Pet ownership: Controversy and the ‘new normal’

Giulia Mazzola June 13, 2017

Animals are all over the internet in many different forms such as cute photos, memes, news stories and so on. We love these furry hair balls SO much that we even invite them into our homes to live with us! Pets are universally loved, and even though the headlines are filled with the Chinese economy’s “new normal” (新常态, xīnchángtài), their pet industry is still growing rapidly. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China: China is the third largest dog owning population, and the pet care industry is expected to grow more than 50% by 2019.

Celebrating The Dragon Boat Festival in China

Kim Bui June 8, 2017

Over 2000 years ago, The Dragon Boat Festival, also named 端午节 (duān wǔ jié) officially became a traditional holiday in China. It commemorates the ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan (340-278 BC). The holiday originated in Southern China and slowly became more and more popular in provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Fujian. The festival starts on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar month and three of the most commonly practiced activities are eating Zongzi (粽子), drinking wine and racing dragon boats.

Colorful Language: meanings of colors in Chinese

Giulia Mazzola May 31, 2017

Language learning is always an exercise in cultural understanding. Recently, as I was listening to various Qing Wen episodes, I began to get a better sense of the importance of the concept of colors and their various representations in Chinese!

How to properly learn Chinese Tones

Giulia Mazzola April 17, 2017

Every Chinese learner knows that tones are fundamental to speaking like a native. You want to get it right from the very beginning of your Chinese journey, but you might struggle or find it difficult to get it JUST right… Luckily though, steps to improve your tones can be taken at any point in your learning career, so fear not!

International Women’s Day doesn’t need these two words

Eng Chan March 7, 2017

On March 8th, the accomplishments and continued challenges of women around the world take center stage on a day globally recognized as International Women’s Day (Fùnǚ jié | 妇女节). While themes vary around the world and also vary year to year, the common message of the day is always an underlying focus on women’s long journey towards respect and equality in society, and the continued struggles that modern women face. Actions may speak louder than words, but we must also remember that the choice of one single word in our daily Mandarin vocabulary also carries with it the profound weight of hidden meanings and implications that guide the thoughts and actions of those around us. In reference to two intriguing and informative ChinesePod lessons on the topic of women, below are three ways you can change your Mandarin vocabulary to show your respect towards women, and not just on International Women’s Day, but every day of the year.