Local Characteristics: Re-Exploring the Modern Construction Vocabulary in Du Yangeng’s Building Terms in English & Chinese

Du Yangeng pioneered the revitalization of China’s modern architecture industry. He independently compiled China’s first English architectural dictionary in 1936. However, Du Yangeng’s resume has always been a mystery, and existing studies do not match his achievements. Based on the newly discovered archives, this paper combines comparative research and on-site investigation. It synthesizes the relationship between Du Yangeng’s resume and the vocabulary of the Building Terms in English & Chinese. It was pointed out that Du Yangeng has a whole-process view of architecture. He promotes the local development of the construction industry, and the key aim is to support architectural engineers. At the same time, the dictionary also has professional shortcomings in the field of architecture. Du Yangeng and the Building Terms in English & Chinese are both of significance in revealing the contradictions and richness of China’s modern architectural history and understanding China’s local experience in the transformation process of modern architecture as well.