You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 1164, Entry 02 Pronounced song (falling tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to recite. Xu states: To read from a text is called song. Song means to follow; the mouth follows the text. According to the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), it means to read aloud. Book of Rites (Zhouli), Spring Offices, Grand Director of Music: To teach the state students using musical language: to excite, guide, chant, and recite words. Commentary: Reciting from memory without looking at the text is called feng; reciting with vocal rhythm and modulation is called song. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: Reciting words as if drunk. Record of Rites (Liji), Hereditary Princes of King Wen: Reciting in spring, playing string instruments in summer. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biographies of Confucian Scholars: Er Kuan often carried the classics, and whenever he rested, he would recite and study them. Also, according to the Extensive Refinement (Guangya), it means to discuss or to speak. Han Feizi, Difficulties of Persuasion: To frequently cite the Book of Odes (Shijing) and the Book of Documents (Shujing) and discuss the ways of the ancients is perceived as mere recitation. Commentary: Song here means to speak of past events. Wang Rong, Questions for the Talented Scholars: Advance to lecture and recite your aspirations to nourish my heart. Commentary: Song here means to speak. Also, according to the Correct Character Guide (Zhengzitong), complaining or slandering is also called song. Zuo Commentary (Zuo Zhuan), Fourth Year of Duke Xiang: Zang He invaded Zhu and was defeated at Hutai, and the people of the state slandered him for it. Also, in the Discourses of the States (Guoyu): When Duke Hui entered, he went back on his promises regarding internal and external bribes. People recited poems about him, all of which were words of resentment. Also, a title for an official. Book of Rites (Zhouli), Earth Offices: Recitation Instructor. Zheng Commentary: One who can explain and teach what is recited and practiced in the four quarters, as well as the events of long ago created by people. Also, the name of a bird. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing): South of the Kaiming Beast, there is the Song bird. Also, interchangeably written as litigation. See the note under the entry for litigation. Also, rhymes with rong; pronounced yong. Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes: Father Jia composed this recitation to investigate the king's troubles. Also, rhymes with rong; pronounced cong. Songs of Chu (Chuci), Nine Arguments: Wishing to follow the path and drive steadily, yet not knowing what to follow. Trapped midway and confused, I press down my own studies and recitation.