China and East Asia Vocabulary

Sinification

The process of a non-Chinese society/neighboring states coming under the influence of Chinese culture and norms (e.g. government, technology, etc.)

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening and drought-resistant strain of rice from Vietnam.

Tributary System (Imperial China)

An arrangement where other states pay money or provide goods to honor the Emperor

Kowtow

A series of ritual bowings and gestures performed by foreigners, Chinese subjects, and officials before the Chinese court.

Scholar Gentry (in Chinese society)

A social class in China who administered the government and set cultural standards. It was composed of educated individuals who passed the civil service examinations and held government positions.

Meritocracy (in Chinese government)

A placement based on merit or quality not status used to elect Chinese emperors and civil service officials.

flying money (China)

A credit system of paper money or credit voucher, used in place of coins for large transactions in China.

Proto-industrialization

A transitional phase before full industrialization where rural households produce goods for markets.

Neo-Confucianism

A Chinese philosophy that combined Confucianism with ideas of Buddhism and Daoism promoted by Chinese scholars.

Chan or “Zen” Buddhism

A school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation, personal enlightenment, and direct experience over scripture or rituals.

foot binding

A sign of female beauty which involves the tight wrapping of young girls’ feet to keep them small

polygyny

A marriage system where a man has multiple wives.

Taika Reforms

A series of political and social reforms modeled after the Chinese Tang Dynasty’s centralized government system

Heian Period

Golden era of history characterized by flourishing of art, literature, and country life; involving aristocratic families.

Samurai

Professional warriors devoted to martial arts and develop a code of honor (bushido).

Daimyo

Regional warlords, who held most political and military power, ruled Japan

Bushido

A developed code of honor, emphasizes loyalty, honor, courage, and discipline in samurai classes

Shogun

A military dictator who ruled Japan with the emperor as a figurehead (puppet) established under Minamoto.