How can people belong simultaneously to two cultures, originating in two different places and expressed in two different languages, without alienating themselves from either? Muslims have lived in the Chinese culture area for 1400 years, and the intellectuals among them have long wrestled with this problem. Unlike Persian, Turkish, Urdu, or Malay, the Chinese language never adopted vocabulary from Arabic to enable a precise understanding of Islam's religious and philosophical foundations. Islam thus had to be translated into Chinese, which lacks words and arguments to justify monotheism, exclusivity, and other features of this Middle Eastern religion. Even in the 21st century, Muslims who are culturally Chinese must still justify their devotion to a single God, avoidance of pork, and their communities' distinctiveness, among other things, to sceptical non-Muslim neighbours and an increasingly intrusive state. The essays in this collection narrate the continuing translations and adaptations of Islam and Muslims in Chinese culture and society through the writings of Sino-Muslim intellectuals. Progressing chronologically and interlocking thematically, they help the reader develop a coherent understanding of the intellectual issues at stake.

How can people belong simultaneously to two cultures, originating in two different places and expressed in two different languages, without alienating themselves from either? Muslims have lived in the Chinese culture area for 1400 years, and the intellectuals among them have long wrestled with this problem. Unlike Persian, Turkish, Urdu, or Malay, the Chinese language never adopted vocabulary from Arabic to enable a precise understanding of Islam's religious and philosophical foundations. Islam thus had to be translated into Chinese, which lacks words and arguments to justify monotheism, exclusivity, and other features of this Middle Eastern religion. Even in the 21st century, Muslims who are culturally Chinese must still justify their devotion to a single God, avoidance of pork, and their communities' distinctiveness, among other things, to sceptical non-Muslim neighbours and an increasingly intrusive state. The essays in this collection narrate the continuing translations and adaptations of Islam and Muslims in Chinese culture and society through the writings of Sino-Muslim intellectuals. Progressing chronologically and interlocking thematically, they help the reader develop a coherent understanding of the intellectual issues at stake.

Kindle hit POLSKA DOTTY is now available in Paperback, including an updated Foreword and Guide to Pronunciation of Polish Letters

REVIEWS

"An utterly charming story of the ups and downs of an Englishman who tries to assimilate into a completely different world" - Cooltura

"A cracking read... really is one of a kind" - Krakow Polska

"A colorful introduction to Poland for readers who know little of the country" - Warsaw Voice

"Guaranteed to offer invaluable advice and lots of laughs" - Inside Poland

"Full of the kind of anecdotes that anyone who has moved to Poland from the UK will recognise instantly" - Krakow Post

"A sympathetic insight into Polish society... a charming and informative book" - Hubert Zawadzki, co-author, A Concise History of Poland

ABOUT THE BOOK

Are you travelling to Poland, and wish to know more about the Poles you'll encounter? Are you fascinated by this country of forty million, rich in natural beauty, cultured, and famous for its people's wanderlust? Have you ever wondered what makes your Polish plumber or waitress or doctor over here tick? What book do you pick for background and insight? A superficial travel guide? A dry history book?

No You need the genre-busting Polska Dotty. Follow the hilarious exploits of a newly-wed English lad and Polish girl as they settle in Poland and encounter corrupt Polish police, counterfeit software sellers, and scammy private doctors. Observe as Jonathan, under the watchful eye of Marzena, gets to grips with the Polish condition, and finally integrates - completing his rite of passage by learning how to down tumblers of vodka in one mighty gulp.

Polska Dotty informs about every aspect of Polish society including its work ethic, family values, and the Polish character itself. This is a funny, heartfelt, sparkling read, a touching portrayal of an Englishman's submersion into Polish life.