A Social View on the Chinese Language

A Social View on the Chinese Language provides a general linguistic introduction to the Chinese language for the general reader, covering areas such as dialects, history, characters, and grammar, as well as linguistic phenomena related to human behavior and society, such as language learning, brain processing, genetic origins, language disorders, and social group differences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

A comprehensive linguistic introduction to the Chinese language, designed for the general reader and suitable for beginning-level Chinese linguistics courses, is presented in the book "A Social View on the Chinese Language." This book distinguishes itself from other Chinese linguistics surveys by exploring linguistic phenomena that intersect with human behavior and society. In addition to covering traditional areas of interest such as Chinese dialects, language history, characters, and grammar, it delves into diverse topics related to language acquisition, brain processing, genetic origins, language disorders, language loss in Chinese, differences in language use among social groups, and studies of Chinese reading and psycholinguistic aspects.

The book begins by providing an overview of the Chinese language, its history, and its development. It then delves into various aspects of language acquisition, including how Chinese children and US college students learn Chinese, the challenges and strategies they face, and the cognitive processes involved in learning a foreign language. The author also discusses the genetic origins of Chinese and explores the relationship between language and genetics.

Moving on, the book explores language disorders and language loss in Chinese, examining the causes, symptoms, and treatment of these conditions. It also discusses the social and cultural factors that contribute to language disorders and language loss, such as the impact of globalization, urbanization, and social change on language usage.

The book further examines differences in Chinese language use among different social groups, such as urban vs. rural populations, different age groups, and different educational backgrounds. It explores the social and cultural factors that influence language variation and how these differences impact communication and social interactions.

The author also conducts studies on Chinese reading and psycholinguistic aspects of Chinese language use. It explores the reading strategies and techniques used by Chinese readers, the cognitive processes involved in reading Chinese, and the relationship between reading and language acquisition. The book also discusses the psycholinguistic factors that influence Chinese language use, such as attention, memory, and language processing.

In conclusion, "A Social View on the Chinese Language" offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Chinese language. It provides a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in learning more about the Chinese language and its diverse linguistic and social aspects. By exploring the intersections between language and human behavior and society, the book sheds light on the complex and fascinating nature of the Chinese language and its role in shaping Chinese culture and society.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433179822
Edition number: New ed