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| http://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/cinematheque/past_programs/2012/apt7_cinema/mountains_and_waters_chinese_ animation_since_the_1930s/creating_classics_the_golden_ages_of_animation_in_china |
Date Collected: 5/26/14
Genre: Proverb
Informant Data: John was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and currently attends Dartmouth College. His background is Chinese-Taiwanese-American, and he is equally fluent in Mandarin and English, which are both his first languages. He does not remember where he first encountered this proverb, but was enthusiastic about sharing the story behind it. This proverb was collected through an interview at Dartmouth.
Text/Texture
Chinese: 鹬蚌相争 (yù bàng xiāng zhēng)
Literal Translation: Snipe clam fight each other
Free Translation: A snipe and clam fight each other.
Context: The proverb could be used present-day to advise people fighting to not be too stubborn or everyone will lose.Meaning/Interpretation: A snipe was trying to eat a clam, and when it went for it the clam clamped down around the snipe's beak. Neither was willing to let the other go and they both died. So don't be too stubborn. John believes this proverb originated from one of the warring eras, where two countries were fighting and while they were stubbornly engaged, a third country snuck in and defeated them both.
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