An Introduction to Chinese Rhetoric

An Introduction to Chinese Rhetoric is a landmark scholarly work that systematically establishes China’s scientific rhetorical system, offering profound insights into the rhetorical devices, forms, and principles that shape Chinese language expression and its evolution. This monumental study seamlessly integrates theory with practice, drawing on rich examples from both classical and vernacular Chinese to elucidate rhetorical principles. As one of China’s earliest academic works to incorporate Saussurean linguistic theory, it clarifies the linguistic foundations of rhetorical studies and provides an exhaustive analysis of Chinese figures of speech. The work serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Chinese linguistics, rhetoric, and sinology, as well as for Chinese language teachers and learners seeking to deepen their understanding of China’s distinctive cultural-linguistic heritage.