Symphony of Tastes or Linguistic and Cultural Connotations of Chinese Gastronomies

Recieved: 11/24/2021

Accepted: 12/22/2021

Published: 06/30/2022

Keywords: cultural linguistics; intercultural communication; gastronomy; Chinese cuisine; taste registers; Eight Immortal Tastes: Hom (咸) – Tom (淡), Tim (甜) – Sin (酸), Fu (苦) – Lot (辣), Heong (香) – Gum (金黄)

To cite this article

Dorzhieva G.S., Gao Jiango Symphony of Tastes or Linguistic and Cultural Connotations of Chinese Gastronomies. // Moscow University Bulletin. Series 19. Linguistics and Intercultural Communication 2022. Issue 2. 34-43

Dorzhieva G.S. (Banzarov Buryat State University)
Gao Jiango (Banzarov Buryat State University)

Abstract

The article considers the Chinese cuisine taste characteristics as an integral part of the national gastronomic art. Chinese culinary traditions have been formed for centuries, during which many culinary trends have appeared, thousands of different dishes have been created, differing in a variety of flavors. The number “eight” in Chinese numerology symbolizes prosperity and luck. The symbolism of the number “eight” is also used in Chinese cooking. The fundamental tastes of national cuisine — Eight Immortal Tastes: Hom — Tom, Tim — Sin, Fu — Lot, Heong — Gum. Of these, there are five basic tastes: sour Sin, sweet Tim, bitter Fu, spicy Lot, salty Hom and three minor ones — tasteless (bland) Tom, fragrant Heong, golden Gum. Combining registers of flavors and their complex combination are the main characteristics of authentic Chinese cuisine.

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