Visualization of Wu Chinese and Classical Poetry: A Case Study of the “Wu Chinese Reference Book”

Abstract

Wu Chinese is a typical regional Chinese dialect. A deep connection exists between its phonological system and classical poetry,but this connection has been gradually weakened in the context of Mandarin. In this study, the Ningbo Wu Chinese is used as a representative example. Issues of Wu Chinese endangerment and knowledge gaps are taken as starting points. On-site fieldwork, interviews, and questionnaires were conducted. The translation of the Wu Chinese phonological system in a visual communication context was examined. A visual design perspective is adopted in this study.Because Wu Chinese is complex and fragmented, the design practice of a “Wu Chinese Reference Book” was chosen as the main approach.  The initials, finals, and tones of Wu Chinese are systematically visualized using symbol and layout design methods. The relationship between reading Wu Chinese and the prosody of Tang poems and S ong lyrics was also investigated. It was indicated by audience feedback that the reference book is effective in facilitating the learning of Wu Chinese phonological knowledge. It is also effective in reconstructing the prosodic connections between Wu Chinese and classical poetry. It has shown significant effectiveness and potential for dissemination in these aspects.