Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents Chinese short-short stories in English and Chinese, integrating language learning with cultural studies for intermediate to advanced learners of Mandarin Chinese and students of contemporary Chinese literature. Each chapter begins with a critical introduction, followed by two or more stories in parallel Chinese and English texts.
Trade ReviewWith the addition of the parallel Chinese text and the thoughtfully designed teaching materials, including introductory essays, glossaries, reading questions, and author biographies, the book makes an easy-to-use and much-needed textbook for teachers and advanced students of Chinese language and culture. -- Yan Liang * Modern Chinese Literature and Culture *
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Contemporary Chinese Short-Short Stories] is not only an enjoyable read for general readers but can also be used as a wonderful study guide for Chinese language, culture and translation students and instructors. -- Maialen Marin-Lacarta * Cha: An Asian Literary Journal *
This collection has so much to recommend it, from the discriminating selection of stories and their artful translation, striking a delicate balance between intimacy and alterity; to the unique organization of the stories around key concepts in Chinese culture; to the notes and commentary, which elucidate without overwhelming. This volume is a must-have for teachers and students of Chinese language, literature, and culture—and for anyone interested in modern literature and in the art of translation. -- Brian James Baer, Kent State University
Contemporary Chinese Short-Short Stories makes a wonderful tool for students wishing to improve their reading skills while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture. The result is a highly teachable book on a wide variety of relevant themes of works short enough that they are digestible for the nonnative speaker yet substantive enough to leave a lasting impression. I strongly recommend this book as a text for a fourth-year Chinese language course or a hybrid language/literature course. Much can be learned from reading these pithy stories. -- Christopher Lupke, University of Alberta
Recommended for upper level Chinese classes and for those already out of college who wish to retain their Chinese proficiency or to regain it after moving off for a while into other fields. -- Carrie (Reed) Wiebe, Middlebury College
Rich in content and featuring authors of different backgrounds and writing styles, this book offers teachers and students a wide range of choices in terms of cultural themes and social topics. . . . This reviewer would highly recommend it as a major textbook for the advanced level, especially for a course that combines language and content. It represents the results of decade-long rigorous efforts to integrate language learning and cultural learning through the exclusive use of authentic materials. -- Jun Yang * Chinese as a Second Language *
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
1. Li and Ren Skull Shave, by Zhao Xin
“Star” Grandma, by Liu Zhenyun
Catharsis, by Nie Xinsen
2. Xiao Father Makes the Lantern, by Chi Zijian
Little She, by Han Shaogong
Money Order, by Bai Xuchu
Heaven-Bound, but After Summer, by Mo Zhongbai
3. Yin-Yang Two Minds, by Wang Qionghua
Cuilan’s Love, by Li Lingling
Forever by Your Side, by Wu Zhongzheng
4. Governance The Stone-Paving Project, by Zhou Bo
The Clear Pond, by Cai Nan
Big Sweet Potatoes, by Zeng Ping
5. IdentityAuntie, by Yu Shengli
Brothers, by Zhou Tao
The Love of Her Life, by Shi Tiesheng
Water in the Well, by Gao Huaichang
6. FaceA Golden Rain, by Wu Nianzhen
Face, by Wei Yonggui
At the Teahouse, by Chen Yong
Chickens Hate Pecked Faces, by Liu Xinwu
7. (Romantic) LoveLittle Heartaches, by Zhao Yu
Fake Love Letter, by Zou Jingzhi
A Gentleman’s Love, by Wang Kuishan
Give Him Peace, by An Shiliu
8. MarriageMary Zhang, by Xing Hua
The Cost of Marriage, by Zhao Yu
Missing Zhang Meili, by Ye Zhongjian
The Mint’s Invitation, by Tian Shuangling
9. Changes Future, by Wang Meng
Unknowable Possibilities, by Ge Fei
Pinyin Vocabulary Index
English Vocabulary Index
Bibliography
How to Use This Parallel Text to Teach Chinese Language and Culture
