Dictionary expanded to reflect changes

China's oldest dictionary publisher has added 8,000 new words and terms to its latest edition covering economic reforms, technology, higher education and the influence of foreign expressions.

A director with the publishing house, Xinhua, said the Putonghua dictionary reflected extensive changes in China since economic reforms began in 1978.

The dictionary was selling well, said Zhou Hongbo, director of the company's Chinese editing division.

'Since the opening and reforms, there have been a lot of changes,' Mr Zhou said. 'These words are now in common people's lives.'

The 2001 Xinhua Dictionary went on sale earlier this year and because of its unusual content prompted experts to form a review panel on Tuesday. Panellists said the words helped people understand their society, and their legal and consumer rights, China Daily reported.

Additions to the dictionary include Beijing slang such as kan dashan (talk casually) and terms for 'cruise missile', 'e-business' and 'mobile phone'.