“Mahjong” was number 10 in the publisher’s survey. Photo: Xinhua
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https://scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2134768/and-most-popular-chinese-term-overseas People & Culture
And the most popular Chinese term overseas is ...
Martial arts references take out four of the top 10 spots in publisher’s survey
NEW YORK, July 3, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Hobbyists play Mah Jongg during the "Mah Jongg Marathon" event at Bryant Park in New York City, the United States, on July 3, 2017. According to event organizer Linda Fisher, the event is organized to provide a place for Mah Jongg hobbyists to communicate with each other and promote the game to more people. Mah Jongg, originated from China, was introduced to the United States in the 1920s. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
“Shaolin”, the name of a branch of martial arts, is the most popular Chinese term abroad, according to a survey by a Chinese publishing group.
Shaolin was followed by “yin yang”, “yuan”, “the Forbidden City” and “ni hao” (hello), the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration said on February 17.
The administration said it analysed mainstream media reports and polled 1,260 people online in eight countries to assess the use and recognition of 150 Chinese terms.
The eight countries were the United States, Britain, Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, Canada, Singapore and India.
Apart from shaolin, three other Chinese martial arts terms made the top 10: “wushu” (martial arts), “qi” (essential force), and “qigong” (tai chi-like exercises).
“The wide distribution of martial arts-related terms is due to a specific form of communication – films,” the administration said.
It said the internationalisation of China’s currency explained the popularity of “yuan” and “renminbi”, which was ninth.
The tenth most popular Chinese term was “mahjong”.