As a reference book, Xinhua Dictionary is known as the bible of Chinese learners, in which many people look for the mystery of Chinese characters and understand the breadth and profundity of Chinese culture. However, two associate professors, Qian Yi and Liu Zhencheng, have recently filed a lawsuit against Xinhua Dictionary, which has attracted widespread attention and heated discussions.
*, two associate professors listed what they thought were problems in the Xinhua Dictionary. Among them, they first pointed out that the interpretation of the word "play" is the most sexual, and they believe that this interpretation has an inappropriate value orientation, which may mislead children and have a negative impact on their values. In addition, the example sentence of the word "don't" shows the description of a pistol pinned to the waist, which they consider inappropriate.
As for the group word "burdensome" in the definition of "tired", the example sentence "children become burdensome when they are young", the two associate professors believe that this will bring negative self-perception to children and affect their growth and development. The most shocking thing is that the description of "倭寇" is omitted from the interpretation of the character "倭寇", and only the ancient name of Japan is mentioned. In response, the two associate professors questioned whether the new version of the dictionary deliberately deleted the relevant content of "倭寇".
In response to these issues, netizens expressed different views. Some people support the prosecution of the two associate professors, arguing that there are indeed problems with the interpretation of the Xinhua Dictionary, and even suspecting that it intends to tamper with and poison national culture. Others questioned the motives of the two associate professors, arguing that they were just grandstanding. So, what is the truth of the matter?Is the prosecution of the two associate professors justified?
After some verification, it can be found that in many editions of the "Xinhua Dictionary", the word "倭寇" is indeed not included. Some people may mistakenly think that the interpretation of 倭字 includes "倭寇". However, according to the official refutation of rumors, the word "倭寇" has never been included in the Xinhua dictionary, nor has it ever used the original interpretation mentioned by netizens. The versions mentioned earlier with the interpretation of "倭寇" are most likely the Modern Chinese Dictionary or Xinhua Dictionary published by the Commercial Press.
As far as the prosecution of the two associate professors, Qian Yi and Liu Zhencheng, is referred to as a post-80s associate professor in public information, founded the Yixiang Tiankai English learning method, and served as an associate professor at Changsha Medical College. The relevant information about Liu Zhencheng could not be found. It is impossible to make an accurate judgment as to whether the motives of the two associate professors are really for grandstanding.
In general, after the relevant departments of a county in Guangxi discovered problems in the special supervision of Xinhua dictionaries and children's books, they have been required to be removed from the shelves for rectification, indicating that there are indeed some problems in the "Xinhua Dictionary". However, the appropriateness of other interpretations is debatable, and all parties need to conduct in-depth discussion and research. As a reference book, the role of Xinhua Dictionary is not only to provide positive terms, but also to contain certain neutral and derogatory terms, which is in line with the needs of practical use.
In their indictment, the two associate professors, Qian Yi and Liu Zhencheng, listed some of the problems they believed existed in the Xinhua Dictionary, and questioned and criticized them. Among them, the explanation of some words and the improper interpretation of example sentences have caused great controversy and concern.
First of all, they pointed out that the interpretation of the word "play" is the word "sexual", and believes that this interpretation has an inappropriate value orientation. This can be misleading for children and have a bad impact on their gender awareness and values. This issue needs to be further discussed and assessed as to whether modifications and adjustments are needed.
Secondly, they expressed inappropriateness in the description of the example sentence of the word "don't" that shows a pistol pinned to the waist. They believe that such example sentences may give people a bad association, especially for the education and influence of teenagers. For the choice of example sentences, whether it needs to be more prudent and sensitive is also a matter of concern and **.
In addition, they also questioned the compound word "cumbersome" and the example sentence "the child became a cumbersome child" in the definition of "tired". They believe that such paraphrasing and example sentences may bring negative self-perception to children and affect their growth and development. How to balance negative and positive descriptions, and how to develop a positive self-perception in children, is a question that needs to be considered.
Most shockingly, they questioned the Xinhua Dictionary's explanation of the character "倭" only mentioning the ancient name of Japan, omitting the description of "倭寇". This has caused some controversy and doubts. However, according to official rumors, it is true that the Xinhua dictionary has never included the word "倭寇" and has not deleted or tampered with it. Further investigation and research are needed on this issue.
In response to the doubts and criticisms of the two associate professors, some netizens supported their prosecution, believing that there were problems with the interpretation of the Xinhua Dictionary, and even suspected that it was an attempt to tamper with and poison the national culture. Others questioned their motives, arguing that they were just grandstanding. However, we cannot judge the true motives and intentions of the two associate professors for the time being.
In general, as a reference book, the definitions and example sentences of the Xinhua Dictionary need to be reviewed and evaluated in many aspects. It is not only to provide basic explanations and usage for Chinese learners, but also to assume the responsibility of disseminating culture and guiding values. We should conduct in-depth discussions and research on the existing problems and doubts to find appropriate solutions. At the same time, we should also maintain the ability to think independently in the age of information, and not easily believe and disseminate inaccurate information.