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What do you think when you think of China? A repressive government, human rights abuse, corruption scandals,
terrible pollution? Admit it, Im right.
Heres what you probably dont know: China is as rich in language as it is in engineers.
Many modern, everyday Chinese idioms have their roots in ancient poetry. These idioms, which are each
composed of four Chinese characters, are totally unique to the language. Chinese has 20,000 such idioms in total;
only one or two thousand are commonly used. But Chinese schoolkids often spend their days reciting them in
class.
Chinese poetry is a window to a world that is very foreign and advanced, says Ron Egan, a professor of
Chinese literature at Stanford University. By the 7th and 8th century, the Chinese [had] mastered the art of
expressing themselves, which didnt happen in any other place in the world.
This is no esoteric idea. Theres even a hot television program called China Idiom Convention. This show, which
aired Sundays from April to June, tested competitors knowledge of idioms. More than 30,000 people signed up to
compete. Videos netted nearly 2 million clicks on Youku, one of Chinas biggest online video sites.
So if youre trying to understand the Asian giant, boning up on your Chinese idioms might help.
SOURCE Corbis
To see farther, you need to stand higher. This poem is often used to encourage students and workers alike to set
higher goals.
Now you know why Chinese students work so hard. You would, too, if you had to memorize idioms like this from a
young age.
Michelle Tang was a summer intern at OZY. She lives in Palo Alto and grew up in China.
This OZY encore was originally published July 16, 2014.