How Do You Spell MAO DUN?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ʊ dˈʌn] (IPA)

The spelling of the Chinese name "Mao Dun" may seem confusing to non-native speakers, but it is actually straightforward to pronounce once you have a basic understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Mao" is pronounced as "maʊ" (mow) with a rising tone, while "Dun" is pronounced as "dʌn" (dun) with a falling tone. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "Mao Dun" is "maʊ dʌn." Mao Dun was a famous Chinese writer and literary critic who lived from 1896 to 1981.

MAO DUN Meaning and Definition

1. Mao Dun, also spelled as Mao Tun, is a term that holds multiple meanings and associations. Primarily, Mao Dun refers to the pen name of Shen Dehong, a prominent Chinese writer and literary figure of the early 20th century. He was born on July 4, 1896, and is considered one of the pioneers of modern Chinese literature.

   Furthermore, Mao Dun is closely associated with a literary movement initiated by Shen Dehong himself and named after his pen name. The Mao Dun Literature Movement emerged in the 1930s as a significant force in Chinese literature and aimed to promote socially conscious writing that reflected the struggles and aspirations of the Chinese people during times of political and social turbulence.

   Additionally, Mao Dun is the title of a novel written by Shen Dehong. Published in 1930, the novel explores the corruption and decadence in Chinese society during the early 20th century, particularly focusing on the capitalist class and their exploitation of the working class.

   Beyond the literary context, Mao Dun is also used as a term to refer to the prestigious Mao Dun Literary Prize. Established in 1981, the Mao Dun Literary Prize is one of the most esteemed literary awards in China, presented biennially to recognize outstanding contributions to Chinese literature.

   In conclusion, Mao Dun encompasses the pen name of the influential writer Shen Dehong, a literary movement initiated by him, a novel he authored, and a prestigious literary prize named in his honor.

Etymology of MAO DUN

The word "Mao Dun" is a Chinese name that is composed of two parts: "Mao" and "Dun".

1. Mao (茅): The surname "Mao" is one of the most common Chinese surnames and is traced back to ancient times. It originated from the ancient state of Mao during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE), located in what is now Henan Province.

2. Dun (顿): The second part, "Dun", is a Chinese character that has multiple meanings, depending on the context. It can mean "pause", "stop", "hesitate", or "slow". However, in the case of the name "Mao Dun", the character "Dun" is specifically used as a transliteration of the author's family name.