Jiang finds that despite local characteristics, people easily pick up the different words cross-Straits. For example, "jiguang" and "leishe," both mean laser. Although the two words are different, it is easy to adapt.
"I would say that there is a 98-percent similarity. As long as we build communication, it is not difficult for us to understand each other," said Jiang.
People watch television series and films made by both sides. There is also an increasing amount of tourists coming from Taiwan to the mainland and vice versa.
With frequent communication as well as the development of social networking websites, words from each side have been incorporated and accepted by the other.
Words like "yuanjing" (vision) and "huqiang" (arguing with strong words) from Taiwan, and "shanzhai" (copycat) from the mainland are now widely used by both sides.
Plurality, individuality
Yang said that he felt the historical significance while editing the dictionary. He felt lucky to have the chance to contribute to Chinese culture and language, sharing his work with a large audience.
He emphasized that the differences in languages and dialects provide diversity to a culture. The plurality in Chinese culture makes it lively and interesting, and the culture behind the words reflects the nuances in ideas.
This year, an online edition of the dictionary was released. The website offers a free platform to learn new vocabulary. In the Chinese mainland, the address is zhonghuayuwen.org, while the Taiwan address is chinese-linguipedia.org.
Jiang said the dictionary is just the first step of a continuing cross-Straits cooperation. They will later create a more comprehensive dictionary, including more words and phrases, especially academic vocabulary, useful for universities and students.
Li Xingjian, the editor-in-chief of the Chinese mainland edition, said that this dictionary not only contributes to communication between two sides but is also a way to pass down a shared Chinese culture.
Source: Global Times
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