Unit 1 The art of calligraphy

Calligraphy literally means “good writing” Calligraphy literally means “good writing”. However, Chinese calligraphy cannot be defined as just “writing” Chinese characters. Neither can it be described as a way of making Chinese characters look “more beautiful”. These are misassumptions often made. The most important aspect of it is, that it is an emotional form of art, as it carries the thoughts and feelings of the artist. Calligraphy has been an important feature of the Chinese culture for the past 4000 years.

Words and expressions genre n. 类型, 流派 calligraphy n. 书法 political implications  政治含义 orthodox  adj. 正统的, 传统的, 习惯的, 保守的 unorthodox  adj. 非正统的, 异教的, 异端的 intertwine  v. (使)纠缠, (使)缠绕 simplified characters  简体字 play a key role  起关键作用 To some extent  在某种程度上 rise and fall  兴衰 Imperial Civil Service examinations  科举考试 keep fit  保持健康

Answer these questions: 1. What did emperor Qing Shihuang do? 2. Why did calligraphy become popular in the past? 3. Why do people like calligraphy now?

Translate these sentences into Chinese: Different genres of Chinese calligraphy have different political implications.

Historically, Chinese calligraphy and politics were closely intertwined.

The new, simplified characters made writing calligraphy less complicated.

Over time, other variations were also developed.

Emperor Qian Long played a key role im compiling a collection of calligraphy.

Many people practice calligraphy as a way to keep fit.

Complete this paragraph with suitable words: Historically, Chinese calligraphy and politics were ----------2,000 years ago, Emperor Qin Shihuang, the---- in Chinese history, established the ------Chinese writing characters. The new, ------- made writing calligraphy less complicated. It -----people to use characters with more straight strokes, thus making it easier to write -----brushes. This created the Li genre.

Assignment The paper, ink, brush, and inkstone are essential implements of East Asian calligraphy: they are known together as the Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝) in China, and as the Four Friends of the Study (文房四友).if you are required to introduce them to your foreigner friends ,how will you introduce them?