A Chinese-English dictionary based on standardized proficiency
vocabulary is quite necessary for any foreigner learning Chinese
who wishes to pass the Han Yu Shui Ping Kao Shi (HSK). Until now
all other existing dictionaries were compiled for native Chinese
users according to the 8,000 Chinese characters needed for
proficiency with entries translated into English in some of these
dictionaries. Before the debut of this new dictionary, all the
others were designed for Chinese users to be used as tools for
English translation
To fill the gap, the Foreign Languages Press organized more than
20 editors and translators to labor on this Chinese-English
Dictionary. In October 2007, after five years, the dictionary has
been published.
The new dictionary comprehensively covers "Chinese proficiency
vocabulary", plus all the first letters are arranged
alphabetically, in Pinyin, while homophones are arranged according
to strokes and homophones with the same strokes are ordered based
on the first stroke.
In terms of interpretation, not only commonly used meanings but
also some rare and dialectal meanings are included in the
dictionary. Interpretations are brief and to the point with less
explanation of basic knowledge and more focus on vocabulary
pertaining to Chinese culture.
Given that Pinyin is the most convenient method for foreigners
to learn Chinese, all the first letters, example words and
sentences are marked with Pinyin, which is quite different from
other dictionaries. The example words and sentences are vivid and
collocations are carefully designed. The dictionary also includes
common idioms, proverbs and slang, as well as the explanation of
words literally difficult to understand.
Due to the complexity of Chinese, quantifiers and several parts
of speech designated for a single character in the Chinese language
are not easy for foreigners. Thus, parts of speech have been marked
according to the words covered in the dictionary along with
appropriate quantifiers that may accompany them as well.
This dictionary is well designed and comprehensive, making it
quite helpful for foreign Chinese learners. Xiao Xiaoming, Qian
Wangsi, Yao Naiqiang and Wu Xunnan, along with the Chinese and
English editors in chief, including Qian Wangsi, Wu Xunnan, Yao
Naiqiang and Li Zhenguo, designed the dictionary.
The tome has about 1,500 pages, covers 2 million words and costs
79.00 yuan (US$10.64).
(China.org.cn by Yang Xi, November 19, 2007)
