A Small Dictionary, A Great Legacy: Xinhua Dictionary Exhibition Opens in Ningbo
NINGBO, CHINA – August 29, 2024 – A special exhibition celebrating the iconic Xinhua Dictionary opened at the Ningbo Library on Tuesday, showcasing the evolution and enduring significance of this essentialtool for generations of Chinese learners.
Entitled The Birth of a Book: A Collection of Xinhua, the exhibition delves into the rich history ofthe Xinhua Dictionary, highlighting its role in shaping Chinese literacy and culture. The dictionary, first published in 1953, was a government-led initiative aimed at promoting literacy in the wake of the founding of the People’s Republicof China. It was a collaborative effort by renowned experts and scholars, serving as a foundational resource for the nation’s burgeoning education system.
Over the past 70 years, the Xinhua Dictionary has undergone numerous revisions and updates, reflectingthe evolving language and needs of its users. It has transcended its initial purpose of promoting basic literacy, becoming an indispensable tool for students, scholars, and the general public alike. Its value has extended beyond simply defining words, becoming a symbol of cultural identity and a testament to the enduring power of language.
The exhibitionis divided into four sections: The Birth of a Dictionary, The Evolution of a Dictionary, The Emotion of a Dictionary, and The Legacy of a Dictionary. Visitors are greeted by a striking visual display of the words 典藏新华 (A Collection of Xinhua), inviting them to engage with the exhibition’s theme. The central space features a long scroll, symbolizing the continuous printing of the dictionary, while the Evolution of a Dictionary section showcases a collection of Xinhua Dictionaries donated by local residents, each bearing the marks of time and personal stories.
The Emotion of a Dictionary section offers a poignant glimpseinto the personal connections people have with the Xinhua Dictionary. Letters and stories from readers across China are displayed, sharing their experiences and memories associated with this iconic book. One visitor remarked that the dictionary represents a legacy of family education, while another described it as a garden encompassing all things and a silent teacher.
Yu Guilin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Commercial Press, the publisher of the Xinhua Dictionary, emphasized the exhibition’s significance, stating that it highlights the small dictionary’s profound impact on education, culture, heritage, and communication.
Jiang Wuji, a member of the PartyCommittee and Deputy Director of the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dictionary’s role in providing access to knowledge and fostering literacy. He described the dictionary as a silent teacher that empowers individuals to learn and grow.
The exhibition, organized by the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism and the Commercial Press, will run until November 24th. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the Xinhua Dictionary, a symbol of China’s cultural heritage and a testament to the importance of language in shaping individual lives and national identity.
Views: 2