There are some people who have really made friends with the Chinese language and it comes out of them so naturally that you need a double-take to make sure they are not Chinese. I was so inspired by these people’s hard work that I decided to interview them for some tips and wisdom to help the rest of us on our journey towards fluency.
Name: Seth
Nationality: Alaska
Learning Chinese for: 6 years (on and off)
Chinese Proficiency: HSK6 + Continue reading
There are some people who have really made friends with the Chinese language and it comes out of them so naturally that you need a double-take to make sure they are not Chinese. I was so inspired by these people’s ability that I decided to interview them for some tips and wisdom to help the rest of us on our journey towards fluency.
Name: Olof
Nationality: Sweden
Learning Chinese for: 7 years (on and off, mainly self-taught)
Chinese Proficiency: HSK5-6 Continue reading
There are some people who have really made friends with the Chinese language and it comes out of them so naturally that you need a double-take to make sure they are not Chinese. I was so inspired by these people’s ability that I decided to interview them for some tips and wisdom to help the rest of us on our journey towards fluency.
Name: Bjorn
Nationality: South Africa
Learning Chinese for: 9 years (on and off)
Chinese Proficiency: Fluent Continue reading
There are some people who have really made friends with the Chinese language and it comes out of them so naturally that you need a double-take to make sure they are not Chinese. I was so inspired by these people’s ability that I decided to interview them for some tips and wisdom to help the rest of us on our journey towards fluency.
Name: Rebecca
Nationality: USA
Learning Chinese for: 10 years (on and off)
Chinese Proficiency: Fluent Continue reading
Chinese may have what seems to be an infinite number of characters, but the phonic variations are definitely finite. That makes it easier then, you say – less words to learn right? WRONG! This particularity results in one word (or sound) being attributed to multiple characters.
Chinese comes with its challenges, and everyone must find a way of overcoming them. For me the greatest challenge has been getting my tones right. I can never seem to remember which tone goes with what word, and often confuse words with similar sounds but different tones.
It always amazes me how Chinese can be so exactly opposite to English sometimes. Names are written surname first; dates come with the year first, month then date; Continue reading
In learning Chinese, I have found that the the topic of eating plays a significant role in the language. I am often greeted with a considerate 吃饭了吗? (Chīfànle ma? Have you eaten yet?) – in place of, “How are you?” because if I have eaten, I must be alright, mustn’t I? There are also many 成语 (Chéngyǔ/ sayings) advising us on what to eat, when, where and how:
Meditation is the answer to so many of life’s problems, so I hear. And it is not just for cloistered shaved monks anymore – more and more people are taking a week off for meditation retreats now and then, sometimes as regularly as twice a year. I was curious, so I took the opportunity to go to the Dipabhāvan Centre in Thailand over Chinese New Year, and I’m glad I did.
The education system in China is strict and exacting, and there is no relief to be found at home for the students either. Their piles of homework are notoriously high, and competition for top-of-the-class is more fierce among parents than the students themselves. I don’t need to explain the negative impact it has on society. It is so ingrained in the culture that I was beginning to wonder if change was even possible. Then I found the Vegetable Community. Continue reading
A Canadian qigong master, a yoga instructor and their vegan cafe in the little town of Yangshuo, China. As I step through the doors of Mood Food Cafe, I immediately get settled. I know I won’t be satisfied until I hear the whole story.
It all started with a decidedly independent girl from Dongbei going to India to learn yoga.
Half Thai, half Mauritian, living in China, Jade is mastering her fifth language with the help of her Bolivian boyfriend, and works as a sort of freelance acupuncturist. She basically makes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more accessible to foreigners by administering in-home treatments and saving them from the hassle and confusion of a visit to a local hospital. Genius.
The offer of a free room and free food would be a difficult one to turn down for most travellers, even those not normally inclined to volunteer.
First milestone reached: six months in China. What does that feel like? What am I supposed to feel? Acclimatised? Adapting to a new culture, apparently, is supposed to happen in stages:
Step 1: The Honeymoon Stage
When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. Like any new experience, there’s a feeling of euphoria when you first arrive and you’re in awe of the differences you see and experience. You feel excited, stimulated, enriched.
Make a scene
Hi, How are you?
A health and fitness blog in the city of smog
Life In Chengdu
Fine China, Ruyao and Zisha
Strong roots for a good foundation. And wide-reaching branches of dreams, musings, and inspiration.
Making learning fun
Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
A Piece of China 