Archive for May, 2010

Chinese Reading – A Land of Contrasts

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

A wit once said that Norway was a land for people with a taste for the unusual. With its long distances, scattered population and outstanding natural beauty, this outpost on the edge of Europe is a land of contrasts ?C a heady mix of spectacular scenery and high technology. Visitors will find a country of dramatic landscapes, pure air, clean water and an abiding respect for tradition. But they also encounter up-to-date cities and an efficient network of air, rail and road connections. A country of contrasts. A country for those with a taste for the unusual.

一个诙谐的人曾经说过,挪威就是那些品位奇特的人的天地。// <![CDATA[document.write("");ad_dst = ad_dst+1;]]>

这个位于欧洲边缘地带的前哨之国地域狭长、人口稀松、天然美景出众,是一片充满反差的土地——把壮丽风光 和高科技融为一体的醉人之地。游客会发现,这个国家所具有的是动人的风景、纯净的空气、清澈的水质和对传统的不倦遵循。但他们也会看到现代化的都市和高效 的航空、铁路和公路交通网。这是一个反差之国。一个适合品位奇特的人的国家。

Climate 气候

Not many nationalities have such an intense love-hate relationship with their weather as the Norwegians do. There are good reasons for this however. Arctic temperatures hold a large part of the country in their iron grip throughout the long winter months. In the northernmost parts of the country winter is a seemingly endless night and in the summer the sun barely touches the horizon before rising again to cast its rays over seas, mountains and the far northern tundra.

像挪威人那样,对气候的爱恨交加程度如此强烈的民族并不多。不过,出现这种状况是有其充分的理由的。在漫长的冬季月份里,该国的大部分地区完全 是北极的温度特征。在该国最北部的地区,冬季就是看似没有尽头的夜晚,而在夏天,太阳刚刚落到地平线的位置后,就会再次升起,照耀着大海、群山和遥远的北 部苔原。

In the south the summers are warm with temperatures equaling those of southern Europe. In spring and autumn, the landscape also has a special charm ?C created by the way the light is reflected off the steep, rain-wet mountainsides, the clear crystal water of the lakes and fjords, or the high peaks with their mantles of eternal snow.

在南部,夏日是晴暖的,温度与南欧一样。在春秋两季的时候,景色别有一番风情——被雨水打湿的陡峭山腹、湖泊和峡湾中如水晶般透彻的流水,或者是常年积雪的挺拔峰顶会使光线出现反射现象。

Urban Life 都市生活

Norway is home to many interesting towns and cities. Its most famous, and more than likely the first stop for most tourists, is Oslo.

挪威拥有许多有趣的城镇和都市。其最著名并极有可能成为大多数游客停留的第一站的便是奥斯陆。

Oslo is Scandinavia’s oldest capital. Its name derives from two Old Norse words meaning ‘god’ and ‘meadow’. It has a thousand-year history and is host to some of the best museums in the country. The Viking Ship Museum, The Ski Museum and the extraordinary Vigeland Sculpture Park are a must-see for all visitors.

奥斯陆是斯堪的纳维亚半岛上最为古老的都会城市。其名称来源于两个意思分别为“神”和“草地”的古斯堪的纳维亚语汇。此城拥有1000年的历史,该国一些最好的博物馆均坐落于此。维京船博物馆、滑雪博物馆以及非凡的维格兰雕塑园都是所有游客不容错过的观光地。

Although Oslo has in recent years acquired a reputation for being a fiery, self-confident and cosmopolitan capital, boasting exquisite restaurants and a huge variety of cultural attractions and nightlife, the town is most closely associated with its proximity to nature. Not far from the town center you can ski or walk by yourself in vast woodlands. You can swim in the many small lakes or off the beaches on the edge of the Oslofjord. The different districts also offer beautiful parks and outdoor cafes that are buzzing all year long.

虽然近年来,奥斯陆凭借其热情、自信和国际化的首都形象赢得了声望,并以拥有幽雅的饭馆和繁多的文化魅力和夜生活为荣,但该城被提及最多的地方 还是其毗邻大自然的特点。距市中心不远的地方就是可以独自滑雪或漫步的林地区域。你可以在许多小湖泊中,或者在奥斯陆峡湾边的海滩沿岸游泳。不同的城区还 有漂亮的公园和户外咖啡馆,这些地方终年门庭若市。

The Tundra 苔原

One of the best ways to experience tundra life is to accompany Sami reindeer herders on their annual spring migration. Not only can visitors enjoy the magnificent scenery, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditions of one of Europe’s few remaining ancient peoples. The tundra in Hardangervidda is home to Europe’s last remaining wild reindeer and if you are lucky enough you might get to see this fascinating and shy animal.

要体验苔原生态的最好方式之一就是跟随萨米族驯鹿放牧人一起踏上其一年一度的春季迁徙之旅。游客不仅可以享受壮丽的风光,而且还可以把这当成一 个绝佳的机会,来体验这个作为欧洲仅存的少数古老民族之一的人群的传统。哈当厄高原的苔原是欧洲仅存的野生驯鹿栖息地,如果你足够幸运的话,你可能就会看 到这种迷人的、害羞的动物。

The Fjords 峡湾地区

The highlight of a traveling in Norway has to be the Fjords. Norway’s long coastline is indented by large and small fjord arms, creating huge difficulties for the road and rail authorities but providing the visitor with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The exciting mountain train journey to Flam, on the Aurlandsfjorden, is highly recommended.

在挪威观光的重头戏肯定就在峡湾地区。挪威漫长的海岸线被大大小小的峡湾分割成了锯齿状,这为规划公路与铁路的当局提出了巨大的难题,但却为游客提供了全球最叹为观止的一些景观。极力推荐乘火车穿山越岭前往奥兰峡湾弗兰市,来一次兴奋之旅。

Hardanger Fjord哈丹哥峡湾

Hardanger is one of Norway’s most popular fjords. It offers a wide range of activities all year round. Boating and water sports are popular in the summer. Winter visitors can enjoy the slalom slopes and cross-country ski trails. Winter or summer, you will be amazed at this region’s foaming waterfalls and stunning fjord scenery.

哈丹哥峡湾是挪威最受人欢迎的峡湾之一。该地区全年都会举办大量活动。划船和水上运动在夏季颇为流行。而在冬季观光的游客则可以享受斜坡障碍滑雪和小道越野滑雪运动带来的乐趣。无论是在冬天还是在夏天,你都会被这一地区泡沫横飞的瀑布和惊人的峡湾风光所震撼。

Folk Dress 民族服饰

Many Norwegians will don bunads, formal dress with traditional local origins, on May 17th, Norway’s national day, and for weddings and festive occasions. These costumes are inspired by the clothes worn in rural areas in pre-industrial Norway and differ in style and colour from region to region. The details on the costumes will indicate certain information about the wearer, for example, if they are single or married.

在5月17日挪威国庆节、婚礼和其它节日场合上,许多挪威人会穿上一种名叫“bunad”、体现着当地传统渊源的正式服装。这类服装是受到挪威 前工业时期的乡村服饰启发而发展出来的,但各地区在风格和用色上均有差别。服装上的细节特征会揭示穿着者的某类信息,如,他们是未婚还是已婚。

As far as possible bunads are made of natural materials: linen or cotton for shirts, silk for kerchiefs, vests and bodices, and wool for skirts, jackets, trousers and stockings.

“bunad”服饰尽可能会由天然材料制成:用亚麻或棉布来制衬衣,用丝绸来制头巾、背心和紧身胸衣,用羊毛来制衬衣、夹克、裤子和长袜。

Traditional Music and dance 传统音乐和舞蹈

Folk dancing is a popular recreational activity in Norway today. While many people practice folk dancing for their own pleasure, there are also professional dancers all over the country. They compete throughout the year at contests, watched by large audiences.

民族舞蹈是当今挪威的一项流行休闲活动。虽然许多人跳民族舞蹈是自得其乐,但全国各地也有职业的舞蹈演员。他们全年都会在许多拥有大量观众群的比赛中竞技。

Trolls 洞穴巨人

For generations, Norwegian children have been fed images of make-believe characters such as trolls, sirens and goblins. The stories and legends have been passed from family to family, from generation to generation. Norway’s imposing mountains, deep fjords, vast forests and dark winter nights provide plenty of inspiration for these tales of the supernatural. But these stories are not just employed to entertain children. In the past, they provided valuable national symbols that helped unite the country.

一代代的挪威儿童都会听说到一些虚构的人物形象,如洞穴巨人、海上女妖和小妖精。这些故事和传说在各家各户之间世代流传着。挪威那壮丽的山峦、 深邃的峡湾、巨大的森林和漆黑的冬夜为这些神奇的故事提供了丰富的想象空间。但这些故事的作用并非只是为了哄小孩。在过去,它们还提供了宝贵的国家象征, 而这些象征帮助这个国家走向了统一。

Interview 访谈

Bilingual Time asked Mr. Ola Breidal, Cultural Attache of the Norwegian Embassy in China, a few questions about Norway as a tourist destination.

《双语时代》就前往挪威旅游一事,向挪威驻中国大使馆的文化参赞博达先生咨询了一些问题。

1. Why go to Norway?

为什么要去挪威?

In 2005, Norway marks its first 100 years as an independent nation. Since 1905, Norway has become a modern, technological welfare society. Its nature is clean, scenery breathtaking, air is fresh, and the cities are modern. Personally, I think it is the combination of the untouched, dramatic nature and the modern nation that makes Norway attractive.

2005年是挪威独立后的百年诞辰。从1905年起,挪威已发展成一个现代化、科技发达的福利社会。那里的自然环境一尘不染,景色令人叹为观止,空气清新,城市很现代。从个人角度来讲,我认为挪威的诱人之处在于,它把自然的壮丽原貌和本国的现代化特征结合到了一起。

If you like outdoor activities, Norway is great. You can enjoy skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, rafting, climbing, bicycling and many more.

如果你喜欢户外活动,那挪威最好不过了。你可以享受滑雪(斜坡滑雪和越野滑雪)、滑雪板、漂流、爬山、骑车以及其它更多运动所带来的乐趣。

2. What activities would you suggest for tourists?

你能向观光者推荐什么活动吗?

You can walk or ski in the mountains, go boating in the fjords, climb in the mountains, raft or fish in the rivers, and shop in the cities. Wherever you go, eat the salmon and breathe the fresh air!

你可以在群山中漫步或滑雪,在峡湾里划船,在山间攀缘,在溪流中漂流或垂钓,在城市里购物。无论你去哪里,你都会吃到鲑鱼,呼吸到新鲜空气!

3. What sights should a visitor take in?

游客应该去游览那些景致呢?

The Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo – Norway’s biggest park designed by sculptor Vigeland, the midnight sun during summer in northern Norway, the beautiful city of Bergen – Norway’s second largest city, and the fjords. I would especially recommend Oslo-Bergen by train via fjords and mountains and seeing the northern archipelago of Lofoten.

奥斯陆的维格兰雕刻公园——那是由雕刻家维格兰设计的、挪威最大的公园;挪威北部夏季的午夜阳光;美丽的卑尔根市——那是挪威第二大城市;以及峡湾地区。我特别推荐途经峡湾和群山地区的奥斯陆—卑尔根列车之旅,另外还要看看北部的罗弗敦群岛。

4. For tourists who love to shop, what does Norway have to offer?

对于那些想要购物的观光者,在挪威能买到什么?

There is so much to offer! They can buy some modern design products such as glass and porcelain, homemade woolen sweaters, health products such as cod liver oil – keeps you free from illness! There is also traditional silver ware, caviar, traditional tin ware, salmon (try the smoked salmon), books in English, and shoes. In Norway, shoes are cheap and great quality.

可买的东西太多了!他们可以买一些设计时髦的产品,如玻璃杯和瓷器;家庭自制的羊毛衫;保健产品,如鱼肝油——它可以使你远离疾病!这里还有传统的银制品、鱼子酱、传统的锡制品、鲑鱼(可以尝尝熏鲑鱼)、英语书籍和鞋。在挪威,鞋既便宜,质量又好。

5. For those interested in making Norway their next port of call, what should be the first step?

对于那些想把挪威作为他们下一个停留之地的观光者,首先应该做什么?

Visit the Embassy’s homepage at www.norway.cn, then contact a travel agency.

登录www.norway.cn,查阅大使馆网站首页,然后与一家旅行社取得联系。

For information about travel visas to Norway, contact the Norwegian embassy in China at 010-65322261 or visit their website at www.norway.cn . For all other information about travelling in Norway get in touch with the Scandinavian Tourist Board in Beijing at 010- 8527 6100.

关于挪威旅游签证问题,欲知详情,请拨打010-65322261与挪威驻中国大使馆取得联系或登录他们的网站www.norway.cn。关于挪威旅游的其它信息,欲知详情,请拨打010-8527 6100与北京的斯堪的纳维亚观光局取得联系

(Source: learning.sohu.com)

Chinese Grammar – Mandarin Future Using Yao and Hui

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

The two auxiliary verbs, yào and huì, can be used for talking about the future in the sense of “going to do something” or “intending to do something.”

Consider these two sentences:

Wǒ yào qù Běijīng.
我要去北京。

Wǒ huì qù Běijīng.
我會去北京。
我会去北京。

The first sentence, using yào, indicates an intention to go to Beijing. The second sentence, using huì, indicates a confident prediction of going to Beijing.

Intention or Prediction

The two sentences above can be translated as:

Wǒ yào qù Běijīng.
I am going to Beijing.
or
I want to go to Beijing.

Wǒ huì qù Běijīng.
I will go to Beijing (I expect I will go to Beijing).

Yào is sometimes (but not always) used with a time expression to differentiate between want and intend. When used without a time reference, the only way to determine the exact meaning of yào is by context or clarification.

Here are some more examples:

Nǐ yào mǎi shénme dōngxī?
你要買甚麼東西?
你要买什么东西?
What are you going to buy?
or
What do you want to buy?

Nǐ huì mǎi shénme dōngxī?
你會買甚麼東西?
你会买什么东西?
What do you expect to buy?

Chén xiǎojie míngtiān yào gēn wǒ shuō.
陳小姐明天要跟我說。
陈小姐明天要跟我说。
Miss Chen is going to speak with me tomorrow.

Chén xiǎojie míngtiān huì gēn wǒ shuō.
陳小姐明天會跟我說。
陈小姐明天会跟我说。
Miss Chen expects to speak with me tomorrow.

(Source: mandarin.about.com)

Learn Chinese Class – Hair We Are!

Monday, May 24th, 2010

From outrageous to tame, here are some quick definitions of some popular (or used to be popular) male hairstyles.

从野性到顺从,以下便是对一些流行(或曾经流行过)的男士发型所做的快速解读。

Mohawk莫霍克发型

The Mohawk style originates from a tribe of Native Americans called the Mohawk by white settlers. Although, to the Mohawks, creating this haircut was itself part of an important ritual (each hair was plucked out), it became fashionable with the punks of the late seventies. It involves shaving all of your head, but leaving a narrow strip in the centre. This is then spiked upwards, often to impressive heights.

莫霍克发型起源于美洲的一个土著部族,该部族被白人殖民者称为莫霍克族。虽然对于莫霍克族人来说,梳理这种发型本身只是一个重要宗教仪式的组成 部分(每根头发都是被拔掉的),但它却于(20世纪)70年代末在朋克人群当中流行开来。该发型需要剃掉你所有的头发,只在头顶中间留下一窄条头发。之 后,把这些头发向上竖起,而竖起的幅度之大往往是惊人的。

Afro非洲式发型

The Afro was first worn by African-Americans in the 1960′s. It distinguished more hip African-Americans from their short-haired conformist counterparts. The hair grows outward from the head. Some people wear their Afros quite large, even several times the diameter of their heads. This style requires tight curly hair, which typically people of African descent have.

20世纪60年代,非裔美国人率先梳起了非洲式发型。它把更为开放的非裔美国人和留着短发的保守非裔美国人区别开来。而头发在生长时是以头部为 中心向外蓬胀的。有些人的非洲式发型非常大,有时候甚至是其头部宽幅的好几倍。梳理这种发型需要浓密的卷发,而这种发质通常是具有非洲血统的人所拥有的。

Buzz Cut 蜂鸣发型(寸头)

A buzz cut is a very short, tight haircut that is so named because of the sound the razor makes when getting it done. This cut is usually standard for soldiers. It has to be the fastest haircut to perform, taking only a minute to delete a full head of hair.

蜂鸣发型是一种非常短的、紧贴头皮的发型,其名称来源于理这种发型时推子所发出的声音。这种发型通常是军人的标准发型。理这种发型一定是用时最短的,只需一分钟就可以将所有头发剃掉。

Mullet胭脂鱼发型

One of the worst things to ever come out of the U.S. has to be the mullet. This affliction on humanity started with hockey players in the U.S. in the 1970′s and went on to become associated with redneck culture. The hair is worn short on top, long at the back and with the ears exposed.

从美国流行开来的最糟糕的事情之一便莫过于胭脂鱼发型了。20世纪70年代,美国的曲棍球运动员开创了这种摧残人性的发型,而该发型随后又开始与乡巴佬文化联系起来。这种发型脑顶的头发短,脑后的头发长,而且耳朵是露出来的。

Crew Cut船员发型

The crew cut is a very short haircut so called because it was fashionable with members of American university rowing crews in the 1930′s.

船员发型是一种非常短的发型,之所以叫这个名称是因为它在20世纪30年代的美国大学划船队员中颇为流行。

Flattop平头

This is a short haircut, popular in the 1980′s thanks to Top Gun, where the hair is brushed up and cropped flat across the top.

这一发型是短发,因影片《壮志凌云》中出现了这种向上梳理并在脑顶剃平的造型,所以在20世纪80年代流行开来。

(Source: learning.sohu.com)