User Comments - pearltowerpete
pearltowerpete
Posted on: You First
February 10, 2009 at 4:56 AMHi bobm112
Great idea. We have a Hungry Traveler lesson set which might be perfect for discussing Primanti Brothers sandwiches ;-)
Posted on: You First
February 10, 2009 at 4:54 AMHi niva9211125
Good point. The earlier lesson discussed 礼貌, which is different from this.
But a certain amount of overlap at the Newbie level is inevitable. There is, after all, a finite number of topics that we can discuss with the small vocabulary and easy grammar of this difficulty level. Plus, we need to keep the dialogues 生活化-- practical and based on real life situations.
You can take this as an incentive to keep studying so that you can progress to more exciting lessons on ninjas, logistics, and dating.
Posted on: You First
February 10, 2009 at 4:42 AMHi yonny
That's a really interesting idea. I've seen some real pushing and shoving for the bill. I've even participated in those shenanigans!
And welcome to the message boards! We're looking forward to seeing you around.
Posted on: Health Check
February 10, 2009 at 3:19 AMHi xemrac
Fantastic explanation. Thanks for enriching the community!
Posted on: Drinking Alone Under the Moon 月下独酌
February 10, 2009 at 3:01 AMHi jitterbug
David did his usual fine work on this poem. He has a keen ear for the peaks and valleys of sound. In fact, he has helped coach some of the other speakers who have already appeared on the show.
You can listen to a variety of other readings at the link at the top of the page.Each person brings to a poem their own interpretation.
Hi pchenery
I don't know about slurring tones, but there are a lot of thought-provoking poems that involve drinking.
Tang drinking culture was certainly different from the modern style, in China or elsewhere. Traditionally, alcohol was treated not as a drug to be feared or relied upon, but as an important part of ritual and a social lubricant (even if you are drinking with no one but the moon).
Posted on: Drinking Alone Under the Moon 月下独酌
February 10, 2009 at 2:09 AMHi all,
Here is the poem.
花间一壶酒，独酌无相亲。
huājiān yīhújiǔ , dúzhuó wúxiāngqīn
举杯邀明月，对影成三人。
jǔbēi yāo míngyuè, duìyǐng chéngsānrén
月既不解饮，影徒随我身。
yuèjì bùjiěyǐn , yǐng tú suí wǒshēn
暂伴月将影，行乐须及春。
zànbàn yuèjiāngyǐng , xíng lè xū jíchūn
我歌月徘徊，我舞影零乱。
wǒgē yuè páihuái , wǒwǔ yǐng língluàn
醒时同交欢，醉后各分散。
xǐngshí tóng jiāohuān , zuìhòu gè fēn sàn
永结无情游，相期邈云汉。
yǒng jié wúqíng yóu , xiāngqī miǎo yúnhàn
Posted on: Pre-Valentine's News
February 9, 2009 at 9:34 AMHi lotsofwordsandnospaces
I haven't actually seen the Simpsons in Chinese but I think Homer's line is more of a first tone-- 兜 perhaps ;-)
Posted on: Health Check
February 9, 2009 at 9:06 AMHi bababardwan,
No worries, mate. You were far from the only person to note that.
And anyway, you were right ;-)
Posted on: Health Check
February 9, 2009 at 7:48 AMHi bababardwan
You're exactly right. However, this question was not about the English phrase "the rich man's disease" but about 富贵病.
Several poddies have taken exception with my translation, on the board or in messages. I acknowledge that in popular use, "富贵病” can be used much like the English "rich man's disease." But the Modern Chinese Dictionary (2005) defines the term as "a popular name for certain chronic diseases that require a long period of rest and a special diet."
Hi all
I will be posting more about this on the blog, but let me say a bit about my translation policy here. You can be sure that I have consulted dictionaries and native speakers in writing my definitions.
We may disagree, and you are welcome to question my decisions. Maybe your Grannie Chen uses a particular word a different way, or you saw a character used a certain way on the side of a truck on your last trip to Changchun. Popular usage is ever-evolving, and there are notable class, age, and regional differences.
My definitions draw on English and Chinese dictionaries, and my own years living here with Chinese people. My endless questions about usage have surely tested the patience of the ever-friendly Connie, Jiaojie and Jinxin. There will doubtless be occassional mistakes, for which I take full responsibility. I will correct them as soon as possible after they become apparent.
This is because I respect the poddie community. I hope that everyone continues to demand the best possible learning environment. Part of that is asking questions.
Posted on: Drinking Alone Under the Moon 月下独酌
February 10, 2009 at 5:02 AMHi obitoddkenobi
As humans we definitely crave certainty. But ambiguity keeps us going. I remember reading somewhere that Don McLean said he'd never explain "American Pie" because half the fun was trying to figure it out.
The fact that we can't talk to the poets means that they really can have it both ways (or as we see in the case of this poem, 30+ ways!)
I do see parallels between Li Bai's desire to meet up again with his "friends" and the age-old "we should hang out sometime" that you get in the bar scene. Talk is cheap.
Hi bababardwan
Thanks for the pictures. And your radical guess is duly noted. Any other takers?