User Comments - superacidjax
superacidjax
Posted on: Are You Busy?
November 25, 2010, 12:57 AMThe "er" is a northern thing -- here in Shanghai, I rarely hear it.
Posted on: Are You Busy?
November 25, 2010, 12:56 AMSo is xiang considered more polite? Is it the equivalent of please? In Korean -- you say: "give me" while adjusting the word ending to adjust for different politeness levels. But the word itself is identical even though it sounds "rude" in translation. Should I be using xiang more frequently?
Posted on: Are You Busy?
November 25, 2010, 12:53 AMI disagree because of one reason -- the repeated English translations (in the appropriate places) helps cement the chinese into the mind (for me.) While we all learn differently, the paraphrase system helps me connect the Chinese within the mind. The repetition helps. Doing the two English translations with three Chinese repetitions seems to be a solid method. Of course, everyone learns differently, so for you, the extra English might be redundant -- but I'm likely at a lower level, so the "training wheels" really help me. But, to each his own.
Posted on: Haggling Like a Local
April 24, 2010, 12:14 PMIs Shanghainese even considered a dialect?
Posted on: Where are you from?
April 24, 2010, 10:07 AMIt's not Ken and Jenny as much as most people from non-Western countries. Ken and Jenny are simply following the local idiom. If one were to get technical with someone in China (or another place) and they ask if you're English and you say that you're British, there's a strong chance for confusion. I don't even know if there is a separate word for British in Chinese (I'm a newbie.) To most of the non-West, England and Britain are the same thing, just like people speak English and not British. It isn't correct, but it's reality. Remember there are Americans that still get called English! It's not as common anymore, but the vestiges of that thinking are still out there. Just roll with the idiom.. Technically, "America" includes Canada, Mexico and Central America, yet referring to "America" most always is interpreted as the United States. I don't agree with the English/British synonym either, but not going to change anytime soon. Good luck with you learning!
Posted on: Where are you from?
April 24, 2010, 09:58 AMYou guys just blasted way past Newbie Intro and left a trail of befuddled beginners gasping for breath.
Posted on: Haggling Like a Local
April 23, 2010, 09:31 AMThe CCP folks suggest that Shanghainese is a dialect -- by diluting the "other" languages, they effectively can use language to consolidate the proper ways of thinking. (at least that's the theory.)
Posted on: Haggling Like a Local
April 23, 2010, 09:30 AMI agree!! Loving the chance to surprise the locals with Shanghainese and perhaps earn some smiles (and perhaps a discount!)
Posted on: Shanghai Expo: Haibao
April 21, 2010, 09:01 AMIs a monokini even a word?
Posted on: Are You Busy?
November 25, 2010, 01:07 AMWhile the facilities in the US are typically nicer than here in Shanghai (i.e. central heat/ac) the student responsibilities are higher here in China -- I love that the students (and teachers) pitch in to help keep things clean. Developing that sense of ownership of a school really does enhance the learning environment. Blame teachers-unions and aggressive PTAs for many of the problems in US schools. American schools have plenty of money (compared to China) -- but Chinese schools do more with far less because everyone works -- at my school even the principal teaches a class! The registrar at my school coaches the basketball team, for example. This team-spirit really makes learning a team-sport and everyone benefits. It isn't a question of money -- it's a question of philosophy. Teachers here (chinese-nationals) make very little money compared to the US -- but they are respected and generally supported by administrators. In the states -- teachers make an average of $50K per year (for only 9-10 months work.) Yet -- in China, it would seem that average student performance is much higher with a lower net expenditure. China (and the rest of Asia) has a culture of learning whereas the US has a culture of expectation. (in my humble opinion.)