"The valuable dictionary of Kwong Ki Chiu
Jan 3, 2008 19:23:17 GMT -5
Post by helen on Jan 3, 2008 19:23:17 GMT -5
which is most highly esteemed, has not come into general use here on account of its high price. .." quote from JSTOR: Customs of the Chinese in America
Can anyone tell me the true value of this dictionary. I have borrowed one from my late Aunty's family - and I am sure it needs to go to a museum/research library. This was a edition published in 1913.
Preface
In presenting this book to the public, a few words concerning the author¡¯s previous efforts in the same direction may not be in appropriate. In 1868 he published a small English and Chinese Lexicon, containing about eight thousand words, - with an added list embracing the names of the most familiar articles and common terms of daily life: to which were appended some familiar conversational phrases. The unexpectedly large circulation of that book was most gratfying, as showing the public need and appreciation of such a work.
The revised edition of that work, enlarged by the addition of four thousand words, was published in 1875. The appended lists were also enlarged, many miscellaneous words and expressions in common use being added. Some forms of letters for commercial correspondence were inserted in that edition, as was also a Chinese chronological table. The sale of that book seemed to indicate that it was more serviceable to Chinese students of English than any thing before published.
With these proofs of the demand for books of this class, and with gratifying testimony that the previous editions had met a popular want, it seemed best to the author to undertake another work of similar character but on a much larger scale, and more complete.
A superior opportunity for this was afforded him by his appointment in 1875, as a member of the Chinese Educational Commission established at Hartford, Connecticut, in the United States. The author resided there for eight years where he had access to the best aids to the study of the language, and enjoyed the highest facilities for the execution of such a work. He has accordingly prepared this book which is much fuller than the previous ones.
The number of words and phrases inserted is much increased and the list of miscellaneous words much enlarged in this edition; while the classification of the words themselves has been made more minute and accurate. To many of them explanatory definitions or synonyms have been added, an advantage which will really be appreciated. The forms for commercial correspondence and the chronological table have beenrevised with much care.
It should be stated that in translating the English, the simple and easily understood form of Chinese, has been employed, in preference to any particular dialect, for obvious reasons.
With these explanations, the author commits the work to the public fondly hoping that it will meet their need more fully than previous editions, and that it will do its art in leading both the English people and the Chinese people to a more thorough acquaintance with each other¡¯s language and literature.
Hartford. Conn. (USA)
November, 24th 1882.
K K Chiu
Printed by Wo Shing Printing Office
Book Binder and Stationer, &c.
No. 29, Pottinger Street
Hong Kong
1913
Can anyone tell me the true value of this dictionary. I have borrowed one from my late Aunty's family - and I am sure it needs to go to a museum/research library. This was a edition published in 1913.
Preface
In presenting this book to the public, a few words concerning the author¡¯s previous efforts in the same direction may not be in appropriate. In 1868 he published a small English and Chinese Lexicon, containing about eight thousand words, - with an added list embracing the names of the most familiar articles and common terms of daily life: to which were appended some familiar conversational phrases. The unexpectedly large circulation of that book was most gratfying, as showing the public need and appreciation of such a work.
The revised edition of that work, enlarged by the addition of four thousand words, was published in 1875. The appended lists were also enlarged, many miscellaneous words and expressions in common use being added. Some forms of letters for commercial correspondence were inserted in that edition, as was also a Chinese chronological table. The sale of that book seemed to indicate that it was more serviceable to Chinese students of English than any thing before published.
With these proofs of the demand for books of this class, and with gratifying testimony that the previous editions had met a popular want, it seemed best to the author to undertake another work of similar character but on a much larger scale, and more complete.
A superior opportunity for this was afforded him by his appointment in 1875, as a member of the Chinese Educational Commission established at Hartford, Connecticut, in the United States. The author resided there for eight years where he had access to the best aids to the study of the language, and enjoyed the highest facilities for the execution of such a work. He has accordingly prepared this book which is much fuller than the previous ones.
The number of words and phrases inserted is much increased and the list of miscellaneous words much enlarged in this edition; while the classification of the words themselves has been made more minute and accurate. To many of them explanatory definitions or synonyms have been added, an advantage which will really be appreciated. The forms for commercial correspondence and the chronological table have beenrevised with much care.
It should be stated that in translating the English, the simple and easily understood form of Chinese, has been employed, in preference to any particular dialect, for obvious reasons.
With these explanations, the author commits the work to the public fondly hoping that it will meet their need more fully than previous editions, and that it will do its art in leading both the English people and the Chinese people to a more thorough acquaintance with each other¡¯s language and literature.
Hartford. Conn. (USA)
November, 24th 1882.
K K Chiu
Printed by Wo Shing Printing Office
Book Binder and Stationer, &c.
No. 29, Pottinger Street
Hong Kong
1913
