Archive for October 11th, 2008

Learn Chinese Podcast – Happy China 293

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

                                      Click to Watch Video Podcast

    说起陶器,

    Speaking of ceramics,

    我们这一路上还真是见识了不少。

    we’ve seen really a lot on

    our journey.

    没想到,

    To my surprise,

    在钦州也有一种叫做坭兴陶的特产。

    there is also a type of ceramics in

    Qinzhou, called Nixing Pottery.

    不知道这种陶器,和我们以往见过的

    I wonder how different it is from

    other types

    又有什么不一样呢。

    of pottery we’ve seen before.

    韩佳: 快乐学汉语!

    Learning Chinese the fun way!

    王渊源:万里海疆行!

    Enjoying the Happy Journey

    along the Coast!

    韩佳: 大家好,我是快乐的韩佳。

    Hello, I’m Merry Han Jia.

    王渊源:大家好,我是快乐的渊源。

    Hi, I’m Happy Yuanyuan.

    韩佳,你手上拿的就是坭兴陶吧?

    Han Jia, is that a piece of Nixing

    pottery in your hands?

    韩佳: 是啊。

    Yes.

    怎么样,漂亮吧?

    Do you think it’s pretty?

    王渊源:不错,不错。造型挺精美。

    Yes very good, very good.

    Its shape is beautiful.

    还上了釉呢。

    And it is also covered with glaze.

韩佳: 渊源!

    Yuanyuan!

    王渊源:怎么了。

    Yes.

    韩佳: 这坭兴陶是不上釉的。

    Nixing pottery is never glazed.

    它主要是经过了打磨。

    But it is polished very finely.

    王渊源:又丢人了!

    What loss of face again!

    韩佳: 据说这坭兴陶

    It’s said Nixing pottery

    已经有一千三百多年的历史了。

    has a history of more than

    1300 years.

    王渊源:真可以算得上是一门古老的工艺了。

    It can be counted as a very

    ancient craftsmanship.

    那它和普通的陶器

    How different is it

    到底有什么不一样的地方呢?

    from other types of pottery?

    韩佳: 这种坭兴陶之所以受到人们的喜爱,

    People like Nixing pottery

    主要呢是因为它有几大特点。

    mainly because it has a number

    of characteristics.

    王渊源:什么特点?

    What characteristics?

    韩佳: 那边有个坭兴陶艺馆。

    There is the Nixing Ceramics

    Museum over there.

    不如你自己先去观察观察。

    It would be better for you to go

    there and see for yourself.

    王渊源:那好。

    Okay.

    哎,我总算是看出了一些门道。

    Hey, I’m finally beginning to

    get some inkling.

韩佳: 别急着说。

    Wait a minute.

    我们先来给大家讲讲

    Let’s explain to our audience

    ”门道”这个词语的意思吧。

    the meaning of “mendao” first.

    王渊源:好。

    Okay.

    ”门道”就是指

    ”Mendao” can mean

    做事的诀窍和解决问题的途径。

    the way to do something, solution

    or inner reason.

    英语不能直译。

    There’s often no direct translation

    in English.

    韩佳: 嗯。”门道”这个口语词的意思呢,

    Yes. “Mendao” is a colloquialism

    that means

    就是指做事的诀窍和解决问题的途径。

    the way to do something, solution

    or inner reason.

    比如渊源刚才说了,

    Just as Yuanyuan said,

    Tā kàn chū le yìxiē méndào

    他 看 出 了 一些 门道。

    He’s beginning to get some inkling.

    王渊源:平常我们看到的陶器

    Most of the other types of

    pottery we’ve seen

    大多以红色、紫色、黄色为主。

    before are mainly red, purple

    and yellow in color.

    可这里的陶器

    The pottery objects here

    不仅多出了蓝色、绿色、青色等等,

    can be not only blue, green

    and black in color,

    有的还是几种颜色混合在一起。

    but they can appear to be in a

    mixture of several colors.

    这应该算是一个特点吧。

    This can be considered

    a significant feature.

    韩佳: 嗯,说得一点儿都没错儿。

    Yes, exactly.

    那会出现这些颜色的原因呢,

    The formation of these mixed colors

    就是坭兴陶在烧制的过程中会出现窑变。

    is caused during the firing process

    in the kiln. 

王渊源:窑变?

    Color change in the kiln?

    哦,这个我知道。

    Oh, I know something about this.

    就是指在烧制的时候

    It refers to the color change

    of pottery

    出现颜色的变化。

    during the firing process.

    不过我记得,这种现象

    But as I recall, this phenomenon

    occurs normally

    一般在烧制瓷器的时候才会出现的呀。

    during the firing of porcelain

    objects only.

    韩佳: 嗯,是的。

    Yes, indeed.

    一般的陶器在烧制的过程中呢

    Normally, the color of pottery

    does not

    是不会出现颜色的变化。

    change during the firing process.

    所以呢,

    Therefore,

    这也就成了坭兴陶的一个重要标志。

    this is a significant symbol of

    Nixing pottery.

    不过也不是每一次烧制

    But the fact is that the color

    does not always

    都会发生窑变的。

    change during the firing process.

    王渊源:那发生窑变的陶器就更加珍贵了吧?

    So the pottery objects that have changed

    colors are more precious, right?

    韩佳: 嗯。而且每一个发生窑变的陶器,

    Yes. But the final colors and

    patterns of the objects

    它们的颜色和花纹都是无法预料的。

    are unpredictable during the

    firing process.

    绝对没有相同的。

    So the pottery objects here are absolutely

    different from each other in color and pattern.

    王渊源:那除了颜色之外,

    Apart from the different colors,

    我在其他的陶器上

    I’ve neither ever seen such a

    smooth and glossy surface

    从来没看见过这么光滑的外表啊。

    on other types of pottery objects.

    韩佳: 这主要就是靠手工打磨了。

    The smooth and glossy surface mainly

    results from polishing by hand.

    那这呢也是坭兴陶的另外一个特点。

    And this is another significant feature

    of Nixing pottery.

王渊源:哎,还挺有趣的呀。

    Oh, this is interesting.

    韩佳: 也就是制作坭兴陶啊才有这道工序。

    This polishing process exists only

    in the making of Nixing pottery.

    只有钦州的陶土啊

    Only Qinzhou pottery clay

    才能打磨出这种光亮的效果来。

    can be polished so lustrously.

    那有人分析呢据说是

    According to the analysis

    of experts,

    这里的土壤内部结构非常的紧密。

    the inner structure of the soil

    here is very compact.

    所以才会有这样的特点。

    That’s why it has this characteristic.

    王渊源:哦,原来是这样的。

    Oh, I see.

    那看来要制作坭兴陶,

    So people must use Qinzhou clay

    还非得用钦州的陶土不可呢。

    in order to make Nixing pottery.

    韩佳: 说得没错儿。

    Yes, exactly.

    那渊源呢刚才用了一个

    Yuanyuan just used

    ”非…不可”的结构。

    the “fei … buke” structure.

    这个结构我们以前讲过。

    We’ve talked about this

    structure before.

    就是用来表示强调、必须的意思。

    It is used to emphasize that something

    must happen or be done.

    王渊源:”非…不可”的结构

    So “fei … buke” is a structure

    就是用来表示强调、必须的意思。

    used to emphasize that something

    must happen or be done.

    韩佳: 比如说,他非去不可;

    For example, he must go;

    你非得学会不可。

    you must learn it.

    再比如我们刚才说的,

    Another example just as we said,

    Rénmen zhìzuò níxīngtáo fēi děi yòng zhè li de táo tǔ bù kě

    人们 制作 坭兴陶, 非 得 用 这 里 的 陶 土 不 可。

    People must use clay from this area

    in order to make Nixingtao. 

    了解了坭兴陶的两大特点之后,

    Having learned about the two significant

    characteristics of Nixing pottery,

    渊源对它的兴趣可是更浓了。

    Yuanyuan has become all

    the more interested in it.

    而且,他还留意起了陶器上的图案和字画。

    Besides, he has begun to notice the patterns

    and calligraphy on some pottery objects.

    韩佳: 坭兴陶的绘画呢

    Nixing pottery paintings

    主要是以人物、山水、花鸟为题材,

    mainly feature figures, landscapes,

    flowers and birds,

    富有中国画白描技法风格。

    using the traditional delineation technique.

    讲究的是动刀如动笔。

    The artisans have to use their cutters

    as skillfully as they use brushes.

    王渊源:还真是啊!

    Yes, indeed!

    在这些师傅们的手里,

    The cutters in the hands of

    these artisans

    这小刀确实就和笔差不多啊!

    function surely about the same

    as brushes!

    韩佳: 对啊。

    Yes.

    你看看,师傅们的手多灵巧!

    Look, how dexterous these

    artisans are!

    王渊源:我看着他们制作这个陶器,

    Seeing them making pottery,

    我都想试试。

    I really want to have

    a try myself.

韩佳: 啊,你?

    What, you?

    王渊源:难道我不行?

    Don’t you think I can?

    韩佳: 这可是门技术活儿。

    This is a technical job.

    人家手底下都是有两下子的哦。

    They all have skill and expertise.

    王渊源:”两下子”呢就是指本领或技能。

    ”Liangxiazi” refers to skill

    or ability.

    韩佳: 嗯。”两下子”呢就是指本领或技能。

    Yes. “Liangxiazi” refers to skill

    or ability.

    王渊源:那我现学还不成嘛?

    Can’t I learn now?

    韩佳: 你现学是肯定学不会的。

    You can’t learn it in such

    a short period of time.

    还不如趁这个机会,

    We’d better take this opportunity

    好好跟师傅请教请教呢。

    to consult some artisan here.

    王渊源:这个主意不错。

    This is a good idea.

    师傅,你好。

    Shifu, nice to see you.

    韩佳: 您好,师傅。

    Hello, shifu.

    师傅: 你们好。

    Good to see you.

    王渊源:您是不是正在刻坭兴陶啊?

    Are you carving a Nixing

    pottery vessel?

    师傅: 对。

    Yes.

    韩佳: 这是在刻字吧?

    You’re carving characters,

    aren’t you?

    师傅: 对。

    Yes.

    韩佳: 您能简单地给我们讲讲

    Can you tell us briefly

    这刻坭兴陶的过程吗?

    the process of Nixing pottery carving?

    师傅: 可以。

    Sure.

    坭兴陶它的表面非常的光滑。

    The surface of Nixing pottery

    is very slick.

    首先,用毛笔直接写上去。

    First, write with a writing brush.

    然后再用我们的手中的刀。

    Then cut using a cutter like this.

    一般斜口刀它的面比较尖,是吧。

    Normally a diagonal cutter has

    a sharp point.

    所以一般刻的小的,它就用这个斜口刀。

    So we use diagonal cutters to

    cut small characters.

    那么圆口刀呢,比较圆大的那种字体,

    The round-edged cutters are used

    for bigger characters,

    像这种,直接刻下去。

    just like these.

    王渊源:我能不能试试?

    Can I have a try?

    师傅: 可以,可以。

    Sure, sure.

    王渊源:这把刀?

    And this cutter?

    师傅: 可以,对对,可以。

    Yes, right, right.

    韩佳: 瞧这渊源多有兴趣!

    Look, how interested Yuanyuan is!

    在跟师傅认真地学习呢。

    He’s learning from the artisan.

    那我们也不要打扰他了。

    We’d better not disturb him.

    来看看今天的赏心悦目吧。

    Let’s watch today’s Feast

    for the Eyes.

赏心悦目:

    坭兴陶 钦州的特色工艺

    Nixing pottery is a special handicraft

    of Qinzhou.

    光滑明丽的外表

    A smooth and slick surface

    缤纷夺目的色彩

    and a riot of color

    凸显出坭兴陶器的别样风格

    are the salient features of Nixing pottery.

    工艺师的匠心独具

    With decorations, the ingenious craftsmen

    更是赋予了坭兴陶鲜活的质感

    add life and vividness to Nixing pottery.

    古朴庄重 精巧灵动

    Antique and modern, simple and sophisticated

    各式造型汇聚一堂

    designs can all be found here,

    全面展现出坭兴陶的风采

    displaying the unique charm of Nixing pottery.

    王渊源:韩佳,你看,送给你。

    Han Jia, look, this is for you.

    韩佳: 哇,真的?

    Wow, really?

    嗬,没想到他学得还真快!

    Huh, I never imagined you could

    have learned so quickly!

    做得还挺有形。

    It is quite shapely.

    王渊源:韩佳,你看时间不早了。

    Han Jia, we don’t have

    much time left.

    咱们先给大家出今天的有奖问答题吧。

    Let’s set today’s award-winning question.

    韩佳: 好。那您听好了。

    Okay. Listen carefully.

    今天的题目是这样的。

    Here’s today’s question.

节目的最后呢,

    At the end of the program,

    还是要提醒您口号不能忘。

    we’d still want to remind you

    not to forget our slogan.

    合: 学说中国话,朋友遍天下!

    Learn Chinese and make friends everywhere!

    王渊源:韩佳,到时候你记得把六十块钱

    Han Jia, remember to pay 60 yuan

    给那边那位女士啊。

    to that lady later.

    韩佳: 啊?

    What? 

(Source: cctv.com) 

Chinese Culture – Miaodigou Site

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

 

Site of the Neolithic Age

 

Location: Shanxian County, Henan Province  

 

Period: 3,900-2,780 BC

 

Excavated from 1956 to 1957

 

Significance: The find has clarified the time sequence of the Yangshao Culture and the Longshan Culture, as well as their mutual relationships. 

Painted pottery bowl, Yangshao Culture: food container (height 7 cm)

 

 Introduction

 

Miaodigou Site, covering an area of about 362,000 square meters, includes both the Yangshao and Longshan Cultures. Miaodigou Culture distributed over mid-Shaanxi, south Shanxi and the west of Henan provinces is the most prosperous kind of the Yangshao Culture. Miaodigou Culture was the continuation of the Yangshao Culture, and later developed to the Longshan Culture in Henan Province. In the Miaodigou Site a large quantity of stone wares, bone wares and pottery has been excavated, which provide important references for research on the development of Chinese ancient culture.

Source: chinaculture.org

Chinese Conversation – lesson 226

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

1900年,高尔夫球正式成为奥林匹克的运动项目,那时美国已有上千个高尔夫球场。著名的职业高尔夫球员联盟于1916年成立;到1944年,同享盛名的职业高尔夫球员联盟巡回比赛,在1年内会举行22项比赛。

Golf was made an Olympic sport in 1900, by which time there were already more than 1,000 golf courses in the United States. The famous PGA was formed in 1916, and by 1944, the equally famous PGA tour consisted of 22 events and was held throughout the year.

(Source: wwenglish.com)