How do you do? (ni hao!)
So, what do you get when you put a group of fairly confident educators in a room, and make them students of the Chinese language? A group who giggles, looks to one another for reassurance, and feels very good, when their professor says “Excellent Chinese” (even though we think he may be fibbing just a bit).
We were a bit tardy in getting to our lesson, as our morning visiting the museum of Xi’an Jiaotong University took a bit longer than we thought. We are curious creatures, so when we see something that is new it captures our attention, like the rows upon rows of thermos waiting for hot water (as this was explained to us, students don’t have hot water in their rooms, so they need to get some for their day) and watching the badminton games were going on in the park across from the classroom. We quickly were ushered into the room, to greet an excited teacher, Mr. Zhou.
Our language lesson was a lesson in many things, mostly humility. We did try, every phrase he put to us. Mr. Zhou was patient, kind, enthusiastic (say it louder, he said over and over again) and encouraging as we went through the morning together. As a group we practiced our phrases, such as how are you doing? Are you busy? Glad to meet you? I am an American? Each time Mr. Zhou would model the phrase, break it down for us, so we could phonetically spell it out on our papers (Mary and I would check with one another numerous times…to see how to do this), repeat the phrases, ask us to recite and then practice with one another. Each time, one of us would “solo” as a group we would applaud the attempt…or laugh with one another as our mouths, lips and tongues tried to form the words which seemed to elude us. As soon as we though we had gotten the phrase or word, we would ask one another again, is that wo (tone going up) or wo (tone going down). You got called upon by Mr. Zhou, not because you raised your hand, alas, you were making eye contact (as the phrases got harder, most of our eyes, looked away). As we were leaving our class, we all commented upon how fast the time had gone, and made promises to try some of our phrases as we spent the next week and half in China.
Here are some of the things we learned…
• Chinese has 4 tones (-, \, U, /)
• Ni hao (how do you do) common greeting
• Zaoshang hao (good morning)
• Wanshang hao (good evening)
• Ni hao ma (how are you?)
• Zaijian (Good bye)
• Laoshi (teacher)
• Meiguoren (American)
• Zhongguoren (Chinese)
I am sorry, I don’t know how to put the Chinese tones above the words so here is a link for you (those who want to practice) that will help you with this…and trust me, we will be more than happy to demonstrate our mastery! It was a great day, full of learning and again, having us think about how much we don’t know and need to learn about our hosts. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_language)
Sue
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2 comments:
It is just a treat to follow your daily adventures and learning through the blot--thanks to all of you for taking time to write and make the itinerary real for those of us back home. I can almost put myself beside you!
Your school visits must have been so very interesting--62 second graders, and 50 eighth graders, in discussion no less! And Mary, I'm glad to know there is a place where I, too, could be tall. Right now that happens only in my car!
I loved the description of the language class. I would be one whose eyes would never meet the teacher's, in the wistful hope that my incompetence would not be discovered. I'm sure, Jamie, that you have those good world language teacher strategies to encourage even the most reluctant speaker to participate.
While my decision to stay in Lincoln was certainly the right one, I do think of you often, and I'll look forward to your stories upon your return.
Marilyn
Hey,
My name is Skylar Falter and I've been studying Chinese for a year at UNL and am now enrolled in first year Chinese at Lincoln East. I think it is great that there is an interest in Chinese culture and language! I was thrilled when I found out about the trip you were taking.
I remember my first Chinese classes and how stressful (and embarrassing at times) to memorize or repeat phrases. However, don't worry! Soon things will start to click and you'll be able to hold conversations. I now find Chinese simpler than Spanish. I would love to hear about your trip when you return! I hope you continue to take Chinese, you'll find out how fun and easy it can be! Don't give up!
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