Learning the English Expressions of Ancient Chinese Etiquette through the TV Series "The Legend of Matriarch"

In recent years, the television series "The Legend of Matriarch" has become a cultural phenomenon, offering audiences a glimpse into the complex world of ancient Chinese etiquette. As we delve into the intricacies of this period drama, we can uncover a treasure trove of English expressions that accurately convey the essence of Chinese ancient etiquette. This article aims to explore and analyze these expressions further, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance they carry.

1. Addressing Titles and Ranks

A key aspect of ancient Chinese etiquette is the manner of addressing titles and ranks. In "The Legend of Matriarch," characters often use honorific and respectful terms when addressing others. For instance, the term "Niangniang" is frequently used to address the queen or empress, which could be translated as "Your Majesty" or "Your Highness" in English. The English expression of addressing royalty or high-ranking individuals carries a similar level of respect and formality.

2. Exchanging Greetings and Goodbyes

Greetings and goodbyes play an important role in ancient Chinese etiquette. In the TV series, characters often exchange formal greetings, such as "Qingwu," which means "Good morning" or "Wanshang Hao," which means "Good evening." These expressions reflect a sense of politeness and courteousness, similar to the English expressions used in formal settings, such as "Good morning" or "Good evening."

3. Expressing Gratitude and Apologies

Ancient Chinese etiquette places great emphasis on expressing gratitude and making apologies politely. In "The Legend of Matriarch," characters often use phrases such as "Qing zai quan liang" (please accept) or "Kui qian zhang tui" (I apologize) to convey their gratitude or apologies. These expressions can be appropriately translated into English as "Please accept" or "I apologize," showcasing similar levels of sincerity and respect.

4. Dining Etiquette and Banquets

Dining etiquette holds a significant place in Chinese culture. "The Legend of Matriarch" brilliantly depicts the elaborate nature of ancient banquets and dining rituals. The expressions used during these scenes, such as "Chen wei wei," meaning "Bon appétit," or "Qing zhan zhuo," meaning "Please be seated," reflect the refined manners and formalities of ancient Chinese dining. Similarly, in English, expressions like "Bon appétit" or "Please take a seat" serve the same purpose in conveying politeness and respect during meals.

5. Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Ancient Chinese etiquette places great importance on non-verbal communication and body language. In "The Legend of Matriarch," characters employ subtle gestures, facial expressions, and vocal tonalities to convey meaning. While specifics may vary, conveying emotions and meaning through non-verbal cues is universal. In English, just as in Chinese, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language all contribute to effective communication and understanding.

In conclusion, the TV series "The Legend of Matriarch" serves as an excellent example for studying the English expressions used in ancient Chinese etiquette. By exploring the various ways characters address titles, exchange greetings, express gratitude and apologies, navigate dining etiquette, and utilize non-verbal communication, we can gain a deeper understanding of both the linguistic and cultural aspects of this fascinating topic.