Chinese Culture – Study in China https://www.istudy-china.com Chinese Scholarship | IStudy-China Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:50:02 +0000 zh-CN hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Qixi Festival in the Four Great Classics https://www.istudy-china.com/qixi-festival-in-the-four-great-classics/ https://www.istudy-china.com/qixi-festival-in-the-four-great-classics/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:57:43 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=746040 The Qixi Festival is the most romantic element among traditional festivals in our country. It has always been the “darling” of literati and poets. There are countless descriptions of Qixi Festival in literary works, and there are many examples in the four famous novels.

“Dream of Red Mansions”

“A Dream of Red Mansions” has a lot of ink on traditional festivals such as the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival, but rarely describes the romantic Qixi Festival. There are only a few tunes, which appear in the novel in the form of poems and songs. As a novel that successfully portrays “Bao Dai’s Love Song“, why cherish ink like gold for Qixi Festival?

The earliest content related to Qixi Festival appeared in the 18th chapterGrand View Garden Examination Questions Correct, Rongguo Mansion Returns to the Province to Celebrate Lantern Festival“. In the Yuanchun Jin Dynasty, when the concubine Xiande was granted, and she went home to visit her relatives, it was the Lantern Festival. In this episode, Cao Xueqin used lantern riddles and play titles to hint at the different fates and endings of the women in the Grand View Garden, and the joy in front of him reveals the sorrow in the future.

When I was young, (Yuanchun) ordered four plays: the first “Luxury Banquet“, the second “Qi Qiao“, the third “Xian Yuan“, and the fourth “Li Hun“. “. As one of Jia Yuanchun’s four plays in Lantern Festival, “Qi Qiao” comes from “The Palace of Eternal Life” written by Hong Sheng, a playwright in the early Qing Dynasty. “Time” oath, behind which also implies Yuanchun’s last tragic fate.

There are a large number of poems and songs in “A Dream of Red Mansions” to describe the character of the characters. Among them, the words and sentences related to Qixi Festival appear in the 40th chapterShi Taijun Two Banquets in the Grand View Garden, Golden Mandarin Duck and Three Proclamation of Yapai Order“. Yuanyang said: “Twenty-five of them are miscellaneous sevens.” Aunt Xue said: “Weaver Girl Cowherd will meet Qixi Festival.

In the 42nd chapterHengwu Junlan speaks to solve doubts, Xiaoxiangzi makes up for the remaining fragrance“, Wang Xifeng asks Grandma Liu to name her daughter because of her illness. Grandma Liu asked her birthday, and Sister Feng said it was the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, so Grandma Liu named her “Sister Qiao“.

According to Grandma Liu’s meaning, if she chooses this name, she will live a long life. When you grow up in the future, everyone will start a family and start a business, or if something goes wrong for a while, disaster will inevitably turn into good luck, and every bad luck will turn into good luck. “It all comes from the word ‘qiao’.

In the 78th chapter, “Old Scholars Leisurely Conquered Ci, and the Foolish Young Master Made Up Furong“, Jia Baoyu wrote “Furong’s Daughter” to commemorate Qingwen. One of the couplets said: “The magpie in the empty building hangs the needle of the Qixi Festival; who will continue the five threads if the mandarin duck is broken?” Needle begging for cleverness.

A Dream of Red Mansions” does not seem to be keen on the festival of Qixi Festival. In the eyes of the nobles, it is unlucky to fall on Qixi Festival. Sister Feng said that Qiaojie’s birthday was on the seventh day of the seventh month, and “it’s not a good time to raise her.” Grandma Liu said that the name Qiaojie was “fighting poison with poison, and fighting fire with fire”, which also revealed why the Qixi Festival in “Dream of Red Mansions” was not taken seriously.

“Three Kingdoms”

There is no direct description of Qixi Festival in “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms“, but in the 63rd chapterZhuge Liang cried bitterly for Pang Tong, Zhang Yide explained Yan Yan” through Zhuge Liang’s mouth: but said that Kong Ming was in Jingzhou, and it was the Qixi Festival. Let’s talk about closing Sichuan. I saw a star in the west, as big as a bucket, falling from the sky, and the streamer was scattered. Kongming was startled, threw his cup on the ground, covered his face and cried, “Alas! It hurts!” All the officials panicked and asked why. Kong Ming said: “My former calculation is that this year’s Gang Xing is in the west, which is not conducive to the military division; the Tiangou invaded our army, and Taibai came to Luocheng. I have worshiped the Lord of the Book and taught me to guard against it. Whoever thinks that the western star will fall tonight, Pang Shiyuan’s life will die!” After speaking, he cried loudly and said, “My lord has lost an arm!” All the officials were shocked and did not believe his words. Kong Ming said: “In a few days, there must be news.

“Water Margin”

Water Margin” has almost no description of Qixi Festival, except that it is slightly reflected in the names of people. In the 43rd chapterJinbaozi Trail Meets Dai Zong, Biaoguan Suochang Street Meets Shixiu“, Tianlao Xingguan Suo Yangxiong’s wife appeared on the stage and pointed out the reason for his name “Qiaoyun“.

Walk out of the place where the cloth was made. It turned out that the woman was born on July 7th, so the small characters are called Qiaoyun.” In the Song and Yuan dynasties, the seventh day of the lunar calendar was a folk festival. Taking Qixi Festival as “begging for cleverness” was popular in the Song Dynasties, and people born on July 7 were often named “Qiao”.

As a woman whose life style deviates in “Water Margin”, Pan Qiaoyun has only a few appearances, from 45 episodes of “Yang Xiong Drunkly Scolding Pan Qiaoyun” to 46 episodes of “Illness Suo makes a big fuss in Cuiping Mountain” ended her absurd and sad life.

“Journey to the West”

Journey to the West” takes the stories of Buddhist disciples as the theme, and has little to do with Qixi Festival. But it has to be mentioned that the daughter king has a deep affection for Tang Seng. A woman is willing to use “royal power and wealth” to fight against his “precepts and rules“, but her “love and desire” meets Tang Sanzang’s “flowing water is ruthless“, so she has to “quietly ask the holy monk whether her daughter is beautiful“.

If you want to know the origin of Qixi Festival, please visit www.news.eduprchina.com

If you want to know customs of Qixi Festival, please visit www.news.scholarshipchina.com

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What is the Terracotta Army? https://www.istudy-china.com/what-is-the-terracotta-army/ https://www.istudy-china.com/what-is-the-terracotta-army/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 02:35:51 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=746027 The Terracotta Army, also known as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is a collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures of soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army was created over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). It was built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was the first emperor to unify China and create a centralized state. The emperor believed that the Terracotta Army would help him rule the empire in the afterlife, just as he had in life.

The construction of the Terracotta Army began in 210 BCE, soon after Emperor Qin Shi Huang ascended to the throne. It took over 720,000 workers and craftsmen more than 10 years to complete the army. The Terracotta Army was buried with the emperor in a massive mausoleum complex in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China.

Discovery of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers who were digging a well in Xi’an. The farmers stumbled upon a large number of terracotta statues, which they initially thought were ancient Buddhist statues. However, upon further inspection, they realized that the statues were actually soldiers and horses.

Excavation of the Terracotta Army

The excavation of the Terracotta Army began in 1975, and it took over 10 years to uncover the entire army. The excavation process was slow and painstaking, as the statues were fragile and had to be carefully removed from the soil.

The Terracotta Army is divided into three main sections: the Infantry Army, the Cavalry Army, and the Chariot Army. The Infantry Army consists of over 6,000 soldiers, each with a unique facial expression and clothing. The Cavalry Army consists of over 1,000 horses and riders, while the Chariot Army consists of over 100 chariots and horses.

Features of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is known for its life-sized statues, which are between 1.8 and 2.2 meters tall. Each statue is made of terracotta, a type of clay, and weighs around 100 kilograms. The statues are intricately detailed, with each soldier having a unique facial expression, clothing, and weapons.

The Terracotta Army is also known for its impressive military formation. The soldiers are arranged in a formation that resembles a real army, with soldiers standing in ranks and files. The formation is designed to protect the emperor’s tomb from evil spirits and invaders.

Significance of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of ancient Chinese civilization. The Terracotta Army is a remarkable achievement, given the technology and resources available at the time.

Secondly, the Terracotta Army provides valuable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture. The statues are based on real soldiers and weapons, which provides a glimpse into the military tactics and strategies of the time.

Thirdly, the Terracotta Army is a symbol of China’s rich cultural heritage and is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The Terracotta Army is a remarkable archaeological discovery that provides valuable insights into ancient Chinese history and culture. The life-sized statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots are a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and engineering skills of ancient Chinese civilization. The Terracotta Army is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture, and it continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.

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Hanfu: The Traditional Clothing of the Han Chinese https://www.istudy-china.com/hanfu-the-traditional-clothing-of-the-han-chinese/ https://www.istudy-china.com/hanfu-the-traditional-clothing-of-the-han-chinese/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:07:52 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745978 Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, has a rich history that spans over three thousand years. It is an important aspect of Han culture and remains a fundamental keystone to understanding China’s traditional aesthetics. In modern times, casual dress such as Zhongshan suits have become more practical, but the Hanfu has been re-emerging in popularity among young people in China.

The Hanfu is made up of a yi (衣), a narrow-cuffed, knee-length tunic tied with a sash, and a chang (裳), a narrow, ankle-length skirt worn with a bixi (蔽膝), a length of fabric reaching the knees. The traditional Hanfu is red and green silk, with elaborate hats for men and hairpieces for women. Depending on the dynasty and time period, the Hanfu style ranges from colorful and extravagant to simple and modest. Each period also has its own hairstyle and make-up look.

The Hanfu Movement is a social movement aimed at popularizing hanfu and incorporating traditional Chinese elements into modern clothing design to promote traditional Chinese culture, especially among the youth in China.

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Mooncakes and the Mid-Autumn Festival: A Guide to Chinese Culture https://www.istudy-china.com/mooncakes-and-the-mid-autumn-festival-a-guide-to-chinese-culture/ https://www.istudy-china.com/mooncakes-and-the-mid-autumn-festival-a-guide-to-chinese-culture/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:57:40 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745973 The Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant traditional holiday in China, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a time for families to come together and appreciate the full moon, which symbolizes completeness and unity. One of the most iconic traditions associated with the festival is the consumption of mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of mooncakes, as well as how they are made and enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The History of Mooncakes

Mooncakes have a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. According to legend, the mooncake was first created by the ancient Chinese emperor, Wu Wang, who ruled from 1600 to 1046 BCE. Wang wanted to create a food that would symbolize the moon and be offered to the gods during the Mid-Autumn Festival. He created a round pastry filled with a sweet bean paste, which was meant to represent the moon’s roundness and brightness. Over time, mooncakes evolved to include various fillings, such as lotus seed paste and jujube paste, and became a staple of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Significance of Mooncakes

Mooncakes are more than just a delicious treat; they hold significant cultural and symbolic meaning. The round shape of the mooncake represents completeness and unity, which is why it is traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when families come together to celebrate the harvest and the full moon. The moon itself is also a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, which is why mooncakes are often given as gifts during the festival.

How Mooncakes are Made

Mooncakes are traditionally made with a combination of flour, sugar, and oil, which are mixed together to form a dough. The dough is then filled with a sweet or savory filling, such as lotus seed paste or jujube paste, and sealed with a crust. The mooncakes are then baked until they are golden brown and served during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In modern times, mooncakes have become more elaborate and creative, with various flavors and fillings, such as ice cream and chocolate, being introduced.

How Mooncakes are Enjoyed

Mooncakes are traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Families gather together to appreciate the full moon and enjoy mooncakes, often accompanied by traditional Chinese tea. Mooncakes are also given as gifts to relatives and friends during the festival, as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. In addition, mooncakes are often served at parties and gatherings during the festival, where they are enjoyed with other traditional Chinese delicacies and drinks.

Mooncakes are an integral part of Chinese culture and tradition, particularly during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They symbolize completeness, unity, and good fortune, and are enjoyed by families and friends during the festival. Whether you prefer traditional or modern mooncakes, there is no denying their significance and delicious taste. So, next time you celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, be sure to try some mooncakes and experience the rich culture and tradition of China.

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Learning How to Play Mahjong https://www.istudy-china.com/learning-how-to-play-mahjong/ https://www.istudy-china.com/learning-how-to-play-mahjong/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:50:53 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745969 Mahjong is a traditional Chinese game that has gained popularity worldwide for its unique combination of strategy, skill, and social interaction. As a Chinese language school, Omeida Chinese Academy is dedicated to sharing Chinese culture and language with students from all over the world. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to learning how to play Mahjong, including its history, rules, and strategies.

History of Mahjong

Mahjong is a game that originated in China in the Qing dynasty, and its name is derived from the Chinese word “Mahjong,” which means “sparrow.” The game was initially played with tiles made of bamboo, wood, or ivory, and it quickly spread throughout China and other parts of Asia. Today, Mahjong is played in various forms and variations, both online and offline, and it remains a popular pastime among people of all ages.

Rules of Mahjong

Mahjong is a game that requires a combination of strategy and skill, and it is played with a set of tiles that are arranged in a special pattern. The game involves matching tiles with similar symbols or characters, and the objective is to be the first player to get rid of all their tiles. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles, which are divided into four suits: bamboos, circles, characters, and numbers.

Each player starts with 13 tiles, and they take turns picking and discarding tiles to form combinations. The game has several rules and regulations, including the following:

  • Pung: A set of three identical tiles from any suit.
  • Sheung: A run of three tiles from the same suit.
  • Kong: A set of four identical tiles from any suit.
  • Gan: A pair of identical tiles from the same suit, which is the last piece of a winning hand.

Strategies for Playing Mahjong

While luck plays a significant role in Mahjong, there are several strategies that can help players improve their chances of winning. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Familiarize yourself with the tiles: Before starting the game, take some time to study the tiles and their symbols. This will help you recognize patterns and combinations more easily.
  • Pay attention to the discarded tiles: Observe the tiles that other players have discarded, as this can give you an idea of what tiles are left in the game.
  • Focus on your own tiles: It’s essential to pay attention to your own tiles and plan your moves carefully. Try to form combinations and sets to increase your chances of winning.
  • Be strategic: Mahjong is a game that requires strategy and planning. Think ahead and try to anticipate the moves of your opponents.

Mahjong is a fascinating and entertaining game that has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. With its rich history, unique rules, and social interaction, it’s no wonder why Mahjong has become a staple of Chinese culture. By following the rules and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Mahjong master.

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The Difference Between 的, 得, and 地 in Chinese Grammar https://www.istudy-china.com/the-difference-between-%e7%9a%84-%e5%be%97-and-%e5%9c%b0-in-chinese-grammar/ https://www.istudy-china.com/the-difference-between-%e7%9a%84-%e5%be%97-and-%e5%9c%b0-in-chinese-grammar/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:25:57 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745967 In Chinese grammar, the particles 的, 得, and 地 are commonly used to indicate possession, modify verbs, and modify adjectives, respectively. However, their meanings and uses can be confusing, especially for beginners. This article aims to clarify the differences between these particles and provide examples to help readers better understand their usage.的 (de) – Possession

The particle 的 is used to indicate possession or belonging. It is placed between the owner and the object, and can be translated as ‘s or ‘s in English.

Examples:

  • 我的车 (wǒ de chē) – My car
  • 他的狗 (tā de gǒu) – His dog
  • 她的书 (tā de shū) – Her book

得 (de) – Modifying Verbs

The particle 得 is used to modify verbs, indicating the outcome or result of an action. It is placed between the verb and its outcome.

Examples:

  • 她学得很努力 (tā xué de hěn nǔ lì) – She studies very diligently
  • 他唱歌得很不好听 (tā chàng gē de hěn bù hǎo tīng) – He sings very badly
  • 我走得到 (wǒ zǒu de dào) – I can get there

地 (de) – Modifying Adjectives

The particle 地 is used to modify adjectives, indicating the extent or degree of a quality. It is placed between the adjective and the verb.

Examples:

  • 她慢慢地走过来 (tā màn man de zǒu guò lái) – She slowly walked over
  • 他开开心心地回答 (tā kāi kāi xīn xīn de huí dá) – He joyfully answered

In conclusion, the particles 的, 得, and 地 are essential in Chinese grammar, and their meanings and uses are distinct. 的 indicates possession, 得 modifies verbs, and 地 modifies adjectives. Learning the differences between these particles can help learners of Chinese improve their language skills and communicate more effectively.

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The Significance of the Fu Character and Its Relationship with Luck https://www.istudy-china.com/the-significance-of-the-fu-character-and-its-relationship-with-luck/ https://www.istudy-china.com/the-significance-of-the-fu-character-and-its-relationship-with-luck/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:20:08 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745961 The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is a time for families to gather together, exchange gifts, and share in the joy of the new year. One of the most iconic symbols of the Chinese New Year is the Fu character (福), which is often displayed prominently on doors, windows, and other surfaces. But what does the Fu character mean, and why is it associated with luck?

The Fu character (福) is a Chinese character that means “happiness,” “blessing,” or “good fortune.” It is a common sight during the Chinese New Year, as people across China paste it on their doors or windows to greet the new year. The character is often written on a diagonal square red paper, and it is usually pasted upside-down. This is because the word for “arrive” in Chinese sounds the same as the word for “upside-down”, so pasting the character upside-down signifies that “good fortune has arrived.”

The Fu character has a rich history in Chinese culture, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). It was originally used as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and it was often displayed in homes and businesses to bring good fortune. Over time, the character has evolved to become a ubiquitous symbol of the Chinese New Year, and it is now a popular decoration during the festival.

Why is the Fu character associated with luck? In Chinese culture, luck is a concept that is deeply rooted in the beliefs of the people. The Chinese believe that luck can be influenced by various factors, such as the color red, which is considered auspicious, and the direction of the wind, which can bring good or bad luck. The Fu character is believed to bring good luck because it represents happiness and prosperity, and it is often displayed in a way that signifies the arrival of good fortune.

In addition to its association with luck, the Fu character also has a deeper meaning. It represents the hope for a better future, a chance to start anew, and a way to leave behind the old and embrace the new. During the Chinese New Year, people often exchange gifts and well wishes, and the Fu character is a symbol of the positive energy that flows between people.

In conclusion, the Fu character is a powerful symbol of the Chinese New Year, representing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. Its association with luck is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, and it is a popular decoration during the festival. Whether you’re celebrating the Chinese New Year in China or elsewhere, the Fu character is a universal symbol of the hope and positivity that comes with the start of a new year.

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How to Make Chinese Dumplings https://www.istudy-china.com/how-to-make-chinese-dumplings/ https://www.istudy-china.com/how-to-make-chinese-dumplings/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:58:49 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745944 Chinese dumplings are a staple food in China, especially during the Chinese New Year. They can be cooked in different ways, but the most popular method is boiling. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making traditional Chinese dumplings.

Types of Dumplings

There are three main types of dumplings in China:

Boiled dumplings (水饺)

These are the most common type of dumpling and are considered a staple food in northern provinces.

Pan-fried potstickers (锅贴)

These are crispy and chewier than boiled dumplings and are popular across China as street food or side dishes.

Steamed dumplings (蒸饺)

These are less famous than the other two types but are still enjoyed as a side dish or dim sum.

Making Dumplings

Making dumplings is a fun and rewarding activity, especially when done with family members. The older generation usually takes care of the preparation work, including making the filling and wrapper dough. Then, everyone helps wrap the dumplings, which is a great way to bond and express blessings to one another.

Ingredients

To make traditional Chinese dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Wrapper dough (made from flour, water, and salt)
  • Filling (usually pork, vegetables, and seasonings)
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare the wrapper dough by mixing flour, water, and salt. Then, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the dumplings. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Making Chinese dumplings is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when done with family members. With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and traditional Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. So, get started and enjoy the process of making Chinese dumplings!

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Best Songs for Learning Chinese https://www.istudy-china.com/best-songs-for-learning-chinese/ https://www.istudy-china.com/best-songs-for-learning-chinese/#respond Fri, 11 Aug 2023 06:26:21 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745927 Learning Chinese can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. One effective way to improve your Chinese language skills is by listening to Chinese songs. Not only do songs provide a natural context for language learning, but they also offer a unique opportunity to learn new vocabulary, phrases, and grammar structures.

In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best Chinese songs for learning Chinese, including classic hits and contemporary tracks. These songs have been carefully selected to provide a variety of language learning benefits, including improved pronunciation, vocabulary expansion, and cultural insight.

“The Moon Represents My Heart” (月亮代表我的心) by Teresa Teng (邓丽君)

“The Moon Represents My Heart” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists, but the original version by Teresa Teng remains the most popular. The song’s slow and melodic tempo makes it easy to follow, and the lyrics are simple and repetitive, making it a great choice for beginners. The song also uses a variety of basic vocabulary and grammar structures, such as “代表” (dàibiǎo) and “心” (xīn), which are essential for everyday conversation.

“Ambiguity” (暧昧) by Rainie Yan (杨丞琳)

“Ambiguity” is a catchy and upbeat song that features a unique blend of pop and rock elements. The song’s lyrics are simple and easy to understand, and the repetitive chorus makes it easy to sing along. The song also uses a variety of vocabulary related to emotions and relationships, such as “心情” (xīnqíng) and “爱情” (àiqíng), which are important for expressing feelings and thoughts in Chinese.

“New Drunken Beauty” (新贵妃醉酒) by Li Yugang (李玉刚)

“New Drunken Beauty” is a modern adaptation of a traditional Chinese folk song, and it features a unique blend of traditional and modern instruments. The song’s lyrics are simple and easy to follow, and the repetitive chorus makes it easy to sing along. The song also uses a variety of vocabulary related to drinking and socializing, such as “喝” (hē) and “聚会” (juéhuì), which are essential for participating in Chinese social gatherings.

“Fairy Tale” (童话) by Michael Wong (光良)

“Fairy Tale” is a popular ballad that features a beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s tempo is slow and melodic, making it easy to follow, and the lyrics are simple and repetitive. The song also uses a variety of vocabulary related to childhood and imagination, such as “童话” (tónghuà) and “幻想” (huànxiǎng), which are important for expressing creative ideas and thoughts in Chinese.

Learning Chinese through songs is a fun and effective way to improve your language skills, and the songs listed above are just a few examples of the many great songs available for language learners. By listening to and singing these songs, you’ll be able to improve your pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, and you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and customs. So why not give it a try and see how much you can learn?

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Telling Good Chinese Character Stories for International Students in China https://www.istudy-china.com/telling-good-chinese-character-stories-for-international-students-in-china/ https://www.istudy-china.com/telling-good-chinese-character-stories-for-international-students-in-china/#respond Tue, 08 Aug 2023 03:50:20 +0000 https://www.istudy-china.com/?p=745784 Chinese characters are an important part of international Chinese language teaching, and for international Chinese language students, how to learn Chinese characters well is a major challenge. One of the methods for telling a good story of Chinese characters is the “character source analysis method“. To analyze the source of characters, it is necessary to connect with the “Six Books” theory of traditional philology.

Chinese Characters Are “Drawn”

When it comes to the method of creating Chinese characters, it cannot be separated from the “Four Books” in the “Six Books“, which include pictographs, symbols, meanings, and phonograms.

The creation of Chinese characters using both pictographic and referential methods often involves depicting the image of objects, which can easily create the impression that Chinese characters are “drawn” for international students studying in China. In the process of introducing pictographs to international students, such as introducing the character “sun (日)“, the shape of the sun can be depicted; When introducing the word “moon (月)“, because the moon is not circular for most of the time, there is a saying that “the moon has its ups and downs(月有阴晴圆缺)“. The ancient people chose to use the curved crescent shape to express “deficiency” here.

Introducing pictographic character formation to international students studying in China can not only help them understand the characteristics of Chinese characters, but also increase the fun of learning Chinese characters through tracing their origins.

Symbol characters are symbols added to pictographs to represent the characteristics of things. For example, drawing a horizontal line as a reference and drawing a short horizontal line above it to indicate “up (上)“; Draw a short line below the horizontal line to indicate “down (下)”. Similarly, draw a horizontal line above the pictographic character “wood (木)” representing trees to indicate “tree top“, which is the “end (末)” of the tree; Draw a short horizontal line below “wood (木)” to indicate “tree root”, which is the fundamental “root (本)”.

Chinese Characters Are Combined Together

The Chinese characters created using both pictographic and referential methods are individual characters, while the characters created using the two methods of meanings and phonograms are composite characters.

For example, the word ‘pick (采)‘ in picking, with the upper part representing the hand and the lower part representing the tree and its fruit. Taken together, the word ‘picking‘ refers to picking by hand on a tree. Its original meaning is to gently pick with your fingers or fingertips, and later extended to mean collecting, adopting, and so on.

Similarly, the pictographs “human (人)” and “wood (木)” signify “rest (休)“, indicating that a person rests on a tree; The movements of “hand (手)” and “eye (目)“, knowingly placing the hand over the eyes to “see (看)“; “Knife (刀)” and “clothing (衣)” can mean the basic “beginning (初)“, indicating that the “initial” step in clothing making is to use a knife to cut fabric, allowing students to experience the meaning of modern Chinese as a newcomer or newcomer.

The “pictophonetic” method of creating characters is a method of combining the pictophonetic elements representing meaning with the phonetic elements representing sound. In the teaching of Chinese characters, various structural types of pictophonetic characters retained in modern Chinese characters can be explained through tracing their origins, such as “wealth (财)”, “leadership (领)”, “bamboo pole (竿)”, “marriage (娶)”, etc.

At the same time, modern technology uses characters and some transliterated characters, often using the form sound method to create characters. Typical examples include the transliterated words “coffee (咖啡)” such as “co (咖)” and “ffee (啡)“, as well as the pictophonetic characters in the periodic table of chemical elements such as “recognizing characters by recognizing the halves of them“.

Interpreting the Story of Chinese Character Creation

Chinese characters are both drawn and combined. How to follow the teaching of Chinese characters for international students in China based on their understanding of Chinese character formation, around the theme words “painting” and “combination” according to the situation?

Firstly, pictographs and symbols do have elements of description and “drawing“, but due to the evolution of Chinese character forms, the circular lines have become square and straight strokes. Therefore, cultivating the “stroke perspective” of international students is an important part of Chinese character writing.

This stage not only includes the direction and position of the strokes, but also involves the addition, subtraction, and combination of the strokes. For example, “mouth (口)” cannot be painted as “0“, “bamboo head (竹字头)” is not “KK“, and the horizontal strokes of “soldier (士)” and “earth (土)” are different in length… Interpreting the meaning of horizontal and vertical strokes can help international students transition from the confusion and helplessness of “drawing” Chinese characters to gradually developing a good habit of “writing” Chinese characters.

Secondly, the combination of meaning and form sound is a combination of multiple character components, but this combination strictly follows the rules of block character structure. According to the layout principle of “top”, “bottom”, “left” side “,” right “side”, “inner” heart “,” outer “box”, and “waist”, the beauty of the form of square Chinese characters is reflected.

To cultivate the awareness of “component” word formation among international students, it is not only necessary to pay attention to the teaching of component names and positions, but also to highlight the teaching of comparison between similar components. Emphasize that “stay (呆)” and “apricot (杏)” are two words; Looking at the “part (部)” of the component in a mirror, it becomes a “companion (陪)” accompanied by another word… It makes international students fall in love with Chinese characters and fall in love with Chinese characters in the character composition game of each component.

Explaining the structure of Chinese characters and telling Chinese character stories to international students in China not only shares the magical beauty of Chinese characters, but also allows students to experience the cultural charm of Chinese characters.

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