TONGHUA Meaning and
Definition
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Tonghua is a term with Chinese origins and can be defined as a type of storytelling or narrative singing. It is a traditional Chinese art form that combines elements of music, storytelling, and performance. Tonghua can be translated to mean "telling stories," and it is often performed by a solo artist accompanied by a stringed instrument, typically the lute or pipa.
In tonghua performances, the artist uses various techniques to bring the story to life, employing dramatic gestures, facial expressions, and vocal intonations to engage the audience. The stories told in tonghua performances can range from historical legends and myths to folktales and moral teachings. It is a way to preserve and transmit cultural heritage, passing down stories and knowledge from generation to generation.
Tonghua has a long history in Chinese culture and has evolved over time, adapting to different regional styles and influences. It has been influenced by various forms of Chinese opera and other traditional arts, incorporating elements like song, dance, and acrobatics into the performances.
In contemporary times, tonghua performances can be seen in various settings, such as theaters, festivals, and cultural events. It continues to be cherished as an important part of Chinese culture and an art form that connects people through storytelling.
Etymology of TONGHUA
The word "tonghua" (通話) is a Mandarin Chinese term that consists of two characters: "tong" (通) meaning "to connect" or "to communicate", and "hua" (話) meaning "speech" or "words". The term "tonghua" is commonly used to refer to communication or conversation, particularly via verbal means.
The etymology of the word "tonghua" can be traced back to classical Chinese. The character "tong" (通) originally meant "to pass through", "to go through", or "to penetrate". It represented the idea of things being connected or flowing smoothly. Over time, it started to be used to depict the concept of communication and understanding between people.
The character "hua" (話) emerged from the pictographic representation of a mouth and a speech radical. It denoted the act of speaking or words spoken by the mouth.
