A collection of short stories of Chinese idioms
Synopsis of project: Exploring the broad meaning of Chinese idioms with the
explanation of the literal and figurative meaning and how to use it in context. The
corresponding short story will involve a situation that should effectively describe
how to use the idiom in context.
Accompanying the text would be the literal translation of the Chinese characters
by illustrations and a brief explanation of how it is derived.
Objectives:
1. A book of collected short stories accompanied by illustrations and short notes
on the Chinese idioms
2. Introducing a different way to explore the Chinese language and its characters.
3. To show how creative writing can help bring out the essence of the Chinese
language
4. A novel exercise to expound the possibilities of learning a language that has
proven itself to be mysterious and difficult for a non-native to grasp.
Idiom stories
对牛弹琴 - playing a musical instrument to a cow
Usage: To waste your time talking to someone who is unreasonable or not
involved in context
Origin: Taken from context from a book of Chinese essays that describes how
people talk past each other and misunderstand each other’s intentions.
Story: Cows were once known as the most musical of the animal kingdom. They
had excellent hearing abilities, detecting the highest decibels of sounds. Their
udders produced different tones while they were milked, as they tapped gently
along with their tails. Unfortunately, men were too inferior to realise this unique
quality of their cows. People never thought about playing any musical instrument
to cows as they are either very critical or choose to ignore the performer
completely. In most cases, it is the latter.
格格不入- not fitting into every square
Usage: When two people are so different, it is impossible to get along
Origins: Taken from chapter 8 of a classic literary book whose writer remains
anonymous. A man’s eff