It never ceases to amaze me with American tv shows or movies become popular in China. This fall theaters were showing the new Hunger Games movie alongside the Smurfs sequel. While the most popular tv shows do not always reflect a positive light on American culture, I am thankful for the connection point it does bring. While guest lecturing at a university class I used the cast of the Big Bang Theory to explain what a "well-rounded" individual (hint, no one on that show).
For a little bit of fun I thought I would share some of the most watched American shows and their Chinese names.
The Big Bang Theory (生活大爆炸)- "Life Big Bang"
Homeland (国土安全)- "National Safety"
Criminal Minds (犯罪心理)- "Crime Psychology"
Prison Break （越狱)- "Climb Over Prison"
Modern Family (摩登家庭)- "Fashionable Family"
Dexter (嗜血法医)- "Blood Addict Forensic Detective"
The Crazy Ones (病人病活)- "Sick People, Sick Life"
The Vampire Diaries (吸血鬼日记)- "Vampire Diary"
Saturday Night Live (周六夜现场)- "Saturday Night On the Spot"
Mad Men (广告狂人)- "Advertisement Madman"
Breaking Bad (绝命毒老)- "Hopeless Life Poison Teacher"
2 Broke Girls (破产姐妹)- "Bankrupt Sisters"
Hostages (人质)- "Hostage"
Most of the translated titles accurately describe the plot of the show. Though I have not watched a single episode, from what I gather "Hopeless Life Poison Teacher" is a pretty accurate description of a show about a cancer stricken teacher who produces meth.
Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Monday, November 4, 2013
Grammar Lesson
I wanted to share with you all a portion of my language text book so you can see how I am learning to speak, read, and write Chinese.
This dialogue captures a discussion between David and Yamamoto about last night's World Cup game. Here is my translation:
Yamamoto: David, why are your eyes red? Did you stay up late to watch the World Cup game last night?
David: I'm a big fan of the French team so of course I watched! Did you watch the game?
Yamamoto: I was busy preparing for the HSK exam so I am extremely tired. Last night I watched the part of the game and then fell asleep. What was the final score?
David: 1 to 1. Right at the end of the game the Korean team scored a goal.
Yamamoto: Really? I thought that at the end of the first half France was winning.
David: During the first half France was playing really well. But, during the second half Korea was playing well, with France playing poorly. The more I watched the more anxious and angry I became.
Yamamoto: There's no reason to be angry. That was France's first game, trust that the team will play better in the next game.
David: I hope France's next game will go smoothly. It's the finals and I want to win!
This dialogue introduced thirteen new words and a new grammatical structure. The new grammar point, 越。。。越，means increasingly, or more and more. In the Chinese transcription I have highlighted the 越。。。越 so you can see how often the text reinforces the new grammar point. The underlined words are the new words found in the dialogue.
山本： 大卫， 你的眼睛怎吗这吗红！ 昨天晚上熬夜看世界杯了吧？
大卫： 我是法国队的球迷， 当然要看了！ 你没看吗？
山本： 最近忙着准备HSK考试， 特别累。昨天晚上我躺着看看比赛， 没想到， 看到一半就睡着了。 最好比分是多少？
大卫： 1 比 1。 比赛快结束的时候， 韩国队进了一球。
山本： 是吗？ 我觉得上半场韩国队踢不如法国队啊。
大卫： 上半场法国队踢得不错。 可是， 下半场韩国队越踢越好，法国队越踢越差， 我越看越着急， 越看越生气。
山本： 别着急， 这只是法国队的第一场比赛， 相信他们会越踢越好的。
大卫： 希望法国队能越踢越顺利， 最好能踢进决赛， 再得一次冠军。
While not every dialogue in the textbook is interesting or a conversation I will ever have in real life, it is extremely helpful to be able to learn words in context. These dialogues help me to understand proper Mandarin grammar and phrasing. I use 越。。。越 on a daily basis. When local friends ask how my Chinese lessons are going I say "越学越好“, the more I study the more I improve.
This dialogue captures a discussion between David and Yamamoto about last night's World Cup game. Here is my translation:
Yamamoto: David, why are your eyes red? Did you stay up late to watch the World Cup game last night?
David: I'm a big fan of the French team so of course I watched! Did you watch the game?
Yamamoto: I was busy preparing for the HSK exam so I am extremely tired. Last night I watched the part of the game and then fell asleep. What was the final score?
David: 1 to 1. Right at the end of the game the Korean team scored a goal.
Yamamoto: Really? I thought that at the end of the first half France was winning.
David: During the first half France was playing really well. But, during the second half Korea was playing well, with France playing poorly. The more I watched the more anxious and angry I became.
Yamamoto: There's no reason to be angry. That was France's first game, trust that the team will play better in the next game.
David: I hope France's next game will go smoothly. It's the finals and I want to win!
This dialogue introduced thirteen new words and a new grammatical structure. The new grammar point, 越。。。越，means increasingly, or more and more. In the Chinese transcription I have highlighted the 越。。。越 so you can see how often the text reinforces the new grammar point. The underlined words are the new words found in the dialogue.
山本： 大卫， 你的眼睛怎吗这吗红！ 昨天晚上熬夜看世界杯了吧？
大卫： 我是法国队的球迷， 当然要看了！ 你没看吗？
山本： 最近忙着准备HSK考试， 特别累。昨天晚上我躺着看看比赛， 没想到， 看到一半就睡着了。 最好比分是多少？
大卫： 1 比 1。 比赛快结束的时候， 韩国队进了一球。
山本： 是吗？ 我觉得上半场韩国队踢不如法国队啊。
大卫： 上半场法国队踢得不错。 可是， 下半场韩国队越踢越好，法国队越踢越差， 我越看越着急， 越看越生气。
山本： 别着急， 这只是法国队的第一场比赛， 相信他们会越踢越好的。
大卫： 希望法国队能越踢越顺利， 最好能踢进决赛， 再得一次冠军。
While not every dialogue in the textbook is interesting or a conversation I will ever have in real life, it is extremely helpful to be able to learn words in context. These dialogues help me to understand proper Mandarin grammar and phrasing. I use 越。。。越 on a daily basis. When local friends ask how my Chinese lessons are going I say "越学越好“, the more I study the more I improve.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
It's All His
It's all His....what a RELIEF!!!
This is the truth that has deeply registered with me these past two weeks. Every area of our lives is under His control. We don't have to worry about messing up or missing the mark because it is not our's to begin with. Each relationship, job, ministry, position of leadership are all His. We don't have to worry about falling short. Our job is not to be perfect but to be faithful and obedient to do what He has called us to do.
I am so thankful for this grace! When I miss-speak and say the wrong Mandarin phrase, His grace covers my language mistake. When I am in situations that require more language skills than I currently possess the H.Spirit is with me and uses my ineptitude to bring deeper relationships with women still in situations of exploitation. There were multiple times this week when He redeemed my language blunders to bring smiles and laughter into dark places.
What a blessing to serve our Father who does not register our mistakes but celebrates our victories!
This is the truth that has deeply registered with me these past two weeks. Every area of our lives is under His control. We don't have to worry about messing up or missing the mark because it is not our's to begin with. Each relationship, job, ministry, position of leadership are all His. We don't have to worry about falling short. Our job is not to be perfect but to be faithful and obedient to do what He has called us to do.
I am so thankful for this grace! When I miss-speak and say the wrong Mandarin phrase, His grace covers my language mistake. When I am in situations that require more language skills than I currently possess the H.Spirit is with me and uses my ineptitude to bring deeper relationships with women still in situations of exploitation. There were multiple times this week when He redeemed my language blunders to bring smiles and laughter into dark places.
What a blessing to serve our Father who does not register our mistakes but celebrates our victories!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Hallelujahs
I love music. A well composed melody is one of my favorite things in the world. Lately "Hallelujahs" by Chris Rice has been one of my most played songs. The song focuses on the intricate beauty of His creation. The chorus says:
Oh praise Him all His might works,
There is no language where you can't be heard.
Your song goes out to all the earth.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.
I remember crying the first time I heard those words. What a powerful declaration of His nature. He created the entire universe and yet still wants to have a relationship with us. Every single person on this planet (regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status) is able to communicate directly with the Alpha and Omega. Circumstances cannot change the fact that each human being on this planet is loved and treasured by Him.
Language and cultural barriers don't exist in the Kingdom! The more time I spend living overseas the more I am overjoyed by this fact. Getting on the bus each day I hear multiple local dialects, in addition to the national language of Mandarin. And the best part is that our loving Abba is able to communicate with His children in their heart languages, the languages people were taught as children. Though I am unable to speak proficiently with those around me He is able to touch their hearts in such an intimate way that my feable attempts no longer matter. Hallelujah---what cause for celebration!
Oh praise Him all His might works,
There is no language where you can't be heard.
Your song goes out to all the earth.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.
I remember crying the first time I heard those words. What a powerful declaration of His nature. He created the entire universe and yet still wants to have a relationship with us. Every single person on this planet (regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status) is able to communicate directly with the Alpha and Omega. Circumstances cannot change the fact that each human being on this planet is loved and treasured by Him.
Language and cultural barriers don't exist in the Kingdom! The more time I spend living overseas the more I am overjoyed by this fact. Getting on the bus each day I hear multiple local dialects, in addition to the national language of Mandarin. And the best part is that our loving Abba is able to communicate with His children in their heart languages, the languages people were taught as children. Though I am unable to speak proficiently with those around me He is able to touch their hearts in such an intimate way that my feable attempts no longer matter. Hallelujah---what cause for celebration!
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