Mandarim in Porto Velho

🧐 China Mythbuster👇 
 
Often, foreigners find these types of videos disturbing. They view these Chinese kids as ‘clones’ - having no personality or thoughts of their own, no childhood, only forced to all look and act the same... 
 
💡So, quick Mythbuster!  
 
1- These are specialised martial arts schools, not regular public education.  
 
So no, not every Chinese kid can do this, or is forced to do this! 
 
2- Kids attend for *different* reasons, typically because:   
-their families aren’t able to take care of them (as these are often boarding schools) 
-they cause a lot of trouble at home/lack discipline 
-becoming a martial artist is their dream 
 
Western education is fantastic at allowing kids to flourish through independent trial & error, as well as providing the freedom to explore their passions.

But in China, the focus is often on collectivism 🤝 Rather than ‘clones’, what I see here is hard work & self-discipline! ... practised and perfected on an individual level, but to serve a bigger purpose. When everyone works towards a common goal, it’s also achieved more efficiently. 
 
This mentality is evident in China’s infrastructure and tech development speed. 
 
And it doesn’t mean people ditch personal opinions or feelings😊 
  
In the West, we get so caught up in ‘feeling sorry’ for these Chinese kids...That we often fail to see the truly *incredible* sides to them!  
 
Stay open-minded, and you'll be able to see great traits in every culture ⭐️ 
 
Do you agree? What are your thoughts on this? 

🎋 Embracing Nature's Strength: Bamboo 竹 (zhú) in Chinese Architecture! 🏯✨

Did you know that bamboo has been a fundamental building material in Chinese architecture for centuries? 🎍 Its versatile properties and remarkable strength have made it a beloved choice for constructing everything from humble dwellings to majestic temples. 🏯

Bamboo's association with Chinese architecture can be traced back over 2,000 years. Its use began in the Qin Dynasty and flourished throughout the subsequent dynasties. This natural wonder is not only abundant in China but also possesses exceptional qualities that make it ideal for construction. With its incredible strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility, bamboo can withstand earthquakes, resist strong winds, and offer excellent thermal insulation. 🎋🔨🌟

From traditional homes called "tulou" in Fujian Province to the magnificent pavilions in classical gardens, bamboo can be found in various architectural forms across China. It is used for structural elements, flooring, walls, roofs, and furniture. Bamboo's elegance, durability, and sustainable nature make it an eco-friendly choice that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. 🎋🏯

🎶👆🏻Have you ever seen these Chinese music instruments? 🌟🎵

In recent decades, Chinese has a growing interest in exploring fusion and cross-cultural music, blending elements of both Chinese and Western traditions. This has led to the emergence of contemporary artists and groups that experiment with combining Chinese and Western instruments, creating new and innovative sounds.

Chinese music instruments hold a deep-rooted significance in Chinese culture and have been cherished for centuries. They play a prominent role in traditional Chinese music, such as classical, folk, and opera genres. Instruments like the guqin, p**a, erhu, and dizi have a strong following among traditional music enthusiasts and are often featured in performances, recordings, and cultural events.

On the other hand, Western music instruments have gained popularity in China over the past century, particularly with the introduction of Western classical music and its instruments. Western instruments such as the piano, violin, cello, and guitar have become widely embraced and are taught in music schools and conservatories across the country. Western classical music concerts featuring orchestras and soloists are also popular among music lovers in China.

👆🏻Do you like the sounds of Chinese music instruments? 🎶


**a

The character 肉 (pinyin: ròu), representing "meat" 🥩 in Chinese, is commonly used as a radical in numerous Chinese characters.

As a radical, 肉 🥩 appears a lot like 月 🌙 , even their meanings and functions are distinct. 月 as a radical typically relates to moon, time, or celestial concepts, while 肉 as a radical relates to meat, food, or body parts.

Here are a few examples of characters that have 肉 as their radical:
- 腿 (tuǐ) - Leg: often used in words like 大腿 (dàtuǐ) - "thigh" or 小腿 (xiǎotuǐ) - "calf."
- 腰 (yāo) - Waist: commonly used in words like 腰部 (yāobù) - "lower back" or 腰带 (yāodài) - "belt."
- 肺 (fèi) - Lung

P.S. learn more by joining our group to listen to my audio about this radical / these characters! Link in bio!

🎨 Continuing our artistic exploration, 中国画 (zhōng guó huà) is a visual poetry that embraces the harmony between nature and the human spirit. With every brushstroke, artists breathe life into their creations, depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and even human emotions.

When it comes to colors, Chinese painting often employs ink and subtle shades of black, gray, and sepia🎨 Poetic verses are also sometimes included within the artworks. 📜

👆🏻Here is a renowned Chinese painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" from 1,000 years ago (and this is an animated version of it that was recently created)🖌️🌸 This painting holds significant historical value as it vividly portrays the bustling scenes of daily life during that time, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese society and culture. Created by artist Zhang Zeduan, this masterpiece showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision, making it a cherished and iconic artwork in Chinese history.

Today is 立冬 (Lì Dōng) in China, marking the beginning of winter. ❄️

立冬 is a solar term that signifies the transition from autumn to winter, symbolizing the onset of colder temperatures and shorter days. It's a time when nature prepares for hibernation, and a subtle shift in the air signals the arrival of a new season. 🍂🌬️

Dating back thousands of years, this solar term is deeply rooted in the agricultural calendar, guiding farmers in their planting and harvesting activities. 🌾🌱

During 立冬, the Chinese people embrace the cooler weather by adjusting their lifestyles and embracing seasonal delicacies. Warm soups, nourishing stews, and hearty dishes take center stage, providing comfort and sustenance during the colder months. It's a time to gather with loved ones, share meals, and appreciate the abundance that nature has provided. 🍲🔥❤️

👆🏻Sesame oil chicken noodle is a popular dish being made on 立冬 😋
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