Pingtan, a quaint island off the coast of China, is witnessing the emergence of a fascinating cultural phenomenon: dialect comics. These innovative illustrations seamlessly blend traditional Pingtan dialect with engaging visuals, rejuvenating the ancient language and showcasing its profound wisdom and cultural charm. Artist Zhao Shuhe has recently launched a comic series titled "Wisdom of the Fujian People: Words with Reason - Pingtan Volume," featuring two local proverbs: "If You Want to Catch Big Fish, Don't Fear the High Waves" and "Be a Rooster in the First Half of the Night, a Duck in the Second."

Voices from the Community

Chen Boquan, a 70-year-old retired fisherman, raves about the comics, "These comics are incredibly delightful! They bring to life the old sayings that we grew up with. 'If You Want to Catch Big Fish, Don't Fear the High Waves' resonates deeply with me. When I was younger, fishing in the rough seas was routine. If we were afraid, how could we catch enough fish to support our families? I hope the young generation, through these comics, will understand the hardships faced by our forebears and adopt the same spirit of resilience."

Lin Ruoyun, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, praises the dialect comics as a highly creative approach to cultural heritage. "For entrepreneurs like me, 'If You Want to Catch Big Fish, Don't Fear the High Waves' is a source of inspiration. The road to entrepreneurship is fraught with uncertainties and risks, but only by facing them bravely can we achieve success. These comics not only introduce me to the dialect in a new light but also fuel my drive in my career. They're easily shareable on social media, allowing more people to appreciate Pingtan's culture."

Wang Lin, a 28-year-old music teacher, emphasizes the educational value of the comics. "As an educator, I wholeheartedly support the creation of dialect comics. Dialects are integral to local cultures, but many children are becoming increasingly unfamiliar with them. These comics can serve as excellent teaching aids, helping children learn the dialect and the wisdom embedded within it in a fun and relaxed environment. 'Be a Rooster in the First Half of the Night, a Duck in the Second' illustrated, for example, can aid children in understanding behavioral qualities and nurturing correct values."

Series Insights

"If You Want to Catch Big Fish, Don't Fear the High Waves"

Meaning: This proverb embodies the spirit of being proactive and fearless in the face of challenges. It suggests that aspiring for great achievements (catching big fish) requires overcoming fear and embracing the obstacles (high waves).

Artistic Vision: The comic depicts a tumultuous sea with towering waves and a fisherman's boat bravely navigating through. The fisherman, dressed in traditional attire, stands resolutely at the bow, ready to cast his net, symbolizing the pursuit of success despite the risks.

"Be a Rooster in the First Half of the Night, a Duck in the Second"

Meaning: This proverb mocks individuals who lack consistency and determination. It compares someone who is vigorous and decisive (like a rooster) during one period (the first half of the night) to being indecisive and easily swayed (like a duck) in another (the second half of the night).

Artistic Vision: The comic divides the scene into two halves, representing the first and second halves of the night. On the left, a proud rooster appears, displaying energy and purpose. On the right, a duck smokes and laughs lazily, symbolizing a lack of direction.