Ancient China Vocabulary Flash

Ideograph

• A written character symbolizing the idea of a thing without indicating the sounds used to say it.

• A type of graph that represents data visually.

• A character that represents a specific sound in a language.

• A symbol used in mathematics to denote a variable.

Censor

• An official who examines the quality of work by Chinese government officials.

• A person who reviews and edits films for content.

• An individual responsible for monitoring internet usage.

• A government official who oversees public health policies.

Daoism

• A Chinese philosophy that believes people should free themselves of worldly desires and live simple. The best way to ensure this was to turn to nature and live in harmony

• A Western philosophy that emphasizes the importance of material wealth and social status.

• A religious practice focused on rituals and ceremonies to appease deities.

• A philosophy that advocates for strict adherence to laws and regulations in society.

early Chinese inventions

• the drill bit, wheelbarrow, paper, the rudder

• the printing press, magnetic compass, kites, hot air balloons

• the seismograph, telescope, steam engine, clock

• the wheel, plow, gunpowder, compass

Acupuncture

• A system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

• A type of massage therapy that focuses on muscle relaxation and stress relief.

• A surgical procedure that involves the removal of tissue to treat illness.

• A form of physical therapy that uses heat and cold treatments to relieve pain.

Legalism

• A strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.

• A belief in the importance of individual freedom and personal choice.

• A philosophy that emphasizes the importance of social harmony and collective well-being.

• A doctrine that advocates for the separation of church and state.

Mandate of Heaven

• A principle that allows any ruler to govern without restrictions.

• The divine right to govern for the good of all people, used to justify the rule of the Emperor of China.

• A system of checks and balances in government.

• A belief that the emperor is chosen by the people.

Civil Service

• The military branch of a government.

• The elected politicians of a government.

• The permanent professional branches of a government's administration, excluding military and judicial branches and elected politicians.

• The judicial branch of a government.

Tenant Farmer

• A person who farms rented land.

• A person who owns and cultivates their own land.

• A person who works in agriculture without owning land.

• A person who leases land to others for farming.

Great Wall

• A series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, built along the northern borders of China to protect against various nomadic groups.

• A famous wall built in ancient Rome to protect the city from invaders.

• A modern architectural marvel designed for tourism and recreation.

• A natural barrier formed by mountains and rivers in northern China.