Ye, Zhengdao (2007). ‘Memorisation’, learning and cultural cognition: The notion of bèi (‘auditory memorisation’) in the written Chinese tradition. In Mengistu Amberber (Ed.), The language of memory in a crosslinguistic perspective (pp. 139-180). Amsterdam: John Benjamins. DOI: 10.1075/hcp.21.09ye
This study examines a cultural practice of ‘remembering’ – 背 bèi (‘auditory memorization’) that plays a prominent role in the learning experience of Chinese people. It first conducts a detailed semantic analysis of 背 bèi, using Natural Semantic Metalanguage to reveal a culture-internal view of and belief about memory formation and learning, and contrasts it with Chinese 记 jì (‘try to remember/write down’) and with memorize and learn by heart in English. It then explores linguistic, cognitive and cultural reasons that could explain such a practice. Finally, it addresses the question of why 背 bèi, which exhibits some key features of knowledge transmission in oral cultures, is so prized by the Chinese people, possessors of a long written history.
Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners
