Relationship Between the Moon and Month

The words moon and month have the same character because the Chinese use the lunar-based astrology system so thier astrology practice is set up around month which begins at each new moon. Month means the time it takes the moon to go through one full rotaion. Similarly the movement of the sun causes a day just as the full rotation of the moon causes a month.

http://www.astrologycom.com/chinesemoon.html
http://www.chinapage.com/astronomy/calendar/calendar.html

Danielle Chin
I tried to find more information, but I did not really understand the information.

Relation between Moon & Month

The reason the word month and moon are written as the same character is because it takes one month for the moon to complete a full waxing and waning cycle. In china there is a celebration called the Moon festival that celebrates the completion of the cycle.
Also in the past china used the Lunar calendar which is based of the cycles of the moon, so it is no surprise that the word month and the moon are written as the same character.

Moon and Month

Calendars
The Hindu, Thai, Hebrew, Islamic, Tibetan, Neopagan, Celtic, and the traditional Chinese calendars are all based on the phases of the Moon. None of these calendars, however, begin their months with the full moon. In the Chinese, Jewish, Thai and some Hindu calendars, the full moon always occurs in the middle of a month.

I think that this paragraph explains the relation between the moon and months.

http://www.answers.com/topic/full-moon

It came from Wekipidia also.

And for the day, I think that the sun comes up once a day in the morning,
the sun also represents the day. (No source)

Juyeon Kim

Relation Between "Month" and "the Moon"

In the Chinese language, why is it that the word for "month" is the same as "the Moon"? How did the Chinese derive the relation? What can you infer about the word for "day"? give reasons. Please cite the source when you post your answer. Please include your name if you want this extra credit.

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?:
The era of the three kingdoms was 220 AD -280 AD

2) What was happening in Europe at that time?:
The Roman Empire ruled much of northern europe.

3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.:
Two names that defined the history of the 3 kingdoms are:
Wei and Wu

4) What do you think about the movie or the era? :
I think that the movie was good, and i liked the portrayal of the hero. It was a sad story but it was cool at the same time. I really thought that he should of survived the battle and went back for the girl though.

~Stefan

1) 220-280
2) A civl war was going on in the Roman Empire
3) Cáo Cāo,Emperor Ling
4) I really enjoyed watching the movie. I learned alittle about chinese history and enjoyed all the action scenes. I would learn more about the history of china after class, since i would ask a few chinese students if they knew zilong. They would say yes and then explain more to me about the three kingdoms.

Chris Falzone

3 Kingdoms

The three kingdoms were: wei, shu, and wu. Took place after the collapse of the Han Dynasty. The wars between these countries affected Europe because a lot of countries espically Rome began to expand and take over. The Three Kingdoms was known as one of the bloodiest wars of Chinese History.

--Kris

The Three Kingdoms

The Thre Kingdoms, or Sanguo, was a period of Chinese history following the fall of the Han Dynasty. The Sanguo lasted from 220 to 280 BC.

2.The two most powerful rulers of the era were Cao Pi and Liu Yu. Cao Pi was appointed after the death of Cao Cao.

3. The movie was pretty good. It seemed very realistic although some of the action was probably exxagerated.

Sam
Wu Yao Li

Traditional Dish (Cooking with Mr. Lin)

I think it would be extremely fun and interesting if one day as a class we made a traditional Chinese dish and researched how it became or why it was chosen to be a traditional dish. In all the Discovery China videos, it highlights that food is an important part of their culture and it would be extremely fun for us to try it. What do you all think?

Danielle Chin

San Guo Respone

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?
2) What was happening in Europe at that time?
3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.
4) What do you think about the movie or the era ?

1. The Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history occurred from the foundation of the Wei in 220 and the conquest of the Wu by the Jin Dynasty in 280, but many believe it started from the uprising of the Yellow Turbans in 184.

2. In the time of the Three Kingdoms,Europe was also going through a deadly war for power and land.

3. Two names that defined the history of the 3 Kingdoms are Shǔ Hàn (蜀漢)and Dōng Wú or Eastern Wu (東吳)which helped to define the different states which were lead by different emperors.

4. I enjoyed the movie a lot and found it very interesting because I was able to see how devoted these men were to the cause. It helped me understand how important the union of these Kingdoms was to many.

Info. source- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kingdoms

Danielle Chin

3 kingdom

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?
(220 AD -280 AD)

2) What was happening in Europe at that time?
-Rome was the dominant empire they had been expanding for a long period of time at this point. They ruled the majority of southern Europe as well as a large part of the western area.

3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.
I)Cáo Wèi
II)Emperor Ling
4) What do you think about the movie or the era ?
- I thought that this movie was extremely entertaining. I also think it gave everyone a better understanding of the Chinese culture. Movies are often a better way to enhance someones interpretation of something rather than just talking about it.

-Austin

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?:

220 AD -280 AD

2) What was happening in Europe at that time?:
The Roman Empire was expanding slowly, while in 235 AD it almost collapsed. The Roman empire ruled much of northen Europe, while slowly taking over Southern Euro at the time.

3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.:
Wei & Wu

4) What do you think about the movie or the era? :
I think that the movie was good, but it didnt show all of the historical events.

-RJ

Homework

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?

The period between the foundation of the Wei in 220 a.d. and the conquest of the Wu by the Jin Dynasty in 280 a.d.

2) What was happening in Europe at that time?

In Europe, The Roman Empire had been expanding for over 200 years and covered many countries across what is now Europe. And was in a state of disarray,( in a civil war).

3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.

Cáo Wèi (曹魏)and Shǔ Hàn (蜀漢) are two names that defined the three kingdoms era.

4) What do you think about the movie or the era ?

I thought the movie was very well produced and filmed. I also thought that it gave us a little insight about china's long history. I think the film was very cool and i hope that we get to watch some more cool films soon!

- Ryan Dibble

Homework

1)When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?
It is the period between the foundation of the Wei in 220 and the conquest of the Wu by the Jin Dynasty in 280. (220 - 280 A.D)

2) What was happening in Europe at that time?
In 200AD in Europe, The Roman Empire has expanded considerably over the past 200 years, and now covers all southern and western Europe, including much of what are now England and Germany.

3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.
There were Wei(Cáo Wèi), Sue(Shǔ Hàn),and Wu(Dōng Wú).

4) What do you think about the movie or the era ?
I learned about the Three Kingdoms of China when I was in Korea. The Three kingdoms also happened in Korea until 668AD. It was much more fun to watch a movie than to read a text book and to memorize all the details.

Juyeon Kim

answers

1.The Three Kingdoms era in China lasted from 220ad to 280ad.

2.A Roman Civil War was going on in Europe during the same period.

3. Emporer Ling and Cao Cao.

4. I think it was an important time for China in a similar manner to the Civil War was to the United States. A nation that is divided against itself cannot stand.

here are the answers to thoughs questions for homework.
1) the three kingdoms existed from 220-265 A.D.
2)( i'm not sure i looked online and couldn't find the answer sorry.)
3) two names are, Liu Bei and Cao Pi,
4) i thought the movie was so good.i didn't know anything about the three kingdoms till now, but i feel like the movie was very realistic. i enjoyed it alot

eve

三国

I'm so proud to say that all of you are now able to read this title in Chinese, 三国． In the 5000 years of Chinese history, 三国 era in fact is one of the most talked about. Movies, TV dramas and network games have all been made to pay homage to the heroes died in battles. So here are a few questions.

1) When was the Three Kingdoms era in Chinese history?
2) What was happening in Europe at that time?
3) List at least 2 names that defined the history of 3 kingdoms.
4) What do you think about the movie（The Resurrection of the Dragon) or the era ?

老鼠爱大米

a song to share with you. Great video music. Every young Chinese knows this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyb9QAMjW6w&feature=related

Embrace the Chinese Music

Here are some famous songs from China:
(most have subtitles)

Many Famous chinese Singers:
Bejing Welcomes You video
A famous pop band that i saw in china:
Mayday song called perfume video
The video clip from Rush hour 3 with Jakie Chan:
The Closer i get to you-Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker

Chinese Videos

Although i am not from America directly, the Chinese, American, and my culture (Greek) seem to have some similarities. In Greece, depending on your family name, history, and ur direct line of ancestors you follow a certain path (schedule) everyday. In the vidoes of china, it seems like the parent waking there kid up to run early in the morning is like Greek culture, because in Greece depending on the sport they want u to pursue they make u practice early in the morning everyday. Also, in america respect for elders isnt really valued or taught as much, while in Greece and China it is very important. The Greeks and Chinese also have a very long and rich history so we can relate well in some ways.

RJ

DIscovery Channel China

While watching the videos, I was surprised at the young kids who were training so hard without any complaining for their dreams. I could understand some of the parts because in Korea adults also provide lots of things to do for the children. The videos allowed me to understand culture of China also. I found no much difference from the USA or Korea. Parents always want their children be the best or better. And, the children also concern about their parents. Maybe the love between the parents and the children would be never different wherever the people live.

Juyeon Kim

Discover China Videos

i saw the videos and i thought that the differences between America and China aren't very far off. if you look at real families here that come from other places, what do they want to do? they want sucess and that's not very far from what the video depicts of China. i know where they're coming from because my parents talk to me about how they want me to succeed, although not as strict, it has the same fundamentals.

- Tony Padron

Videos.

Its so amazing how differnt the treatment of kids is in China and America. At my immersion camp they showed us how much homework each kid got it china and its crazy. Maybe America just goes easy on us, but still. Also the respect for anyone even slighty older that you is a huge change. If my dad made me run at 5:00 in the morning I would get pretty mad at him and tell him how I felt, but if I lived in China I most certainly would not talk back to my dad.

i can't believe some of the stuff on these video's. first of all, that stuff about the little Chinese girl and the gymnastics was nuts. the training schedules is ridiculous. as for the rest of the stuff on the clips i think its so interesting. it's making me greater understanding for the culture. i can't believe how different some of china's culture is compared to ours. love learning about thins stuff.... so interesting.

Discovering China

I had no idea that China contrasted so much from the United states, these clips really do a good job of highlighting the differences.I found the section about the gymnast to be the most intriguing. I thought that her dad pushed her way past her limit, although she did come very far. When she said that her dad would be more happy if she made the Olympic team than she would, it was very sad. The one perusing the goal should have more passion than their parents.

Discovery Clips 7&8 response

I think that each clip makes me understand more and more about how some people in China live. I am so amazed by how hard the young gymnasts have to work and how much dedication is required. The young girl is very brave and I admire her strength. I feel bad for the cop because her mother is worried about her and she cannot find a husband who understands her. In my country, their are a lot of women cops and they are admired for it so it is hard for me to get why she is put down for being a cop. These clips are very fun to watch and help learn about China.

Danielle

Discovery Videos of China

I enjoy watching the discovery videos of china. It is interesting to me to see how different life is in China compared to the US. For instance, the women cop not being able to find a boyfriend who understood why a woman would be so dedicated to her career. I feel sort of bad for her, but I guess that's just the way life is in China. I also feel bad for the gymnist girl. She has to do so much hard work for something that she didn't choose to do, and when she said she didn't want to go back to the academy her father beat her. I also for bad for the guy who's daughter did not recognize him. He was really looking forward to coming home to see his family, and when he gets there his daughter doesn't even recognize him. He then has to leave again knowing that he is missing so much of his daughter's life, and that she doesn't even know who he is.

-Chris Falzone

View On The Discovery China Clips

As i watch each clip, I find myself becoming increasingly excited about learn to speak the language of this thriving nation. Understanding the culture of a group of people is what makes learning the language much easier and fun. I enjoyed watching each clip and I hope one day to experience the beautiful country for myself. Though China has been becoming more advanced, there are still many people who have preserved their traditional heritage and are quite happy the way they are. As I watched them describe their way of life they all seemed at complete peace and though they are simple people they are proud of their accomplishments. I never thought that China had such a rich and diverse culture before I watch these clips and I now understand the importance meal time plays in their society.

Danielle

Language Lunch Table

Is anyone interested in having a Chinese lunch table once or twice a week in the dining hall? I need input from you before we go forward. Currently, there's a Spanish table.

Lin Lao Shi

Techniques For Memorizing Characters

This is a question post to solicit help from people in this class who are good at recognizing characters. I've noticed some of us have moved forward faster than others, and I'd like to ask those to share any techniques that have enabled you to memorize Chinese characters more effectively. It would be disheartening to see anyone fall too far behind to catch up.

Anyone?



林老师

Expressions Learned So Far

With all the words we've learned so far, I'd like to summarize as many expressions as we can create using known words. Please feel free to post new expressions even if it's not correct　using words we've learned. The ones I can think of are:

My name is Lin Jie./I'm called Lin Jie./My last name is Lin./
我的名字是林杰。／　我叫林杰。／我姓林。／

I am a student./I'm a good person/I'm a good student./I'm a Chinese student./I'm a good Chinese student./
我是学生。／我是好人。／我是好学生。／我是中国学生。／我是（个）好（的）中国学生。／

You are not a student./You are not a good student./You are not a good Chinese student./
你不是学生。／你也不是好学生。／你也不是（个）好（的）中国学生。

I'm a Chinese./ I'm not a Chinese./I'm also a Chinese./I'm also not a Chinese./
I'm an American. /I'm not an American./I'm also an American./I'm also not an American./
我是中国人。／我不是中国人。／我也是中国人。／我也不是中国人。／
我是美国人。／我不是美国人／我也是美国人／我也不是美国人／


lin lao shi

Today's Homeowrk

On character practice sheet, please write out the following sentences in characters. Please write each sentence twice and read over each one once writing is done.

A: Are you a teacher? B: Yes, I am a teacher.
B: Are you a good teacher? B: No, I'm not.
A: Are you a student? B: Yes, I am a student.
A: Are you an American student? B: Yes, I am.
A: What about you? B: I'm a Chinese student.

In your homework, please also include any syntax differences you've noticed between English and Chinese. For example, in Chinese, there's no article, such as "a", "an" or "the." Anything else you've noticed?

MC Hotdog videos...the ill taiwanese rapper

mc hotdog is the ill rapper...so watch these videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sfDuDue_r8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhhAhU7NvMM&feature=related

Yeah mandarin class :D

Stefan

Mandarin class has been a great experience at learning the Chinese culture as well as meeting new people. I've learned many new things each day so far and I'm very happy that I chose to stick with the course. Learning the language seemed difficult at times but it's more fun than stressful in my opinion. I learn so much and get to speak a different language with people from entirely different backgrounds.
Figuring out new things and pronouncing the different tones brings a fun experience into every class. Hearing songs of pinying and the menbers of the class working together to create words really shows the spirit of the class trying to learn the language. Everyone works together to help everyone else and we all learn at different paces but, we help each other get by. I am having a great time in the class, in fact i think its my favorite period of the day, i hope to continue to learn new things everyday as well as help others learn alongside me.

Cracking Pinyin

Hey team,

I've gone on the internet and hunted for you again for resources to help you master pinyin. I've added another link under "Master Pinyin" on the sidebar. Please do use the resources that I found for you as it is my sincere hope you will be fluent in Chinese someday in the near future.

Hottest Widget Ever for Learning Chinese

Hi guys,

I'm just as motivated to teach this class as everyone is to learn. PinYin has been difficult for everyone. As your lao shi, I have also been struggling to find a way to help you master the Chinese phonetics. Now comes the hottest widget for practicing pinyin. This is your 24/7 on-call pinyin specialist.

Simply click on Mandarin PinYin Talker to the right and you'll see a new window of PinYin Talker. Try to type in Lin2 Lao3 Shi1 for a surprising result. The number indicates the tone of each word.

Please try as hard as I have tried to find it.

Enjoy!

Lin Lao Shi

Lauren

I LOVE THIS CLASS!
Mandarin is totally my favorite class of day, and it's an awesome way to start the morning. Pinyin is really fun to practice, but it's really really hard. The video helps though. =] I think this is going to be a really fun but difficult class, and if anyone wants to help me with my Pinyin I'm totally open to it. =]

Chris Falzone

I have only attended two classes, but so far I enjoy the class very much. The first day I was totally completely lost; however, after Stephan helped me catch up I’m a alittle more comfortable with the class. It seems like a fairly difficult class, but I really want to learn how to speak Mandarin. I enjoy learning all the sounds because they are so different than English. I can’t wait to be able speak in mandarin, even if it’s only a quick conversation like “Hi, How are you?” or something like that. I’m not really sure of what else to write. Oh yeah, I also liked playing the games in class, and I really enjoyed watching and singing a lot with the Pinyin in 6 minutes video on youtube. Haha, it was funny.

hellooo

Well here is the ill video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEl0P9CmCag Everyone should watch it. and, here another good video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weR8hK2u3Q4&feature=related

wo ai tai mei

Ancient Chinese Humor

I was in Boston this weekend and came came across a book called "Wit and Humor from Ancient China." I thought humor would be a good way to look into one's culture and language although it is not free of difficulties.

Here's a piece I'd like to share with you.

The Top Hat

Flattery is referred to as "placing a top hat" (戴高帽/dai gao mao）on someone's head. Two disciples appointed to their first official posts went to see their tutor. The latter told them: "in this world, following the proper path will do you no good. It is better if you place top hats on other people's heads."

One of the disciples said: "You are right. Most people in this world like wearing top hats. You, however, are an exception." The tutor was very much pleased with this comment.

Upon leaving, this disciple said to his companion:"I've just given away my first top hat."

Welcome to CA Mandarin Class

Hi all,

I thought it was a great idea to keep our learning going even when we are not together in class. Mandarin is a difficult language; but it doesn't mean we can't master it and have fun. A lot of people don't even take the first step to try and I congratulate every one of you in this class on your first step. An old Chinese saying goes, "a thousand mile journey begins with one step." This will be a journey for all of us. Regardless what your motivation is to be here, let's all help each other get as far as possible in this journey.