Dreaming In Chinese by Deborah Fallows

Glancing at the title of Deborah Fallows' new book Dreaming In Chinese suggested an author who had mastered the Chinese language. At the time, it did not suggest an author who could relate that mastery in terms that the simplest reader could understand. The Chinese language, Asian languages for that matter, has always held an aura of mystery, a language too difficult for the average Westerner to understand. Fallows could have called it Chinese For Dummies and been correct!

She explains that there is a huge difference in the grammar technique between Latin, its derivatives, and the Oriental languages. By her delving into the differences, one learns why an Asian person doesn’t get the English tenses properly. It is not from lack of comprehension but non-familiarity with tense changes that are so common to us. Deborah explains that tense is not an important part of Chinese and how it is treated. Instead of conjugation, modifiers are used.

Having many Asian friends, this gives me insight as to why their writing and speaking of our English language presents a challenge. An example used was using the past tense of ‘sing’. Since there is no past tense version, some words have to be thrown in to indicate that it wasn’t referring to a present occurrence. Modifiers have to be used to indicate time or tense.

On a personal note, while I have never met Deborah Fallows, I have met James, her husband. Jim and I sat next to each other several years ago at my brother’s house in Washington, DC. celebrating Rosh Hashanah. He as an invited guest, me for the religious observance. I didn’t realize what an accomplished writer he is until I later read one of his stories in Atlantic Monthly. My efforts pale when compared to Jim Fallows. His wife appears to be no less a writer!

Published by Walker & Company www.walkerbooks.com  Dreaming In Chinese is a ‘must have’ for anyone with an Asian friend!