Chinese Language in Law: Code Red

(Hardback)

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Description

The book explores some of the intricacies, dilemmas, and idiosyncrasies of the Chinese language used in the legal context, analyzing linguistic matters in both monolingual Chinese context and cross-linguistically when Chinese and English are compared. It investigates the linguistic and cultural landscape through an examination of a number of keywords and linguistic usage associated with Chinese law. It is suggested that to understand Chinese society and law, we need to understand the rich and idiosyncratic Chinese language and cultural traditions and the legal and political context and subtext, and also to be cognizant of the tension and interaction between legal norms and cultural and linguistic values in their legal realization in the changing Chinese society. The book is a collection of the authors interpretation of Chinese law from a linguistic and cultural perspective, both as a user and interpreter of this ancient and changing language.

Reviews

The potential audience for the book includes scholars or students in the fields of law, linguistics, sociology or anthropology, especially those interested in Chinese law, as well as translators or interpreters. . . .To conclude, China has a unique, rich and fascinating legal tradition that is worthy of scholarly attention in order to understand what is going on legally in China today. China may not be a country of the rule of law at present, but it is moving steadily towards it despite obstacles. The kind of linguistic analysis and examination of Chinese law by Deborah Cao contained in this book will no doubt help facilitate the process, because language does matter.

Author Bio

Deborah Cao is professor at Griffith University.