Edited by Elke Spielmanns-Rome and Wolfgang Kubin, based on a manuscript by Barbara Chang, Buske Verlag, Hamburg 2009
Xiehouyu are two-part phrases that are very popular in China and are mainly used in the spoken language. This Chinese-German dictionary is aimed at all learners and speakers of Chinese who wish to expand their language skills with the important component of xiehouyu and lists almost 1,400 proverbial comparisons in Chinese characters, in pinyin and in German translation. It provides an introduction to Chinese wordplay and also contains valuable information and background knowledge on everyday life, customs and Chinese culture. As a clear reference work with translations and explanations for every pun, the dictionary is an indispensable aid for study and work.
A detailed introduction to the topic of Xiehouyu, a bibliography with a list of all important collections and an overview of the relevant literature as well as an index with almost 5,000 entries round off the volume. The index is sorted alphabetically according to the pinyin transcription and contains not only the complete B sections, which mostly consist of idiomatic phrases or dialect expressions, but also many terms from the A sections.
Reviews:
"... a ground-breaking contribution to the subject 'Chinese as a foreign language' in German-speaking countries. As a teacher, I have been missing a work like this for a long time. ... The layout of this work is excellently designed."
From the teacher's evaluation by Jin Zhang
"Every proverb is listed in characters, in pinyin and in German translation. The reader is provided with important historical or cultural background knowledge for (almost) every entry, which is indispensable for understanding the 'xiehouyu'. The very well-chosen contemporary example sentences with German translation are particularly valuable. Cross-references round off each entry. The entries are very clearly organised, especially thanks to the symbols used."
Chun No. 25/2010, published by the Chinese Language Teaching Association
"This is the 'powerful language' that you don't learn in any language course and yet is so typical of the Middle Kingdom."
In Asia 04/2010
"Even those who do not work as translators from Chinese and will appreciate this dictionary as a valuable tool can benefit greatly from this instructive and at the same time very entertaining read. To use a Chinese expression, this work is like 'guzi di li de gaoliang - maojian', 'millet in the wheat field - outstanding'."
Asia 119
"The book fills an important gap and will prove to be indispensable in the future, especially for advanced learners of Chinese, translators and interpreters. However, this work is also highly recommended for less advanced learners, as the reader will gain important information and background knowledge on Chinese culture, history and everyday life simply by leafing through the book and reading the expert commentaries."
The new China 01/2010
"As a book about Chinese civilisation, I am glad to have it. It is incredibly thorough and beautifully done."
From the Amazon review by R. Barbara "barfelt" (Berlin)
"The format of this dictionary is impressive: on the one hand, it is a practical and user-friendly reference work and, on the other, a rich and readable source on the cultural history of China. The entries are all carefully researched and contain a wealth of interesting background information, so that you can't help but browse through them.
Many a translator has lost sleep over Chinese sayings in the past. What was Grandma's dog doing here? So abruptly! Something was missing! Yes, exactly! Because "grandma's dog" is only the first part of a two-part xiehouyu, the meaning of which can always be found in the second part. Therein lies the humour of Chinese proverbs and the previously (almost) unsolvable challenge for non-native speakers: how could you find out what was missing? How could you look it up? Now you finally can. The editors have passed the mammoth task of deciphering many common xiehouyu with flying colours. And I am sure that translators of Chinese literature and all those who deal professionally with Chinese will thank the editors from the bottom of their hearts for this publication. At the very least, they should do so in order not to be accused of being like grandma's dog: It eats its fill and then disappears without(!) any sign of gratitude.
The Chinese-German Saying Dictionary complements the series of standard dictionaries. It should not only be in every relevant library, but also in the study rooms of all advanced Chinese learners."
Amazon review by Bastian Broer (Bonn)
"For learners of Chinese from the 3rd year onwards, the 'Dictionary of Chinese Saying Words' is a very useful purchase that helps to deepen language basics."
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