How much Mandarin I need to know to read "San Guo Yan Yi" (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) ?

2008-12-11 5:34 pm

And i mean read it in the Mandarin form.
By the way, do the mandarin versions come in traditional mandarin only?
By reading, I mean just the content at least, not needing to appreciate every choice of word or sentence structure like a poem. And without having to consult a dictionary too often. Basically, to read it and understand the basic content, even if not understanding some words that will not change the meaning of the sentence,

In terms of learning Mandarin in University (in america), how many semesters would it take (for those who took mandarin in univ and know the standard) ?
Or in any other terms you might be able to express this in?

回答 (1)

KathyM

2008-12-11 6:33 pm

✔ 最佳答案

Mandarin form - You mean read it in the Simplified Chinese form or the original literature version? The book was written in the 14th century (?) and is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Because it's a novel based on the events during the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of China. It might be helpful if you already know a bit about the major historical events and figures that led up to that time as well as the way speech and words are used during those days. Either way, unless you're fluent in Chinese and have spent years studying the Chinese language and literature, you'll need to consult a dictionary.

In regards to your other question, let's just say that I am Chinese and I can speak and read Chinese, but it took me almost 1/2 a year to read the book and I am not even done yet!

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