Dictionary definitions leave a sour taste, critics claim

Like so many things with our motherland, it's always two steps forward, one step back, even with dictionaries. Mainland literati have applauded the popular Xinhua Zidian Chinese dictionary for including the ruder colloquial meanings of 'chicken' and 'duck' in its more recent editions. [Their Cantonese meanings, as is well known, refer not to birds but people who practise the oldest profession.] Their inclusion is not without controversy among grammatically correct educators and parent groups, as it is against mainland literary tradition to include slang and swear words. However, it is broadly in line with international linguistic practice.

But this progressive development with the dictionary is mired by criticism of definitions of animals and organisms that seem to have been guided by the age-old Chinese adage that any living thing with its back facing the heavens, i.e., that doesn't walk on two legs, is edible.

The dictionary first came under criticism on animal-lovers' websites, but an alliance of animal rights and wildlife protection groups has recently joined the fray.

Their targets? Among several definitions for the fish pomfret or pampus, the dictionary includes 'sweet and smooth tasting'; sharks fin is defined as a luxury culinary item; a type of clam with a triangular shell is said to be good for decoration; while razor clam is described as tasty.

The critics say that all living things have an independent existence and biological functions besides being yummy dishes for humans.

Perhaps the Xinhua editors just love food too much.