Every Lunar New Year, China introduces a zodiac(生肖) sign from a cycle of 12 lucky animals. This year, it's the Year of the Dragon, or more (accurate), "the Year of the Loong". Then what's the difference?
The Western (describe) of dragons as "fire-breathing winged creatures" was inspired by literature such as Beowulf - the Old English epic about a Scandinavian herocontribution was killing monsters, including a dragon. Greek fairy tales also presented dragons violent sea monsters or guards of valuable (possession). By contrast, "loong", a word (create) in the 19th century, reminds people of strength and fortune, and should (distinguish) from its Western cousin. In Shiji, 2, 000-year-old Chinese history book, the emperor's mother dreamed of a dragon lying on her body, (predict) the birth of a future emperor. Exactly for this reason, Chinese people proudly claim they are "descendants of the Loong" .
Therefore, some culture experts have been calling for a switch to "loong" (tell) the Chinese dragon from the frightening monsters of Western tales. The call is also in line with the push for cultural confidence to choose the preferred translation of the Mandarin word for a creature long respected in Chinese culture.
