This short story is very familiar to me. There is a similar story in South Korea but has different ending. (The guy marry with snail lady at the end of the story) While I read this story, I was surprised about reasons why the guy couldn't marry with ladies. Also there is similar tradition in Korea, which is Goong-hap宮合, but I did not know there is similar tradition in China too. If I have a chance, I would like to do more research on this tradition. Even the story was very familiar to me, I enjoyed to read this story and I like this story.

Folktale

For the first few minutes after reading the folktale I thought the story was pointless and I was kind of angry. Then I tried to think about why it might of ben assigned. I remembered that most folktales had a moral. I thought for a few minutes about it then I gave up and went to the student center. While I was there I felt I had an epiphany; it was probably meant to explain a couple living together before marriage, but that explanation doesn't really fit, so I'm not sure. I guess it could also explain how a bachelor could take care of himself. I don't really know. This story confused me.

This story is really sweet. I think this story tells that Tuan was too nice that the heaven tried to help him. This short story explains the Chinese culture. When people try to get married, they look if their birthdays match well enough to marry. They also look at which characters they use for their names. It also explains that finding something that is uncommon and valuable are the signs of good luck. If the man’s name stands for something that is weaker than the woman, it is a bad sign to marry that girl. Tuan’s experiences explained well what why he could not get married easily. I think Tuan and the fairy should have married because it seemed like the fairy liked Tuan. In Korea there is similar story. In this similar story, the man gets married with the snail that helped his living. I think this ending is better because I think they both liked each other and this seems sweeter. I like how this story shows the tradition that China have and the message that the heaven helps someone who is kind and hard working. I am curious about what kind of character Tuan’s new wife had and how this name go well along with Tuan’s character, earth.



-Saila Kim-

This is Jesse Nagel, and I would love to gain many things from this years class. First, I would like to learn about one of the most ancient of cultures. It would be a privalege to learn about all the different aspects of this large country. I would also like to gain the ability to speak and write parts of the Manderin language. Where I can be able to learn all the beautiful characters and words. I dont expect to become fluent in just one year, although I do think you are probably an amazing teacher it unfortunatly is not possible. At the end of this year I would like to get about a B+. As you said before there was only one person who got an A+. So I believe with hard work and allot of effort I can reach my expectations and yours.

I have took many 2nd language classes, such as English, Spanish and Japanies. When I was a middle schooler in Korea, I had a choice for taking 2nd language class. Because I had more interest in Japanese, I took Japanese class rather than Chinese class. In my senior year, I want to have a chance that I didn't take in middle school. Also, I want to talk with my chinese friends and my roomate in Chinese. I want to learn listening and speaking skills in this class. I would like to get B range or higher grade. I believe that experiences from Japnese and Korean-Chinese writing class will be very helpful.

I have studied a few languages so far, so I think I have a pretty good idea of what I would like to get out of this class. I would like to get a very good handle on the language. I would also like to learn commonly used characters and all about the culture. My ultiate goal is to learn enough in this class (whether just this year, or for a few years to come) to visit China.

my expectations for mandarin 1

The things I want out of mandarin I are rather simple. I have always wanted to hold a fairly advanced conversation with someone semi-fluently in the language as well as send messages or write letters to people in Chinese. Not only does it show aptitude for world languages but it would also be considered a kind and flattering gesture because it shows an interest in his or her culture. Grade wise, I would push my self to have an above average grade such as a B or B+ or if possible, somewhere in the A range. Lastly, I aim to have fun as Asian languages have always been an interest of mine and having fun doing it is a significant bonus.

I have already told the first day that I took Spanish for 3years. I thought that I might need to learn different foreign language because I studied Spanish for too long. There are several things that I expect from this class. One of the most important things I expect is high grade. My desired grade is A- and more. Many Korean languages are based on Chinese characters. I came to the states before I learned some basic Chinese characters that Korean students learned in their school. From this class I want to learn many Chinese characters because this will not only help me with learning new language, but also improving my Korean language skills. My name is based on Chinese character, but I only can right first two letters. I want to finish writing my name. Another thing that I want to get out of this class is speaking like everybody else, so I could speak to some of my friends.

-Saila Kim-

Welcome to Mandarin I --2009/2010

Please use the blog as a home outside class to continue the fun we all have in class.

During the year, you will be asked to submit some homework here. Also, we will use this tool to discuss fun topics and plan for events.