A Brief Introduction to Chinese American Writers and Their Works
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汉语之美英语作文Title: The Beauty of the Chinese Language。
The Chinese language, with its rich history, intricate characters, and melodious tones, embodies a unique form of beauty that captivates learners and linguists alike. Inthis essay, we will delve into the various aspects that contribute to the aesthetic allure of the Chinese language.First and foremost, the beauty of the Chinese language lies in its characters. Unlike alphabetic writing systems, Chinese characters are pictographic and ideographic, each character representing a concept, an object, or an idea. The strokes and structures of these characters oftenreflect the essence of the word they represent, creating a visual symphony on paper. The elegance of Chinese calligraphy, with its graceful strokes and balanced compositions, further enhances the aesthetic appeal of these characters.Moreover, the tonal nature of the Chinese language adds another layer of beauty to its sound. Mandarin Chinese, for example, is a tonal language with four main tones and a neutral tone. The rising and falling intonations give the language a musical quality, akin to poetry in motion. The subtle variations in tone convey nuances of meaning, infusing conversations with depth and emotion.Furthermore, the Chinese language boasts a richcultural heritage embedded within its vocabulary and expressions. Many words and phrases carry historical significance, rooted in ancient legends, philosophical teachings, and literary masterpieces. For instance, the concept of "yin and yang" symbolizes the duality of existence, while idioms like "水到渠成" (shuǐ dào qúchéng) evoke imagery of water flowing effortlessly to its destination, illustrating the idea of achieving success naturally.Additionally, the structure of the Chinese language lends itself to poetic expression and rhetorical devices. Classical Chinese poetry, characterized by its strictmetrical rules and evocative imagery, is a testament to the linguistic beauty of the language. Through techniques such as parallelism, repetition, and symbolism, poets havecrafted timeless verses that resonate with readers across generations.Beyond its linguistic features, the beauty of the Chinese language also lies in its ability to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As more people around the world learn Chinese, they gain insights into Chinese culture, traditions, and values. Language becomes a bridge that connects individuals from different backgrounds, facilitating dialogue and fostering mutual respect.In conclusion, the beauty of the Chinese language transcends its linguistic elements, encompassing its characters, tones, cultural heritage, and poetic essence.It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Chinese people throughout history. As we continue toexplore and appreciate the depths of this ancient language, we discover anew the profound beauty that lies within its words and expressions.。
A Brief Introduction to Ancient CHINESE POETRYChinese poetry has its origin from Shijing (詩經) or Book of Songs. It was the first major collection of Chinese poems, consisting mostly folksongs (the "Songs"). They are composed of four-character (四言) lines. It comprises 305 poems, covering the period from eleven century to six century B.C. Some of the most popular ones are taught in schools nowadays. With the help of some annotations they are not difficult to understand and appreciate despite their antiquity. Poetry is the most popular form of literature since the beginning of written Chinese and is still popular today. It has developed into many forms throughout history and reached its zenith in the Tang Dynasty (618 –907 A.D.) when poetry was the main subject in the imperial civil examination. In our present time anyone who has gone to school can recite some of them. The classical forms of poetry mostly consist of lines of five-character (五言) or seven-character (七言) poems with special rules concerning rhythm, rhyme, tone and balance. Chinese poetry has several distinct features which are derived from the special features of the Chinese language. Chinese is a monosyllabic language. Each character has a single sound. Putonghua (or Mandarin) which is the official language and the most common one, has four tones. The sound of a character can be represented by one to three musical notes.Each character sounds like a beat in music.We can see that the Chinese classical form of poetry is very musical. Let us take a seven-word-lin e poem from late Tang Dynasty (9th century). The words are simple and so is the story that any pr imary school student today can understand it. It is a poem that can illustrate the basic features of classical poetry. (Note 1)Chinese: 去年 / 今日 / 此门中, Meaning of Last year / to-day / this d oor centre, each word:Pinyin: qu (\) nian(/) / jin(--) ri(\) / ci(--) Men(/) zhong(--)人面 / 桃花 / 相映红。
Giveabriefintroductionof__AmericanreligionGive a brief introduction of American religion.Many people in America are “deists”(⾃然神论者). They believe that there is a God, but they don’t think He is involved in our lives to a great extent. They don’t seek God or follow Biblical teachings(圣经教义).Many others in Americ a are “practicing Christians”. They seek to follow God’s will in their lives and often meet together with other Christians at church meetings. 42% of Americans “go to church” at least once a week.The majority of Americans (76%) identify themselves as Christians, mostly within Protestant(新教)and Catholic(天主教)denominations, accounting for 51% and 25% of the population respectively. Non-Christian religions (including Buddhism佛教, Hinduism印度教, Islam伊斯兰教, and Judaism犹太教), collectively make up about 4% to 5% of the adult population. Another 15% of the adult population identifies as having no religious belief or no religious affiliation(联盟;加⼊). According to the American Religious Identification Survey, religious belief varies considerably across the country: 59% of Americans living in Western states (the "Unchurched Belt") report a belief in God, yet in the South (the "Bible Belt") the figure is as high as 86%.The basic beliefs of the Christian faith, that Christians from all denominations(教派)can agree on, are that:Jesus is God’s Son.Jesus came to Earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, and died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus will come back again as a king. He will take his followers to live with Him in heaven.Denominations are parts of the Christian Church. Most of their beliefs are similar, but they disagree about some small points of how to live a Christian life. Because of these differences, they choose to worship separately and be called by different names.There are many different denominations in the United States. The largest are:The Catholic Church, 68,115,001 membersThe Southern Baptist Convention, 16,228,438 membersThe United Methodist Church(联合卫理公会教堂), 7,853,987 membersThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day(近代的;当代的)Saints, 5,974,041 membersThe Church of God in Christ, 5,499,875 membersMore than ? of all Americans are Catholic.Many came from Ireland, Italy and Poland. Catholic faith is often passed down from one generation to the next.John F. Kennedy, a very well liked President, was Catholic.There are many Catholic schools and hospitals in the United States. Some of the top universities were founded by Catholics, as well.The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints(末世圣徒,圣徒教会)(Mormons魔门教) Believe in the Bible, but also believe there is another book, The Book of Mormon(魔门经), that is also from GodWere taken to court about whether they could marry more than one wife – where it was decided that Americans can believe anything they want, but they can not do anything they wantAs of 1990, nearly 72% of the population of Utah was Mormon, as well as 26% of neighboring Idaho(爱德华州).Many ethnic minorities choose to worship(拜神;朝拜)together, whether due to language or cultural differences. Though there are many all Chinese churches, or all Latin churches, there are many multi-ethnic churches in the United States. People of different ethnicities and cultures are welcome at any church.“Black churches” are typically more lively than all white churches, with clapping and dancing done by many members. This is a part of African culture.In America, freedom of religion is very important. It is guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution.The United States has no state-supported religion.In some ways, the government supports all religions (ie. Churches don’t pay taxes, the armed forces pays chaplains(牧师;专职教⼠)of all faiths, Presidents often call on God to bless America and have national times of prayer)In some ways, the government ignores religion. Unlike in Great Britain, there is no religious education in schools. There is no requirement to believe in any religion to hold public office.。
汉语之美演讲英语作文Title: The Beauty of the Chinese Language。
The Chinese language, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, is a treasure trove of linguisticbeauty and cultural significance. In this discourse, wewill delve into the intricacies and charm of the Chinese language, exploring its unique features, poetic essence,and enduring appeal.One of the most captivating aspects of the Chinese language is its tonal nature. Unlike many Western languages, which rely primarily on word order and inflection to convey meaning, Chinese utilizes four distinct tones—flat, rising, falling-rising, and falling—to differentiate between words. This tonal system lends a melodic quality to spoken Chinese, imbuing it with a rhythmic cadence that is both elegant and distinctive.Furthermore, Chinese characters, with their intricatestrokes and symbolic meanings, serve as a visual representation of the language's beauty. Each character is a work of art in its own right, evoking images, ideas, and emotions through its form and composition. The calligraphic tradition in China further enhances the aesthetic appeal of written Chinese, with skilled calligraphers transforming ordinary characters into masterpieces of ink and brush.Beyond its linguistic structure and visual aesthetics, the Chinese language is replete with literary devices and poetic flourishes that elevate it to the realm of art. Classical Chinese poetry, with its strict tonal patterns and evocative imagery, exemplifies the poetic essence of the language. From the haunting verses of Li Bai to the philosophical musings of Du Fu, Chinese poetry captures the beauty of nature, the depths of human emotion, and the passage of time with unparalleled grace and eloquence.Moreover, the idiomatic expressions and proverbs that abound in Chinese language and culture add layers of depth and meaning to everyday communication. These concise and often metaphorical phrases convey centuries of wisdom,tradition, and cultural values in just a few words, serving as a testament to the richness and complexity of the Chinese linguistic heritage.In addition to its linguistic and literary merits, the Chinese language plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural identity and fostering cross-cultural understanding. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Chinese serves as a bridge connecting people from diverse backgrounds and regions. Through language exchange and cultural exchange programs, individuals have the opportunity to explore the nuances of Chinese language and culture, forging connections and building relationshipsthat transcend linguistic boundaries.In conclusion, the beauty of the Chinese language lies not only in its tonal melodies, intricate characters, and poetic expressions but also in its ability to transcend barriers and unite people across continents and cultures. As we continue to celebrate and cherish this linguistic treasure, may we also strive to preserve its legacy for generations to come.。
介绍中美文化的小作文英文英文:As a Chinese person who has lived in the United States for several years, I have experienced and observed many differences between Chinese and American cultures. One of the most obvious differences is the way people expresstheir emotions. In American culture, people tend to be more open and expressive about their feelings. For example, when Americans meet someone for the first time, they often greet each other with a hug or a handshake, and they are not afraid to show their emotions in public. On the other hand, in Chinese culture, people are more reserved and tend to keep their emotions to themselves. When meeting someone for the first time, it is more common to greet with a nod or a slight bow, and public displays of affection are not as common.中文:作为一个在美国生活了几年的中国人,我经历和观察到了中美文化之间的许多不同之处。
介绍中美文化的小作文英文英文:As a person who has lived in both China and the United States, I have experienced and observed many cultural differences between the two countries. 。
In terms of communication, I have found that Chinese people tend to be more indirect and implicit in their speech, often using metaphors and analogies to convey their messages. For example, when a Chinese person wants to politely decline an invitation, they may say "I'll think about it" instead of a direct "no". On the other hand, Americans are generally more straightforward and explicit in their communication. They tend to say what they mean and mean what they say, which can sometimes come across as blunt or rude to those from more indirect cultures.Another major difference is the concept of personal space. In China, people are used to being in closeproximity to others, especially in crowded public places.It is not uncommon for strangers to stand very close toeach other in a line or on public transportation. However,in the United States, there is a strong emphasis onpersonal space, and people generally feel uncomfortable when others invade their personal bubble. For example, when waiting in line, Americans often leave a significant amount of space between themselves and the person in front of them.Furthermore, the perception of time also varies between the two cultures. In China, it is more acceptable to be a few minutes late for appointments, and being fashionablylate is often seen as a sign of status. On the other hand, punctuality is highly valued in American culture, and being late is considered disrespectful and inconsiderate.In terms of food, there are also significantdifferences between Chinese and American cuisine. Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and regional specialties, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a balance of flavors. On the other hand, American cuisine is often associated with fast food and larger portion sizes.Additionally, the dining experience in China is more communal, with dishes being shared among the group, whilein America, individual portions are the norm.Overall, while there are many differences between Chinese and American cultures, I have come to appreciateand embrace the unique aspects of each. By understandingand respecting these cultural differences, I have been able to navigate and adapt to various social situations in both countries.中文:作为一个在中国和美国都生活过的人,我经历过和观察到了这两个国家之间许多文化上的差异。
汉语之美英语宣传稿作文The Beauty of Chinese Language: An English Promotional Essay。
The Chinese language, with its rich history and unique characters, has captivated the hearts of people all around the world. Its beauty lies not only in its elegant calligraphy and melodious tones, but also in its profound cultural heritage and deep philosophical roots. In this promotional essay, we will explore the beauty of the Chinese language and its impact on the global stage.First and foremost, the Chinese language is renownedfor its exquisite calligraphy. The art of writing Chinese characters is a time-honored tradition that dates back thousands of years. Each stroke and curve of the characters is carefully crafted, creating a visual masterpiece that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually uplifting. Chinese calligraphy is not just a form of writing, but a form of art that reflects the essence of Chinese cultureand philosophy.In addition to its visual beauty, the Chinese language is also known for its melodious tones. With its four distinct tones, Mandarin Chinese has a musical quality that is both enchanting and mesmerizing. The rise and fall of the tones create a rhythmic flow that adds a poetic element to the language. This melodic quality of the Chinese language has inspired countless poets and writers throughout history, and continues to be a source of inspiration for artists and musicians around the world.Furthermore, the Chinese language is deeply rooted in a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. From ancient philosophical texts such as the Dao De Jing and the Analects of Confucius, to classic literary works like Dream of the Red Chamber and Journey to the West, Chinese literature is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight. The language itself is a reflection of this cultural heritage, with its complex characters and nuanced meanings that convey the depth and complexity of Chinese thought.Moreover, the Chinese language has had a profound impact on the global stage. As China continues to rise as a global economic and political power, the importance of the Chinese language has become increasingly evident. With over a billion speakers worldwide, Mandarin Chinese is now one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. As a result, there is a growing demand for Chinese language education and proficiency, as people recognize the importance of being able to communicate in this global language.In conclusion, the beauty of the Chinese language lies in its elegant calligraphy, melodious tones, rich cultural heritage, and global impact. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of the Chinese language will only continue to grow. Whether it is for business, travel, or simply the love of language and culture, learning Chinese is a valuable and rewarding experience. So come and discover the beauty of the Chinese language for yourself, and open the door to a world of rich culture and profound wisdom.。
向你的美国朋友介绍中国名著英语作文China has a rich literary heritage spanning thousands of years. From ancient philosophical texts to beloved novels, the country's classical literature offers a wealth of timeless wisdom and captivating stories. As your American friend, I'm excited to share some of the most renowned works from this incredible literary tradition.One of the most influential and widely-read pieces of classical Chinese literature is the Analects of Confucius. Compiled by the philosopher's disciples after his death, this collection of aphorisms and anecdotes presents Confucius' teachings on ethics, social harmony, and good governance. At the heart of the Analects is Confucius' emphasis on cultivating virtue, fulfilling one's social roles, and maintaining a just, orderly society. Through pithy yet profound statements, the text imparts timeless insights into human nature and the ideal way of life.For example, Confucius famously said, "The gentleman understands rightness; the small man understands profit." This concise line encapsulates the philosopher's belief that the truly noble personshould be motivated by a sense of moral duty rather than selfish gain. Another oft-quoted passage reads, "It is not the failure to learn that is a calamity, but the failure to learn from what one has learned." This wisdom encourages lifelong learning and the application of knowledge, rather than the mere accumulation of information.Beyond the Analects, another revered work of classical Chinese literature is the Dao De Jing, attributed to the legendary philosopher Laozi. This short yet enigmatic text expounds on the concept of the Dao, or the "way" of the natural world. Through paradoxical language and vivid imagery, the Dao De Jing extols the virtues of simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action, proposing an alternative to the Confucian emphasis on social order and moral cultivation.One of the most famous passages from the Dao De Jing reads, "The Dao that can be told is not the eternal Dao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name." This highlights the idea that the true nature of the Dao is beyond the limits of human language and conceptualization. The text encourages readers to transcend the constraints of rigid thinking and embrace the fluid, ever-changing essence of reality.Moving from philosophy to fiction, one of the most beloved classical Chinese novels is Journey to the West, a fantastical tale of a Buddhist monk's pilgrimage to India accompanied by a team of supernaturalprotectors. Written in the 16th century by Wu Cheng'en, the novel blends religious allegory, folk mythology, and slapstick humor to create a captivating adventure story.At the heart of the narrative is the monk Xuanzang, a pious seeker of enlightenment, and his three unruly companions: the mighty Monkey King, the pig-like Zhu Bajie, and the river monster Sha Wujing. Together, this motley crew faces a host of challenges and bizarre encounters as they traverse the treacherous path to the sacred scriptures of Buddhism. Along the way, the characters grapple with themes of spiritual transformation, the nature of good and evil, and the delicate balance between order and chaos.One of the most iconic scenes in Journey to the West is the Monkey King's rebellion against the Celestial Emperor, in which the mischievous simian deity wreaks havoc in the heavenly palace. This episode vividly captures the character's boundless energy, cunning intellect, and rebellious spirit—qualities that make him one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Chinese literature.Another cherished classical Chinese novel is Dream of the Red Chamber, also known as The Story of the Stone. Written by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century, this epic work chronicles the decline of a wealthy aristocratic family and the intricate web of relationships among its members. Blending realism, romance, and metaphysicalspeculation, the novel offers a sweeping panorama of 18th-century Chinese society, exploring themes of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of human existence.At the center of the narrative is the sensitive and introspective protagonist, Baoyu, who struggles to reconcile his artistic sensibilities and romantic inclinations with the rigid social expectations placed upon him. As Baoyu navigates the complex dynamics of his family, he becomes entangled in a tragic love triangle that ultimately leads to the family's downfall.Dream of the Red Chamber is renowned for its vivid characterization, poetic language, and profound insights into the human condition. The novel's rich symbolism and philosophical depth have made it a perennial favorite among scholars and general readers alike, cementing its status as one of the greatest works of classical Chinese literature.These are just a few examples of the remarkable literary treasures that have emerged from China's long and illustrious cultural tradition. From the timeless wisdom of Confucius and Laozi to the captivating narratives of Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber, Chinese classical literature offers a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment that transcends cultural boundaries.As your American friend, I hope this introduction has piqued your curiosity and sparked your interest in exploring the depth and diversity of China's literary heritage. I encourage you to delve deeper into these and other classical Chinese texts, for they hold the power to enlighten, captivate, and transform the human spirit.。
向美国人介绍中国文化的作文英语全文共3篇示例,供读者参考篇1Introduction to Chinese culture for AmericansChina, a country with a rich history and diverse culture, has always been a land of fascination for people around the world. From its ancient traditions and customs to its modern advancements in technology and innovation, Chinese culture offers a unique blend of old and new that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of people everywhere. In this essay, we aim to introduce Americans to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, highlighting key aspects that make China such a vibrant and dynamic country.One of the most prominent features of Chinese culture is its long and storied history, spanning over 5,000 years of civilization. From the ancient dynasties of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou to the modern era of the People's Republic of China, Chinese history is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the Chinese people. Throughout history, China has produced brilliant scholars, artists,and philosophers whose works continue to inspire and influence people around the world.Chinese cuisine is another aspect of Chinese culture that is beloved by people worldwide. From the rich flavors of Sichuan cuisine to the delicate textures of Cantonese dim sum, Chinese food is a culinary delight that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul. Whether it's savory dumplings, spicy hotpot, or sweet and sour pork, Chinese cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to every palate.In addition to its history and cuisine, Chinese culture is also known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations. From the colorful lantern festivals of the Chinese New Year to the spectacular dragon boat races of the Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese festivals are a time of joy and festivities that bring communities together in celebration and merriment. These festivals are a reflection of the strong sense of community and togetherness that is at the heart of Chinese culture.Furthermore, Chinese culture is steeped in tradition and customs that are passed down from generation to generation. From the practice of filial piety to the art of calligraphy and tea ceremonies, Chinese customs are a reflection of the values and beliefs that have shaped Chinese society for centuries. Whetherit's the respect for elders, the importance of family, or the appreciation for nature, Chinese customs embody the essence of Chinese culture and heritage.In conclusion, Chinese culture is a rich and diverse tapestry that encompasses history, cuisine, festivals, traditions, and customs. From its ancient roots to its modern innovations, Chinese culture is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of the Chinese people. By exploring and embracing Chinese culture, Americans can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this fascinating and dynamic country, and forge connections that bridge the gap between east and west. We hope that this essay has piqued your interest in Chinese culture and inspired you to discover more about the wonders of China. Thank you for reading.篇2IntroductionChina, a nation with a rich history and culture, has always been a fascinating destination for people from around the world. With its diverse traditions, customs, and art forms, China offers a unique insight into a civilization that has thrived for thousands of years. In this essay, I will introduce some key aspects of Chineseculture to our American friends, shedding light on the customs, beliefs, and values that shape this vibrant society.Language and WritingOne of the most distinctive features of Chinese culture is its language and writing system. The Chinese language, with its pictographic characters, is one of the oldest written languages in the world. Each character is a symbol that represents a specific word or concept, making Chinese writing both artistic and meaningful. In addition to Mandarin, the official language of China, there are many different dialects spoken throughout the country, reflecting the regional diversity of Chinese culture.Food and CuisineChinese cuisine is renowned for its variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dim sum, Chinese food encompasses a wide range of tastes and textures. Rice, noodles, and vegetables are staple ingredients in Chinese cooking, while meat, seafood, and tofu are used to create flavorful dishes. Tea is also an integral part of Chinese culture, with different varieties of tea enjoyed for their health benefits and unique flavors.Traditions and FestivalsChinese traditions and festivals play an important role in Chinese culture, bringing people together to celebrate and honor their heritage. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important festival in China, marked by fireworks, dragon dances, and family gatherings. Other festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival, are also celebrated with special foods, dances, and rituals.Arts and CraftsChinese art and craftsmanship have a long history of excellence and innovation. Traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and paper cutting are highly regarded for their beauty and skill. Chinese opera, martial arts, and dance are also important forms of artistic expression that showcase the talent and creativity of Chinese artists. In addition, Chinese ceramics, silk embroidery, and jade carving are renowned for their craftsmanship and intricate designs.Philosophy and ReligionChinese culture has been shaped by various philosophies and belief systems, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of moral ethics, family values, and social harmony, while Daoism focuses on living in harmony with nature and finding balance in life.Buddhism, introduced to China from India, has also had a profound influence on Chinese culture, shaping beliefs about reincarnation, karma, and enlightenment.ConclusionIn conclusion, Chinese culture is a fascinating and complex tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that have been passed down through generations. By learning about Chinese language, food, festivals, arts, and philosophies, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of this ancient civilization. I hope that this introduction to Chinese culture has inspired our American friends to explore and discover more about the wonders of China.篇3Introduction to Chinese Culture for AmericansChina, a country with a history spanning over thousands of years, is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. As an American looking to learn more about China, understanding its rich culture is a great place to start.Chinese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, which have played significant roles in shaping the country's society, values, and traditions. These philosophiesemphasize concepts such as harmony, respect for elders, filial piety, and the importance of a strong moral character.One of the most important aspects of Chinese culture is the value placed on family and community. Family is considered the cornerstone of society, and respect for parents and elders is of utmost importance. Chinese families are typically large and extended, with multiple generations living under one roof and working together to support each other.Another important aspect of Chinese culture is the emphasis on education and scholarship. The Chinese have a long history of valuing education, and the country is known for its rigorous academic standards and high level of academic achievement. Confucianism, with its emphasis on learning andself-improvement, has greatly influenced the Chinese education system.The arts have always held a special place in Chinese culture, with traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, music, and dance being highly regarded. Chinese poetry, literature, and theater are also treasured forms of artistic expression that have been passed down through generations.Chinese cuisine is also an integral part of the country's culture, with each region having its own unique culinarytraditions and specialties. Chinese food is known for its bold flavors, use of fresh ingredients, and attention to detail in preparation.In addition to these traditional cultural elements, modern China has also seen a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, resulting in a dynamic and vibrant cultural scene. From traditional Chinese opera to modern art exhibitions, China offers a diverse range of cultural experiences for visitors and residents alike.In conclusion, Chinese culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that have been shaped by centuries of history and the influence of various philosophies. By understanding and appreciating Chinese culture, Americans can gain a deeper insight into the values and beliefs of the Chinese people, as well as the unique history and heritage of this ancient civilization.。
介绍中美文化英语作文初一Introduction to Chinese and American Culture。
Culture is the way of life of a group of people, including their beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts. China and America are two of the mostinfluential countries in the world, and their cultures are very different yet fascinating. In this essay, I will introduce some aspects of Chinese and American culture.Firstly, let's talk about the language. Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone used. There are four tones in Mandarin Chinese: high, rising, falling-rising, and falling. On the other hand, English is a non-tonal language, and the meaning of a word is not affected by the tone used. English is also a more flexible language, with fewer grammatical rules than Chinese.Secondly, let's look at the food. Chinese cuisine isdiverse and varies from region to region. Some popular dishes include dumplings, noodles, hot pot, and Peking duck. Chinese food is often served family-style, with everyone sharing dishes. In contrast, American cuisine is heavily influenced by European and African cultures. Some popular dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and barbecue. American food is often served in large portions, and it's common to take home leftovers.Thirdly, let's examine the holidays. Chinese New Yearis the most important holiday in China, and it's celebrated in January or February. During the holiday, people spend time with their families, eat traditional foods, and give red envelopes filled with money to children. In America,the most important holiday is Christmas, which iscelebrated on December 25th. It's a time for families to exchange gifts, decorate their homes, and attend religious services.Finally, let's talk about the education system. In China, education is highly valued, and students areexpected to work hard and achieve good grades. The schoolday is long, and students often attend after-school classes and tutoring sessions. In America, education is also important, but there's more emphasis on extracurricular activities and socialization. The school day is shorter, and students have more free time to pursue their interests.In conclusion, Chinese and American cultures are both unique and fascinating. By learning about each other's cultures, we can gain a better understanding of our differences and similarities.。
华裔美国作家及其作品简介A Brief Introduction to Chinese American Writers and Their WorksContents Abstract (1)Key words (1)I.The Brief Introduction to the Background Information (2)II. The Brief Introduction to the Writers and Their Works (3)1. Maxine Hong Kingston (3)1) Biography of the writer (3)2) The introduction to her works (4)2. Amy Tan (7)1) Biography of the writer (7)2) The introduction to her works (8)3.Gus Lee (10)1) Biography of the writer (10)2) The introduction to his works (11)4. Gish Jen (12)1) Biography of the writer (12)2) The introduction to her works (12)III. The Influence of Chinese American Writers and Their Works (13)IV. Conclusion (14)References (15)Abstract:Chinese-American literature refers to fictions written in English by Americans of Chinese origin. The Woman Warrior and The Joy Luck Club have made theirauthors, Maxine Hong Kingston and Amy Tan, popular among Americanreaders. The two best-sellers also hallmarked the entry of Chinese-Americanliterature into the American mainstream. While Chinese-American literature isflourishing in the United States, the ―China image‖ is also changing.Theunique viewpoints and writing skills of Chinese American writers, as well asthe profound background of Chinese history and civilization, had a stronginfluence on the American readers, making them feel refreshed. Among them,Maxine Hong Kingston, Amy Tan, Gus Lee, and Gish Jen are the famous ones.And this paper will focus on those Chinese American writers and their works.The paper will follow three steps:1) the brief introduction to the backgroundinformation; 2) the brief introduction to the writers and their works; 3) theinfluence of them and their works.Key words:Chinese American literature; Chinese American writers; works; influence, thoughts摘要:美国华裔文学是指华裔美国人用英文写的小说。
《花木兰》和《喜福会》这两部作品使其作者汤婷婷、谭恩美深受美国读者的喜爱。
同时这两部畅销书也标志美国华裔文学融入美国主流文学。
而华裔文学在美国的蓬勃发展,“中国形象”也在变化。
华裔美国作家独特的观点和写作技巧以及深厚的历史文化背景对美国读者产生了强烈的影响,使他们感到耳目一新。
其中,汤婷婷、谭恩美、李健孙、任璧莲都是十分著名的作家。
而本文将侧重于这些华裔作家和他们的作品介绍。
这篇论文将分以下三部分:1)背景知识简介;2)作者及其作品简介;3)作者及其作品的影响。
关键词:美国华裔文学;华裔美国作家;作品;影响;思想I. The Brief Introduction to the Background InformationChinese-American literature refers to works that are written in English by Americans who are with the Chinese origin. When Chinese began to immigrate to the United States during the gold-rush age, most of them had been struggling at the bottom of the American society. When mentioned in American literature, the image of Chinese was a weak female who was always seeking for help. In the eyes of Westerners, they were al ways ―outsiders.‖ Under such situations, even America-born Chinese writers fought against their mother culture in their creations.The situation did not change until the latter half of the 20th century in which the Civil Rights Movement took place in the United States. Many Americans began to think about people of the other races and their cultures in a different way. Besides, Feminist Movement, Anti-Vietnam War and Minority Rights, in addition to the improvement in Sino-US relation, forced the mainstream of American society to pay more attention to the Chinese image. In the 1970s, when more and more people accepted globalization, they not only accepted the Chinese-American writers whose works reflected the Chinese culture but also subjected to fighting against authority and centralization. What’s more, the unique viewpoints and writing skills of these writers, as well as the profound background of Chinese history and civilization, had a strong influence on the American readers, making them feel refreshed.Nevertheless, Chinese-American writers are a very unique group. To the American culture, they are Chinese who followed the Chinese tradition, but in front of the Chinese civilization, they are also outsiders. Living as ―outsiders‖ of both cultures, their in terpretation of the ―China image‖ may not be as accurate as it is supposed to be. It is natural that they have to follow the American cultural trend and aesthetic taste.Therefore, in their fictions, Chinese immigrants cannot get rid of the image of ―outsider‖ and ―the weak‖ while their knowledge about the Chinese civilization is far from enough. This is the dilemma for Chinese-American writers.Therefore, identity-seeking has always been one of the most prominent themes in Chinese American literary writing, since Chinese Americans have been grappling with the psychological and social dilemma of the identity crises. Chinese immigrants often find themselves in an identity dilemma when they move to America. Although first-generation Chinese immigrants usually try to maintain their ethnic identity in America as Chinese, they often find it difficult to attain this goal. All kinds of racism in the American societycontribute to the breakdown of their traditional Chinese values, and they have to struggle with a new culture. Finally they see the necessity of going back to their Chinese roots and trying to achieve a connection with their original Chinese culture and a sense of racial and cultural pride if they are to know and accept who they are in the multicultural environment. Consequently, at the final stage, Chinese Americans find their new identity as Chinese Americans who embrace the multiple and often conflicting aspects of Chinese American culture—a blended culture in a shrinking world that is itself becoming more and more culturally hybrid. With this aim, many Chinese American writers use their pens to create a new form of culture. So Chinese American liberation has come into being.II. The Brief Introduction to the Writers and Their Works1. Maxine Hong Kingston1) Biography of the writerMaxine Ting Ting Hong was born on October 27, 1940, in Stockton, California, which had been a major supply center during the California gold-rush era of the mid-nineteenth century. A year earlier, in 1939, her mother, Ying Lan Hong, had arrived from China at Ellis Island, New York, to join her husband, Tom, who had emigrated from China to the United States fifteen years earlier. Named for a blond female gambler whom her father had met while working in a gambling establishment in California, Maxine, the first of six American-born children in the family, grew up in Stockton’s Chinatown, where her parents owned a laundry business. She never felt that her parents encouraged her to do well in her academic studies, in part because in their conservative Chinese culture, women often are not expected to have careers outside of the home. Her negative childhood experiences are reflected in The Woman Warrior, in which she exhibits a certain bitterness leveled at her parents, as well as at American and Chinese cultures.After having excelled in her high-school studies, Hong won eleven scholarships that allowed her to attend the University of California at Berkeley, from which she graduated in 1962. That same year, she married Earll Kingston, an actor. Two years later, she returned to Berkeley to pursue a teaching certificate, which she received in 1965. For the next two years, she taught English and mathematics in Hayward, California, and then in 1967, she, her husband, and their son, Joseph, moved to the island of Hawaii, where her great-grandfathers first had worked when they immigrated to America. In China Men,Kingston describes the experiences of her forefathers working on the rough plantations of Hawaii, which they called Sandalwood Mountain.In Hawaii, Kingston taught English at the state university and at Mid-Pacific Institute, a private school; in her spare time, she wrote. When The Woman Warrior was published in 1976 and became an immediate and unqualified success, she retired from teaching and devoted her energies to writing. China Men, which relates the ordeals of the male members of Kingston’s family in America, appeared in 1980, followed by Hawaii One Summer (1987), a collection of twelve prose selections. In 1989, she published Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake Book, her first traditionally structured novel, in which she tells the fictitious story of Whitman Ah Sing, a Chinese American living in Berkeley, California, during the counter-culture 1960s, with its hippies, tie-dyed tee-shirts, and drug addiction. The energetic adventures of Whitman Ah Sing, whose name evokes images of the American poet Walt Whitman and his refrain phrase ―I sing‖—―Ah Sing‖—reveal the protagonist’s unease about his role and future in America.Kingston is a frequent commentator and guest speaker at academic conferences and cultural events across the country, and she has often found it necessary to write articles defending The Woman Warrior, explaining herself and rebutting some critics who feel that the famous autobiography focuses too much on exotic Chinese history and not enough on the day-to-day racism that Chinese Americans face in American society. To these charges, Kingston responds that she is not trying to represent Chinese culture; she is portraying her own experiences.2) The introduction to her works(1)The Woman WarriorThe Woman Warrior focuses on the stories of five women—Kingston's long-dead aunt, "No-Name Woman"; a mythical female warrior, Fa Mu Lan; Kingston's mother, Brave Orchid; Kingston's aunt, Moon Orchid; and finally Kingston herself—told in five chapters. The chapters integrate Kingston's lived experience with a series of talk-stories—spoken stories that combine Chinese history, myths, and beliefs—her mother tells her.The first chapter, "No-Name Woman," begins with one such talk-story, about an aunt Kingston never knew she had. Because this aunt had brought disgrace upon her family by having an illegitimate child, she killed herself and her baby by jumping into the family well in China. After hearing the story, which is told to her as a warning, Kingston is never allowed to mention her aunt aloud again, so she decides to create a history of her aunt in her memoir. She imagines the ways that her aunt attracted a suitor, comparing her aunt'sactions of quiet rebellion against the community to her own rebellion. Kingston also recreates her aunt's horrible experience of giving birth in a pigsty and imagines her aunt's ghost walking around with no one to give it gifts, as was Chinese custom. In the end, Kingston is unsure whether she is doing justice to her aunt's memory or just serving her own needs.White Tigers is based on another talk-story, one about the mythical female warrior Fa Mu Lan. Fa Mu Lan, whose story is told through Kingston's first-person narrative, trains to become a warrior from the time she is seven years old, and then leads an army of men—even pretending to be a man herself—against the forces of a corrupt baron and emperor. After her battles are over, she returns to be a wife and mother. The story of Fa Mu Lan is contrasted sharply with Kingston's own life in America, in which she can barely stand up to her racist bosses. Kingston realizes, however, that her weapons are her words.Shaman focuses on Kingston's mother, Brave Orchid, and her old life back in China. Brave Orchid was a powerful doctor, midwife, and, according to the talk-story, destroyer of ghosts back in her village. To a young Kingston, Brave Orchid's past is as astounding as it is terrifying, and many of the images from her mother's talk-story—Chinese babies left to die, slave girls being bought and sold, a woman stoned to death by her villagers—haunt Kingston's dreams for years to come. At the end of the chapter, Maxine visits her mother after being away for many years. The two arrive at some kind of understanding after many years of disagreement and conflict, and Brave Orchid is warm and affectionate towards her daughter for the first time in the memoir.The title of At the Western Palace refers to another of Brave Orchid's talk-stories, about an emperor who had four wives. It is an analogy for her sister Moon Orchid's situation: Moon Orchid's husband, now a successful Los Angeles doctor, had left her behind in China and remarried in America. Brave Orchid urges her sister into a disastrous confrontation with the man to demand her due as his wife. As a result, Moon Orchid, who does not speak a word of English, is left to fend for herself in America. She eventually goes crazy and dies in a California state mental asylum.The final chapter of the memoir, "A Song for a Barbarian Reed Pipe," is about Kingston herself. This section focuses mainly on her childhood and teenage years, depicting her anger and frustration in trying to express herself and attempting to please an unappreciative mother. There are a number of characters whose personalities highlight many of her Kingston's own characteristics, including a silent Chinese girl whom Kingston torments as a little girl. In a pivotal moment in the chapter, Kingston, afterunsuccessfully trying to express her feelings one at a time, erupts at her mother with a torrent of complaints and criticisms. Later in her life, however, Kingston comes to appreciate her mother's talk-stories. At the end of the chapter she even tells one herself: the story of Ts'ai Yen, a warrior poetess captured by barbarians who returns to the Chinese with songs from another land. It is a fitting conclusion to a text in which Kingston combines very different worlds and cultures and creates a harmony of her own.(2) Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake BookThe Whitmanian presence is discernible via a character analysis of the protagonist (Wittman Ah Sing), a study of the allusive chapter titles, and an examination of the overall thematic thrust of the book. Such an investigation will reveal the remarkable cultural interaction between Walt Whitman, nineteenth century idealist-democrat-humanist, and Maxine Hong Kingston, twentieth century Asian American-modernist. A tangential benefit of this exploration will be a partial understanding of the continuing influence of Whitman's Leaves of Grass as a primary text/guide for the American democratic experiment, with special reference to the Asian American community.The plot of Tripmaster Monkey is clearly subordinate to Wittman Ah Sing's song of himself. I quote below Tom Wilhelmus's concise plot summary: Wittman does what we suppose he would do. He cruises around San Francisco, reads Rilke aloud to passengers on a Bay Area bus, yearns after beautiful women, loses his job in a department store after conferring with the ex-Yale Younger Poet holed up in the stock room, gets stoned in Berkeley, gets married on Coit Tower by a man who may or may not be a bona fide minister, visits his parents and his "aunties" in Sacramento, makes a side trip to Reno looking for a woman who may or may not be his grandmother, and winds up fulfilling his principal ambition which is to stage a play based upon the epic Chinese Romance of the Three Kingdoms at a theater in Chinatown. (149) All this supposed plot exists to give Wittman Ah Sing sufficient expanse for his solitary musings, an interior monologue strongly reminiscent of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."The Whitmanian content of Tripmaster Monkey is evident, to begin with, in the fact that its protagonist, Wittman Ah Sing, is named after the quintessential American poet, Walt Whitman. The narrator reports of Wittman Ah Sing that "His province is America, America, his province" (41). Michelle Cliff observes: "To underline the American ness of Wittman, Hong Kingston has named him for the most American of American poets. To play with his name is irresistible. Whitman Ah Sing the body electric. Wittman, Ah hear America Singing" (11). And many other word plays are certainly possible; for example,"Of Thee Ah Sing" and "One's-Self Ah Sing" and "Ah Hear It Was Charged Against Me."(1)2. Amy Tan1) Biography of the writerAmy Tan was born on February 19, 1952 in California. She grew up surrounded by influences from both Chinese and American cultures. She has written about trying to assimilate into the mainstream, American world as a child, often at the expense of her Chinese heritage. Tan's father and brother died of brain tumors when she was fourteen years old. At this time, she also learned that her mother had been married to a different man in China and had three daughters from this marriage, a situation not unlike June's in The Joy Luck Club, her first novel.Tan attended high school in Switzerland and went to eight different colleges, ultimately receiving a master's degree in Linguistics from San Jose State University. Tan became a published author at the age of eight when she wrote an essay on the public library that was published in a local paper. Before The Joy Luck Club (for which she won the L.A. Book Award and The National Book Award) was published in 1989, Tan had a wide variety of jobs, everything from a bartender to a counselor for developmentally disabled children. She now lives in San Francisco with her husband Lou DeMattei, whom she married in 1975.Amy Tan is part of a movement of Asian-American writers that includes Maxine Hong Kingston (The Woman Warrior) and Wakako Yamauchi (Songs My Mother Taught Me). A large part of Tan's contribution to the modern Asian-American literary boom is her widespread popularity. The Joy Luck Club, aside from winning numerous awards, was a fixture on the best seller list and was made into a feature film, for which Tan helped to write the screen play. Tan's popularity helped expose an entire genre of literature to a broad cross section of society.Tan's writing relies heavily on flashbacks, storytelling, and mysticism. In The Joy Luck Club, Tan starts each chapter with a short parable that is in some way a parallel with the woman whose story is being told in the chapter. This connection of the past and the present is typical of Tan's style.Tan has said that her intention in writing is not to provide historical information, but rather to create a work of art. Her work is generally received in this manner. Critics have said that her works are not necessarily "Chinese" in nature, but are instead stories with universal themes (generational conflicts, war of the sexes, etc.) that have an addeddimension of being told through narrators that are constantly searching for a balance between their Chinese heritage and American lifestyles.2) The introduction to her works(1)The Joy Luck ClubThe Joy Luck Club contains sixteen interwoven stories about conflicts between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-raised daughters. The book hinges on Jing-mei’s trip to China to meet her half-sisters, twins Chwun Yu and Chwun Hwa. The half-sisters remained behind in China because Jing-mei’s mother, Suyuan, was forced to leave them on the roadside during her desperate flight from Japan’s invasion of Kweilin during World War II. Jing-mei was born to a different father years later, in America. Suyuan intended to return to China for her other daughters, but failed to find them before her death.Jing-mei has taken her mother’s place playing mahjong in a weekly gathering her mother had organized in China and revived in San Francisco: the Joy Luck Club. The club’s other members—Lindo, Ying-ying, and An-mei—are three of her mother’s oldest friends and fellow immigrants. They tell Jing-mei that just before Suyuan died, she had finally succeeded in locating the address of her lost daughters. The three women repeatedly urge Jing-mei to travel to China and tell her sisters about their mother’s life. But Jing-mei wonders whether she is capable of telling her mother’s story, and the three older women fear that Jing-mei’s doubts may be justified. They fear that their own daughters, like Jing-mei, may not know or appreciate the stories of their mothers’ lives.The novel is composed of four sections, each of which contains four separate narratives. In the first four stories of the book, the mothers, speaking in turn, recall with astonishing clarity their relationships with their own mothers, and they worry that their daughters’ recollections of them will never possess the same intensity. In the second section, these daughters—Waverly, Jing-mei, Lena, and Rose—relate their recollections of their childhood relationships with their mothers; the great lucidity and force with which they tell their stories proves their mothers’ fears at least partiall y unfounded. In the third group of stories, the four daughters narrate their adult dilemmas—troubles in marriage and with their careers. Although they believe that their mothers’ antiquated ideas do not pertain to their own very American lifestyles, their search for solutions inevitably brings them back to their relationships with the older generation. In the final group of stories, the mothers struggle to offer solutions and support to their daughters, in the process learning more about themselves. Lindo recognizes through her daughter Waverly that she has been irrevocably changed by American culture. Ying-ying realizes that Lena has unwittinglyfollowed her passive example in her marriage to Harold Livotny. An-mei realizes that Rose has not completely understood the lessons she intended to teach her about faith and hope.Although Jing-mei fears that she cannot adequately portray her mother’s life, Suyuan’s story permeates the novel via Jing-mei’s voice: she speaks for Suyuan in the first and fourth sections, the two ―mothers’ sections,‖ of the novel. Suyuan’s story is representative of the struggle to maintain the mother-daughter bond across cultural and generational gaps; by telling this story as her mother’s daughter, Jing-mei enacts and cements the very b ond that is the subject of Suyuan’s story. When Jing-mei finally travels to China and helps her half-sisters to know a mother they cannot remember, she forges two other mother-daughter bonds as well. Her journey represents reconciliation between Suyuan’s t wo lives, between two cultures, and between mother and daughter. This enables Jing-mei to bring closure and resolution to her mother’s story, but also to her own. In addition, the journey brings hope to the other members of the Joy Luck Club that they too can reconcile the oppositions in their lives between past and present, between cultures, and between generations.(2)The Bonesetter's DaughterIn memories that rise like wisps of ghosts, LuLing Young searches for the name of her mother, the daughter of the Famous Bonesetter from the Mouth of the Mountain. Trying to hold on to the evaporating past, she begins to write all that she can remember of her life as a girl in China. Meanwhile, her daughter Ruth, a ghostwriter for authors of self-help books, is losing the ability to speak up for herself in front of the man she lives with and his two teenage daughters. None of her professional sound bites and pat homilies works for her personal life; she knows only how to translate what others want to say.Ruth starts suspecting that something is terribly wrong with her mother. As a child, Ruth had been constantly subjected to her mother's disturbing notions about curses and ghosts, and to her repeated threats to kill herself, and was even forced by her mother to try to communicate with ghosts. But now LuLing seems less argumentative, even happy, far from her usual disagreeable and dissatisfied self.While tending to her ailing mother, Ruth discovers the pages LuLing wrote in Chinese, the story of her tumultuous and star-crossed life, and is transported to a backwoods village known as Immortal Heart. There she learns of secrets passed along by a mute nursemaid, Precious Auntie; of a cave where dragon bones are mined, some of which may prove to be the teeth of Peking Man; of the crumbling ravine known as the Endof the World, where Precious Auntie's scattered bones lie, and of the curse that LuLing believes she released through betrayal.Like layers of sediment being removed, each page reveals secrets of a larger mystery: What became of Peking Man? What was the name of the Bonesetter's Daughter? And who was Precious Auntie, whose suicide changed the path of LuLing's life? Within LuLing's calligraphic pages awaits the truth about a mother's heart, what she cannot tell her daughter yet hopes she will never forget.Set in contemporary San Francisco and in a Chinese village where Peking Man is being unearthed, The Bonesetter's Daughter is an excavation of the human spirit: the past, its deepest wounds, its most profound hopes. The story conjures the pain of broken dreams, the power of myths, and the strength of love that enables us to recover in memory what we have lost in grief. Over the course of one fog-shrouded year, between one season of falling stars and the next, mother and daughter find what they share in their bones through heredity, history, and inexpressible qualities of love.3.Gus Lee1) Biography of the writerAugustus Samuel Mein-Sun Lee was born August 8, 1946 in San Francisco, the first son and youngest of five children of Tsung-Chi Lee and Da-Tsien Tsu. The novel China Boy (1991) is a thinly disguised narration of his childhood, first as the adoring and adored son of his real mother, and after she died of breast cancer, as the seven-year-old outcast of both the streets and his stepmother's tightly run household. Fulfilling his father's dream, Gus Lee went to West Point (as "Kai's" story continues in Honor and Duty, 1994), but left after three years because he could not master the academy's standards for mathematics and engineering. He went on to get his B.A. and L.L.B. degrees from the University of California at Davis, and while there served as the assistant dean of students for the Educational Opportunity Program as well as project coordinator of the Asian American Studies program. Upon receiving his law degree in 1976, he entered the Army and served as a prosecutor and judge advocate. He was never sent to Vietnam, as his superiors were reluctant to put an Asian soldier in a command position, but went to Korea to investigate those recruits who were foreign nationals. This experience was the basis for the novel Tiger's Tail (1996). Upon leaving the Army, he returned to California to practice as an attorney and legal educator.Lee had never considered writing anything other than legal briefs until his then seven-year-old daughter Jena asked him about her Chinese grandmother. While collectingmemories and family history from his four sisters and other family members, Lee started writing a family journal, but his wife Diane declared that he had the basis for a book. He described the three month writing process as "going down whitewater rapids. The other books took much more navigation and thought." (Publishers Weekly, 1996). Reluctant to publish the journal because of the unflattering descriptions of some of his family, and knowing how it would hurt his father (his stepmother having died in 1975), he changed the names and sold it as fiction.The tremendous success of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan two years earlier created a wonderful opportunity for Asian-American writers. As Lee says, she "opened the floodgates for the rest of us," combining "the tremendous excitement of learning about a new culture" with "universal feelings and experiences -- love, honor, and betrayal and family bonds." (Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 1996).Gus Lee, his wife and their two daughters now live in Colorado Springs, having moved there from the Bay Area when Lee decided to pursue writing as a full-time career. His newest novel, tentatively titled "Methods of Death," is forthcoming.2) The introduction to his works(1)China BoyKai Ting is the only American-born son of an aristocratic Mandarin family that fled China during World War Two to escape invasion and civil war. Growing up in a San Francisco ghetto, Kai is caught between two worlds embarrassing neither a Chinese nor an American way of life. After his mother’s death, Kai is suddenly plunged onto the violent streets of his American neighborhood by his new stepmother, a Philadelphia society woman who is determined to erase every vestige of China from the household, even by physical force. This is the story of Kai Ting, torn violently between two worlds, but accepted in neither, and his ultimate fight for the peace in between as he discovers an enemy, a friend, and a set of mentors who have experienced far greater hazards than his own.(2)Tiger's TailThe protagonist of Tiger's Tail is Jackson Kan, a Chinese-American who grew up in San Francisco's predominantly black Panhandle, went to West Point, obtained a law degree and fought in Vietnam. In 1974, Kan is sent to Korea as a Judge Advocate General Corps (JAGC) lawyer to investigate Army corruption--in particular, the nefarious activities of one Colonel LeBlanc, a renegade commander with his own private agenda for fighting the Red Hordes.。