The People's Dynasty: Culture and Society in Modern China
The state-directed opening of the Chinese economy in 1979 led to a number of radical transformations within Chinese society, but Western understanding of these changes is often limited by erroneous assumptions. Offering a clear picture of the vast economic and social forces of modern-day China, Professor Robert J. Shepherd addresses U.S. investment in China, China's startling economic growth, state vs. society issues in the vast republic, and the effect of social and cultural change on the Chinese people.
Treasured for centuries by karates masters, The Bubishi was a secret text passed from master to student in China and later in Okinawa. Dealing with philosophy, strategy and medicine as they relate to the martial arts, it has been studied and taught from by all of karates legendary masters. This English translation includes numerous explanations and notes to ease comprehension. The authro also includes research on Okinawan and Chinese history as well as the fighting and healing traditions that developed in thos countries, making it useful for researchers and practitioners alike.
Focusing on two late-Ming or early-Qing plays central to the Chinese canon, this thought-provoking study explores crucial questions concerning personal identity. How is a person, as opposed to a ghost or animal, to be defined? How can any specific person (as distinguished, for example, from an impostor or twin) be identified? Both plays are chuanqi, representatives of a monumental genre that represents Chinese dramatic literature at its most complex: Tang Xianzu’s Peony Pavilion is a romantic comedy in 55 acts, and Kong Shangren’s Peach Blossom Fan narrates the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 40 acts.
TIME Magazine December 15, 2008 Vol. 172 No. 24• COVER: Is This Detroit's Last Winter? - After 30 years of poor cars and worse management, the Big Three want Uncle Sam's help. Does that make sense? • NATION: A New World Order - Obama's national-security team has talent, experience--and a tendency to disagree on major policy issues. Can it work? Keep an eye on the 6-ft. 5-in. general • WORLD: Postcard from Dongguan - Battered by the economic slump, Chinese toymakers are closing up shop--leaving frustrated workers out in the cold. A blue Christmas at China's North Pole • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: The Essence of Clint Eastwood
Requests, a speech act people frequently use to perform everyday social interactions, have attracted particular attention in politeness theories, pragmatics, and second language acquisition.
