What 's the Wrong kind of wealth

Tuhao, netizens’ favorite word to describe rich people with ill manners and poor values, has entered the Standard Dictionary of Modern Chinese during its latest revision. The word, according to the dictionary, now means “people who are rich in money but poor in moral awareness and correct values”. The definition reflects a serious social problem in China where many people have become rich but are still found wanting when it comes to moral and social values, says Qing Chuan in an article in Yangtse Evening News.

Tuhao literally translates as “local landlord”. The word took on a new meaning on the Internet over the past couple of years. Now it is used to make fun of the nouveaux riches in China who lack good taste, social and moral values.

Qing says the fact that tuhao has been included in the Standard Dictionary of Modern Chinese indicates a serious problem in Chinese society – the development of social and moral values has not been able to keep pace with economic growth.

Moral issues keep popping up with regular frequency in China because it transformed from a poor country to one of prosperity within a short time, says Qing.

After their material needs have been met, people need to find ways to cater to their spiritual needs. Therefore, Qing says, it is hoped that the popularity of the word tuhao will decline as more people start following moral and social codes again.

Give translators their due

The Chinese government should reform the remuneration standards and tax threshold for authors, as they have remained unchanged for 34 years, according to a report in the Oriental Morning Post.

The report says Chinese translator Sun Zhongxu, who was responsible for acclaimed translations of classics such as 1984, Animal Farm, and The Catcher in the Rye, committed suicide in Guangzhou on Aug 28. He was 41 years old and suffered from depression.

The tragedy has focused attention on the low and outdated ceilings concerning the earnings of writers and translators in China.

The translators are paid 80 yuan to translate 1,000 Chinese characters, and the income tax threshold has remained unchanged, at 800 yuan, for 34 years. It takes several months for a translator like Sun to translate a literary work of 200,000 words, earning about 14,000 yuan after tax.

The authorities responsible for publishing always complain that China does not have good translators, but not many people wish to take on such a demanding and unrewarding job.

The report says that this lack of good translators is preventing Chinese books from entering foreign markets. Additionally, professional Chinese translations from foreign languages are also rare today compared with a few decades ago.

Over the past 34 years, the policies concerning taxes of many industries have changed according to inflation and consumption levels. And the report says the authorities should increase the income tax threshold and the authors’ remuneration standards to allow writers and translators to live a decent life.