Chinese language arts : the role of language and linguistic devices in literary and artistic expressions

Abstract

Chinese language arts is an emergent field. In this chapter, we first briefly introduce the definition of language arts and the special relevance and issues the Chinese language presents in this field. We continue with a discussion on Chinese linguistic devices for literary and artistic expressions. This linguistic discussion will be followed by sections introducing the use of language in various literary/artistic forms: cinema, drama/plays, word play and children’s literature. Lastly, a brief conclusion will point out that a unifying theme in all aspects of language arts is the tension between the oral or local languages and the official language.