, the following paragraph will focus on discussing the meaning and Chinese cultural perspective on “仁/ren”. In general, “仁/ren” is the Confucian virtue representing the pleasant feeling a virtuous human experience when being benevolent. (Cortazzi and Shen 2001) The following are indicated by the meaning of the “仁/ren” :
a) “中国古代一种含义极广的道德观念。其核心指人与人互相亲爱。孔子以之作为最高的道德标准”
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Religion is an important part of the culture. Confucianism has been passed from generation and generation, and it has a profound influence for Chinese people. As mentioned earlier, “仁/ren” is the central concept of the Confucianism. Therefore, owing to the lack of the related religious culture, outside learners might find it is difficult to fully understand the cultural concept of “仁/ren” .
Last but not the least, social culture might have accounted for this phenomena. The British people might have concerned more about the relations between the superior and subordinate, while Chinese people focus more on the fairness. From what the author has discovered, the most frequency English translation version for the “仁/ren” is “benevolent”. However, according to the Oxford advanced learner’s English-Chinese dictionary (2009), the target of the “benevolent” is especially indicated the people in authority. It is clear that some part of the original meaning has
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Cao Xueqin’s Story of the Stone is a classic in Chinese literature, showcasing the life and exploits of the wealthy Jia clan during the feudal era. Through Cao’s depiction, the reader is afforded a glimpse into the customs and lifestyle of the time. Chinese mode of thought is depicted as it occurs in daily life, with the coexisting beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. While the positive aspects of both ideologies are presented, Cao ultimately depicts Taoism as the paramount, essential system of belief that guides the character Bao-yu to his eventual enlightenment. As was the case in China, Cao depicts the two forms of belief existing alongside one another, and not necessarily practiced exclusively to one another.
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Filial piety is as closely associated with Confucius teaching as it is one of the virtues of Confucianism. Confucius once said, “Among human practices, none is greater than xiao” (Chan, Alan Kam-Leung; Tan, Sor-hoon). There is no doubt that filial piety remained the important aspect of Chinese society, where as the philosophers such as Confucius strongly pushed forward the idea of filial piety. A ...
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Comparison of American and Chinese Cultures Cultural differences are apparent from one group of people to another. Culture is based on many things that are passed on from one generation to the next. Most of the time, people take for granted their language, beliefs, and values. When it comes to the cultural differences of people, there is no right or wrong. People should be aware of others culture and respect the differences that exist between them.
"Holy Mencius (Chinese): Book 3 - Part 3." Holy Mencius (Chinese): Book 3 - Part 3. Ishwar, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. .
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Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism constitute the essence of the traditional Chinese culture. The relationship among the three has been marked by both competition and complementation in history, with Confucianism playing a more dominant role. Confucianism emphasized a reiteration of current moral values and Taoism developed a system of based upon a harmonization of man with the natural order. These two popular philosophies, however, developed into popular religions eventually. Besides the major religions, ancestor worship and animism also have strong support in China. Chinese people are very pragmatic, worshipping gods that might answer their prayers.
Even though Taoism and many other folk religions have shaped the Chinese mind, Confucianism remains, by any historical measure, its chief mentor” (Novak 113). Therefore, since the two religions grew up together, there are similarities, such as their views on humans, attempting to find harmony in life and in nature, and serve as guides for their followers through self-cultivation and improvement techniques. Confucianism believes that their congregation should have human conduct over the idea of God in their lives, whereas Taoism is formed on the belief that its congregation should create a relationship with nature. This is pointed out by Smith in Experiencing the World’s Religions, “Confucius represents the classical, Lao Tzu the romantic; Confucius stresses social responsibility, Lao Tzu praises spontaneity and naturalness; Confucius focus is on the human, Lao Tzu’s on what transcends the human” (Smith 218).
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