Term 4 articles for Chinese include 'Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Chinese Language and Culture: My 10-Day Chinese Language and Culture Immersion in Shanghai', 'Celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week at Pinehurst', and 'Chong Yang Festival'
Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Chinese Language and Culture: My 10-Day Chinese Language and Culture Immersion in Shanghai
Group photo in front of the Confucius Statue at East China Normal University All NZ participants and teams at ECNU
Lan Dai - Tui Tuia Learning Circle, Chantelle Wang - Pinehurst College, Tania-Peri Christian - Henderson Intermediate, Christina Howard-Shi - Hillcrest High School, Stephanie Mortimore - Tui Tuia Learning Circle, Catherine Park - Stanhope Road School , Keith Beattie - Henderson Intermediate School, Lesley Birch - Saint Kentigern College, Lina Tung - New Plymouth Boys' High School, Bei Wang - Fairfield College, Raewyn Ho - Saint Kentigern College, Wendy Chen - Rosehill College, Hui Zhang - Bayfield High School, Julie Collard - Waikowhai Intermediate School, Ruth Sun - Rangitoto College, Selma Dancy - Willow Park School
Final presentation: (From Left to right) Lesley Birch - Saint Kentigern College, Christina Howard-Shi - Hillcrest High School, Ruth Sun - Rangitoto College, Raewyn Ho - Saint Kentigern College
Participating in the 'Tui Tuia: Immerse, Explore, and Ignite' program in Shanghai was a dream come true for a dedicated Chinese language teacher. This 10-day trip proved to be a profound journey that immersed me in the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture, leaving a lasting impact on my teaching style and personal growth.
Our adventure began with a warm welcome as we arrived in Shanghai. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Teachers from East China Normal University greeted us with welcoming smiles and infectious enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the days ahead.
The core of our experience was centered around language learning and culture immersion. We attended intensive Mandarin language classes, led by experienced instructors who made the learning process enjoyable and captivating. As a Chinese language teacher, I was not only a participant but also an observer. The immersive environment pushed us to apply our new knowledge in real-life situations, significantly improving our conversational abilities.
Our exploration of Shanghai was a highlight of our journey. We visited iconic landmarks like the historic Bund, the Shanghai Tower, the ancient Yu Garden, and the water town Zhujiajiao as well. These excursions offered a glimpse into the city's rich history, its role in modern China, and the blend of tradition and innovation that defines it. The stark contrast between futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples left us in awe, serving as a profound source of inspiration.
Our program coincided with China's golden holiday season, and we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with enthusiasm. We savored traditional mooncakes and took a cruise on the Huangpu River, enjoying the beautiful night scenery of Shanghai and the moon in the sky.
Beyond the classroom and cultural excursions, the connections we made with fellow educators from Aotearoa and local teaching professionals were invaluable. We shared experiences, teaching techniques, and pedagogical ideas, fostering a sense of camaraderie that will benefit our students back home. The program also highlighted the global importance of learning Chinese and the opportunities it offers for educators and students.
In conclusion, my 10-day immersion into Chinese language and culture in Shanghai was transformative. It rekindled my passion for teaching Chinese and broadened my horizons as a language enthusiast. The combination of intensive language learning, cultural exploration, and the connections made with fellow educators has had a lasting impact on my professional and personal journey. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with my students in Aotearoa. I am truly thankful for Lan Dai, National Chinese Adviser for her contribution to the programme, and please accept my deepest appreciation for the dedication of the Tui Tuia and ECNU teams that made the immersion program possible.
Article by Bei Wang, Chinese language teacher at Fairfield College
Celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week at Pinehurst
Students wearing self made Beijing Opera masks.
大家好！If you don't know yet, this week is New Zealand Chinese Language Week, and 26th September is also International Dumpling Day. What's more exciting is that this year's Mid-Autumn Festival is on 29th September. Well, many of us call it Moon Festival in NZ because it's spring here. Yummy Mooncakes will be around! 中秋节快乐！
To celebrate Chinese language and culture at Pinehurst School, on Tuesday 19 September, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle provided four Chinese Culture Workshops for Pinehurst students with the support from CNSST. The workshops were about Chinese Arts: Beijing Opera Masks. Students from Year 4 up to Year 10 attended and were immersed in Chinese culture and art while painting their own Beijing Opera masks. They had so much fun and were even showing off their masks to other classmates during the break and the following days!
Article by Cheng Xu, Chinese Language Teacher from Pinehurst School.
Chong Yang Festival
Article written by Fiona Yen, Tui Tuia Facilitator.
Chong Yang Festival, alternatively referred to as the Double Nine Festival or Senior Day, is a revered annual event observed on the 9th day of the 9th month in the Chinese Lunar calendar. This year, it falls on the 23rd of October, and its historical origins can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. This festival holds a special place in my heart, as it encapsulates values dear to the Chinese culture, such as venerating ancestors and showing respect for the elderly.
The number nine, pronounced "jiu" in Chinese, shares its pronunciation with another character, "久," which means "a long time." Thus, Double Nine conveys the notion of a long and prosperous life. In ancient China, numbers were categorised into Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine), and since nine is a Yang number, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, having two Yang numbers, is aptly named Chong Yang, signifying double Yang energy.
On this special day, we have the privilege of spending time with our grandparents, soaking in the wisdom they have to share. There are also delightful activities steeped in Chinese tradition that one can engage in. After a season of rigorous rice harvesting in the summer, September offers a welcome respite for most, marked by relaxation before the onset of winter. It's a time when the Chinese have historically cherished family moments with their elders.
Traditionally, the customs of the Double Ninth Festival involve ascending to heights. The phrase "ascending heights" is an elegant way of saying hiking, a popular activity in many northern regions during the autumn season, with its clear skies and invigorating air. Consequently, many people opt for a hike to soak in the picturesque views. During the Double Ninth Festival, people not only ascend to great heights but also make Chongyang cake. In Chinese, "cake" (gao) sounds identical to "height" (gao), carrying an auspicious message of rising step by step.
Legend has it that an old man received a warning about impending disaster for his village. He heeded the warning, sought refuge in the mountains, and everyone escaped the catastrophe that befell his village. This tale underlines the significance of ascending heights to avert misfortune.
So, why not make some Chongyang cake, go hiking with loved ones, and enjoy the day to ward off ill fortune and celebrate life.
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2023 - Chinese - Term 4 Newsletter Articles
Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Chinese Language and Culture: My 10-Day Chinese Language and Culture Immersion in Shanghai
Group photo in front of the Confucius Statue at East China Normal University All NZ participants and teams at ECNU
Lan Dai - Tui Tuia Learning Circle, Chantelle Wang - Pinehurst College, Tania-Peri Christian - Henderson Intermediate, Christina Howard-Shi - Hillcrest High School, Stephanie Mortimore - Tui Tuia Learning Circle, Catherine Park - Stanhope Road School , Keith Beattie - Henderson Intermediate School, Lesley Birch - Saint Kentigern College, Lina Tung - New Plymouth Boys' High School, Bei Wang - Fairfield College, Raewyn Ho - Saint Kentigern College, Wendy Chen - Rosehill College, Hui Zhang - Bayfield High School, Julie Collard - Waikowhai Intermediate School, Ruth Sun - Rangitoto College, Selma Dancy - Willow Park School
Final presentation: (From Left to right) Lesley Birch - Saint Kentigern College, Christina Howard-Shi - Hillcrest High School, Ruth Sun - Rangitoto College, Raewyn Ho - Saint Kentigern College
Participating in the 'Tui Tuia: Immerse, Explore, and Ignite' program in Shanghai was a dream come true for a dedicated Chinese language teacher. This 10-day trip proved to be a profound journey that immersed me in the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture, leaving a lasting impact on my teaching style and personal growth.
Our adventure began with a warm welcome as we arrived in Shanghai. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Teachers from East China Normal University greeted us with welcoming smiles and infectious enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the days ahead.
The core of our experience was centered around language learning and culture immersion. We attended intensive Mandarin language classes, led by experienced instructors who made the learning process enjoyable and captivating. As a Chinese language teacher, I was not only a participant but also an observer. The immersive environment pushed us to apply our new knowledge in real-life situations, significantly improving our conversational abilities.
Our exploration of Shanghai was a highlight of our journey. We visited iconic landmarks like the historic Bund, the Shanghai Tower, the ancient Yu Garden, and the water town Zhujiajiao as well. These excursions offered a glimpse into the city's rich history, its role in modern China, and the blend of tradition and innovation that defines it. The stark contrast between futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples left us in awe, serving as a profound source of inspiration.
Our program coincided with China's golden holiday season, and we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with enthusiasm. We savored traditional mooncakes and took a cruise on the Huangpu River, enjoying the beautiful night scenery of Shanghai and the moon in the sky.
Beyond the classroom and cultural excursions, the connections we made with fellow educators from Aotearoa and local teaching professionals were invaluable. We shared experiences, teaching techniques, and pedagogical ideas, fostering a sense of camaraderie that will benefit our students back home. The program also highlighted the global importance of learning Chinese and the opportunities it offers for educators and students.
In conclusion, my 10-day immersion into Chinese language and culture in Shanghai was transformative. It rekindled my passion for teaching Chinese and broadened my horizons as a language enthusiast. The combination of intensive language learning, cultural exploration, and the connections made with fellow educators has had a lasting impact on my professional and personal journey. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with my students in Aotearoa. I am truly thankful for Lan Dai, National Chinese Adviser for her contribution to the programme, and please accept my deepest appreciation for the dedication of the Tui Tuia and ECNU teams that made the immersion program possible.
Article by Bei Wang, Chinese language teacher at Fairfield College
Celebrating New Zealand Chinese Language Week at Pinehurst
Students wearing self made Beijing Opera masks.
大家好！If you don't know yet, this week is New Zealand Chinese Language Week, and 26th September is also International Dumpling Day. What's more exciting is that this year's Mid-Autumn Festival is on 29th September. Well, many of us call it Moon Festival in NZ because it's spring here. Yummy Mooncakes will be around! 中秋节快乐！
To celebrate Chinese language and culture at Pinehurst School, on Tuesday 19 September, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle provided four Chinese Culture Workshops for Pinehurst students with the support from CNSST. The workshops were about Chinese Arts: Beijing Opera Masks. Students from Year 4 up to Year 10 attended and were immersed in Chinese culture and art while painting their own Beijing Opera masks. They had so much fun and were even showing off their masks to other classmates during the break and the following days!
Article by Cheng Xu, Chinese Language Teacher from Pinehurst School.
Chong Yang Festival
Article written by Fiona Yen, Tui Tuia Facilitator.
Chong Yang Festival, alternatively referred to as the Double Nine Festival or Senior Day, is a revered annual event observed on the 9th day of the 9th month in the Chinese Lunar calendar. This year, it falls on the 23rd of October, and its historical origins can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. This festival holds a special place in my heart, as it encapsulates values dear to the Chinese culture, such as venerating ancestors and showing respect for the elderly.
The number nine, pronounced "jiu" in Chinese, shares its pronunciation with another character, "久," which means "a long time." Thus, Double Nine conveys the notion of a long and prosperous life. In ancient China, numbers were categorised into Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine), and since nine is a Yang number, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, having two Yang numbers, is aptly named Chong Yang, signifying double Yang energy.
On this special day, we have the privilege of spending time with our grandparents, soaking in the wisdom they have to share. There are also delightful activities steeped in Chinese tradition that one can engage in. After a season of rigorous rice harvesting in the summer, September offers a welcome respite for most, marked by relaxation before the onset of winter. It's a time when the Chinese have historically cherished family moments with their elders.
Traditionally, the customs of the Double Ninth Festival involve ascending to heights. The phrase "ascending heights" is an elegant way of saying hiking, a popular activity in many northern regions during the autumn season, with its clear skies and invigorating air. Consequently, many people opt for a hike to soak in the picturesque views. During the Double Ninth Festival, people not only ascend to great heights but also make Chongyang cake. In Chinese, "cake" (gao) sounds identical to "height" (gao), carrying an auspicious message of rising step by step.
Legend has it that an old man received a warning about impending disaster for his village. He heeded the warning, sought refuge in the mountains, and everyone escaped the catastrophe that befell his village. This tale underlines the significance of ascending heights to avert misfortune.
So, why not make some Chongyang cake, go hiking with loved ones, and enjoy the day to ward off ill fortune and celebrate life.
