In Taiwan, it is common to see a Chinese movie with Chinese and English subtitles at the same time. Why Chinese subtitle? It seems not make much sense. If everyone speak Chinese and then, the audience can listen well.
Tracing back to the history, not many people are familiar with Mandarin, which has been then set up as the only official language by Nationalist government since the 1950's (by speculation). At that time, many people in Taiwan only spoke Japanese and Taiwanese. Mainlanders following from the Nationalist government were also from different provinces with diverse dialectics. They were not relatively good in Mandarin. Fortunately, for the Chinese, they speak different dialectic but can recognize the same Chinese characters. Therefore, that a movie has subtitles with Chinese characters quite make sense. Why English title? Prepare to foreign audience, I guess.
This is a historical explanation. Another linguistic explanation, I guess. Chinese is not a language by pronunciation. English is a language by pronunciation, although it is not so matching as Spanish or French. When you heard the sound, you can spell it almost. In other words, to learn English should try to listen more sounds and memory the sound than the vocabulary. When you can say it, you can use the word and almost spell it in a rough right spelling.
In brief, to learn English in a easier way is to listen and speak rather than memory the vocabulary. Because if you can know how to speak, which means you have know the word more than half.
I might need advanced arguments to support this point.
2013年6月10日 星期一
2013年6月8日 星期六
Castleton, Peak District, UK
This week the weather in Sheffield is quite good, sunshine and long day time till 10pm. Play time becomes longer.
My Pakistani friend invites me to visit Castleton. I am very happy that I also want to have a walk on the weekend. We have walked for a while and took a bus 272 from the place near Waitrose, a shopping center. During weekend, the bus comes every hour. Then, we exchange the ideas and information between Taiwan and Pakistan. He told me that there are many female politicians in Pakistan and about alcohol and sex, he explained to me by simile. He says if you ban the entry of the house, many people might get more curious and tries to climb or dig into the house. But if it is open and there might be no people wanting to enter. To ban and control is like this way. In other words, in a conservative society there are more leeway than we can imagine.
What are the most serious problems in Pakistan? I asked. He said, that first is the military power. This military general and soldiers hold their power and protect their own interests, making the civil government only their puppet. To enhance the legitimacy of their existence, they create war and quarrels against India. In fact, according to his perspective, India and Pakistan are the same culture, people. Even, there are more people believing in Muslims in India. Therefore, the difference in religion is not a good reason. Second problem is religious fraud. Some people by the guise of religion cheat others. The final one is ignorance, the illiteracy rate is still high.
He is a very kind person. On the way, he always asked me do you like it? How do you think? You see, it's fantastic, gorgeous and beautiful. Excellent, perfect. All the good words I can use I have practiced all day. I think it might be the difference between trait attribution and culture.
How about Castleton? I read the introduction briefly. It is said that since 1000 AD, people have built castle here and here are the mine of lead. This place is very beautiful and many people are paragliding and hangliding. It is the first time that I meet these player so close and they can say hello to me. The other thing is that they can stay in the sky very long.
My Pakistani friend invites me to visit Castleton. I am very happy that I also want to have a walk on the weekend. We have walked for a while and took a bus 272 from the place near Waitrose, a shopping center. During weekend, the bus comes every hour. Then, we exchange the ideas and information between Taiwan and Pakistan. He told me that there are many female politicians in Pakistan and about alcohol and sex, he explained to me by simile. He says if you ban the entry of the house, many people might get more curious and tries to climb or dig into the house. But if it is open and there might be no people wanting to enter. To ban and control is like this way. In other words, in a conservative society there are more leeway than we can imagine.
What are the most serious problems in Pakistan? I asked. He said, that first is the military power. This military general and soldiers hold their power and protect their own interests, making the civil government only their puppet. To enhance the legitimacy of their existence, they create war and quarrels against India. In fact, according to his perspective, India and Pakistan are the same culture, people. Even, there are more people believing in Muslims in India. Therefore, the difference in religion is not a good reason. Second problem is religious fraud. Some people by the guise of religion cheat others. The final one is ignorance, the illiteracy rate is still high.
He is a very kind person. On the way, he always asked me do you like it? How do you think? You see, it's fantastic, gorgeous and beautiful. Excellent, perfect. All the good words I can use I have practiced all day. I think it might be the difference between trait attribution and culture.
How about Castleton? I read the introduction briefly. It is said that since 1000 AD, people have built castle here and here are the mine of lead. This place is very beautiful and many people are paragliding and hangliding. It is the first time that I meet these player so close and they can say hello to me. The other thing is that they can stay in the sky very long.
2013年6月7日 星期五
論寫作
寫作真不是一件容易的事。
尤其現在的資訊爆炸，嘔心瀝血的著作，讀者也不過是一眼瞄過，如同過往雲煙。以前往往急著閱讀大量著作，現在終於可以體驗作者的心情。真正好的作者，應該會希望讀者讀慢一點，好好品嘗文字後面的真義。看了太多的網路資訊，圖書館堆滿書籍，我想很多人都急於吸收著大量的資訊，而沒有辦法靜下心來好好的閱讀一本書。這是我們時代的優勢，也是困境吧！
不過，對於寫作有興趣的人，其實不防就是開始寫，隨時開始。或者打開電腦，或者拿出一張紙，就是開始寫出你的想法、故事。第一次可能很死板，第二次可能很複雜，第一百次的時候，可能一個流暢的故事就出來。
文章是千古事，其實，人的一輩子，或有心走一行的人應該知道，一篇文章或一本書可以激起一些漣漪，人的一生也就是如此了。古人言立德、立功、立言，多少人在這前仆後繼的努力，我們既非書香世家，也非寒窗苦讀，又有何希望能有什麼名山大作。重點在於就是以真誠的心，反覆練習，既然有興趣於此，也就沒有什麼值不值的問題，就是做自己喜歡做的事。
其實，我們很多時候的回憶，就是透過文字或者照片，讓我們重新有了記憶。而照片往往會讓我們直觀感受，而忽略了當時種種的細節。文字則可以記錄點滴，幫助我們重新省視，或者就是珍惜流過的時光，細細品味。
人的一生中，有些時光過得很慢，有時候快得令人驚訝。但是，寫作可以讓我們在時光慢的時候，細細品嘗飛快的之處。
尤其現在的資訊爆炸，嘔心瀝血的著作，讀者也不過是一眼瞄過，如同過往雲煙。以前往往急著閱讀大量著作，現在終於可以體驗作者的心情。真正好的作者，應該會希望讀者讀慢一點，好好品嘗文字後面的真義。看了太多的網路資訊，圖書館堆滿書籍，我想很多人都急於吸收著大量的資訊，而沒有辦法靜下心來好好的閱讀一本書。這是我們時代的優勢，也是困境吧！
不過，對於寫作有興趣的人，其實不防就是開始寫，隨時開始。或者打開電腦，或者拿出一張紙，就是開始寫出你的想法、故事。第一次可能很死板，第二次可能很複雜，第一百次的時候，可能一個流暢的故事就出來。
文章是千古事，其實，人的一輩子，或有心走一行的人應該知道，一篇文章或一本書可以激起一些漣漪，人的一生也就是如此了。古人言立德、立功、立言，多少人在這前仆後繼的努力，我們既非書香世家，也非寒窗苦讀，又有何希望能有什麼名山大作。重點在於就是以真誠的心，反覆練習，既然有興趣於此，也就沒有什麼值不值的問題，就是做自己喜歡做的事。
其實，我們很多時候的回憶，就是透過文字或者照片，讓我們重新有了記憶。而照片往往會讓我們直觀感受，而忽略了當時種種的細節。文字則可以記錄點滴，幫助我們重新省視，或者就是珍惜流過的時光，細細品味。
人的一生中，有些時光過得很慢，有時候快得令人驚訝。但是，寫作可以讓我們在時光慢的時候，細細品嘗飛快的之處。
A round table of teaching
At noon time, I joined a round table holed by our department with light lunch. The talk invite three Latin scholars to present their research and teaching, also include our teachers to introduce our production week with a multimedia web site: jusnews. net, which is the work by MA students of Journalism Study, University of Sheffield.
Three guest speakers: one from Argentina, she shared with her workshop of civic engagement. She coordinates a free work shop to help the NGO to learn how to apply for the fund, communication or press release. For their efforts, they help the NGO and also gave the students opportunities to learn how to train people. I thought it is not easy only to ask the students as assistants. But they shall gives chances and responsibilities to them. Finally, the experience help them to enter into the society.
Another one from Spain, he offers a map of transparency of each local council information. The third one talked about English teaching program in Spain. Very interesting topics. Our teacher introduces they have a production week for the MA students to conduct media by themselves and learn from experience. I thought in the eastern society, we respect the elder and think students are not mature to handle things well. They have more freedom and respect here. But, just as Daniel Bell indicates that the eastern culture remind the attitude to learn and listen. I think both aspects should make a balance.
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Photo from Alejandro Álvarez Nobell |
My landlord in New Haven
I have never looked for a room to rend in Taiwan. However, I lived in a room rent by my family not looked for by me. All my student life stay in Taipei and I have no experience rending.
When I first time came to the US, I have a emergent job to find a place for my family, two kids and my wife. Fortunately, I lived with a new friend introduced by my brother-in-law. They are Christan and friendly. I felt a little embarrassed to live in a almost stranger's house. Their house is gorgeous. I arrived New Haven in the beginning of July and I have to find a place to stay for the whole year in fifteen days and then I would fly to Santa Cruz to attend an extensive English program supported by my Fulbright scholarship.
In the first days, I walked along the street and looked for the place for release. I tried to call the landlord or company and it is really a difficult step to talk with these issues in English. I felt much frustrated and the price is very expensive. While in Taiwan, all my family lived in a small sing room with bathroom and kitchen, in fact, live in my father-in-law's apartment. In the US, the company did not allow me to rend a single room or studio for my family. They asked me to live in a bigger space, two bedroom or three bedroom, which meant cost more. I was supported by the National Science Council and Fulbright but only enough for me alone not for all my family. Besides, some landlords heard I would take kids and they just said no, because they thought kids might destroy their furniture and make a noise to disturb others.
The day I had to leave for California was coming. I still could not find a place to stay. Finally I found a basement which was cheaper and I did not tell the company that I would bring the kids and I almost sighed the contracts and many documents. This place was neat Yale University, which was the down town with no safe place to walk or play for kids, but much convenient to school. I called home and discussed with my wife. She also told her friend, and her friend said that there might rats in the basement. Indeed, living in a basement, although, it could still have sunshine through the upper window. However, we have to see outside pedestrian's leg and head the loud noise in the down town. I also mentioned the place where I stayed, and my host professor also surprised at my decision.
At last, I turned down the deal. I called the agent, and said sorry that I could not move in for the reason of my family. At that time, I was worried that I might lost money and be sued. Fortunately, he expressed angry and went to talk with his superior and then talked to me that I could go without any compensation. It might be because I did not deposit any money for the contract, and therefore I could end the contract immediately without losing money. Anyway, I felt thankful for the situation.
The last two days, I have to fly to California. On the other hand, my friend also prepared to leave from here for they had a new job in the New York State. That meant I could not stay with them further. They have cleared out all things and waiting for selling it. Just the day before I left, I found a chance to talk with Elky, my landlord finally.
She was an immigrant from German and her husband from Austria. She was not very friendly looking in the beginning, more serious. However, I had to find a place and I talked with her and that I will only live in ten months. But I will pay 11 months and she even did not ask me for deposit. I felt very thankful.
I never dreamed that I could live in a house. They lived in the second and third floor and I lived in the first. Other houses were much more expensive for they looked more beautiful and new, but the price doubled. Or I think because they rend the house for whole building but I only rent for one floor.
Frank was the male landlord. He is 78 years old. At that time, I could not understand very well about what he said. He looked much kinder and nicer, but not easily to communicated with. All the facilities in my room were fixed by him, because the labor was very expensive here. They cleaned the yard and plant all beautiful flowers. We only enjoyed all their contribution. It is really a wonderful place for us to stay. While Emily came to New Haven, she was surprised that we have stayed in an area of mansion. I was proud of that and enjoyed the place very much.
During our residence, our kids really made a noise to disturb them. Elky would call me and ask whether we move the furniture and in fact she knew it was that the kids were jumping. We also had many parties in the house. Emily liked to cook and we enjoyed inviting people to talk with us. We had a great time there. In 2007, we left from the US, and in 2013, I came back and visited them again. I was so glad that nothing changed a lot. They are still there and their room are so elegant. Now, I could almost understand what they talk. I do have some progress.
When I first time came to the US, I have a emergent job to find a place for my family, two kids and my wife. Fortunately, I lived with a new friend introduced by my brother-in-law. They are Christan and friendly. I felt a little embarrassed to live in a almost stranger's house. Their house is gorgeous. I arrived New Haven in the beginning of July and I have to find a place to stay for the whole year in fifteen days and then I would fly to Santa Cruz to attend an extensive English program supported by my Fulbright scholarship.
In the first days, I walked along the street and looked for the place for release. I tried to call the landlord or company and it is really a difficult step to talk with these issues in English. I felt much frustrated and the price is very expensive. While in Taiwan, all my family lived in a small sing room with bathroom and kitchen, in fact, live in my father-in-law's apartment. In the US, the company did not allow me to rend a single room or studio for my family. They asked me to live in a bigger space, two bedroom or three bedroom, which meant cost more. I was supported by the National Science Council and Fulbright but only enough for me alone not for all my family. Besides, some landlords heard I would take kids and they just said no, because they thought kids might destroy their furniture and make a noise to disturb others.
The day I had to leave for California was coming. I still could not find a place to stay. Finally I found a basement which was cheaper and I did not tell the company that I would bring the kids and I almost sighed the contracts and many documents. This place was neat Yale University, which was the down town with no safe place to walk or play for kids, but much convenient to school. I called home and discussed with my wife. She also told her friend, and her friend said that there might rats in the basement. Indeed, living in a basement, although, it could still have sunshine through the upper window. However, we have to see outside pedestrian's leg and head the loud noise in the down town. I also mentioned the place where I stayed, and my host professor also surprised at my decision.
At last, I turned down the deal. I called the agent, and said sorry that I could not move in for the reason of my family. At that time, I was worried that I might lost money and be sued. Fortunately, he expressed angry and went to talk with his superior and then talked to me that I could go without any compensation. It might be because I did not deposit any money for the contract, and therefore I could end the contract immediately without losing money. Anyway, I felt thankful for the situation.
The last two days, I have to fly to California. On the other hand, my friend also prepared to leave from here for they had a new job in the New York State. That meant I could not stay with them further. They have cleared out all things and waiting for selling it. Just the day before I left, I found a chance to talk with Elky, my landlord finally.
She was an immigrant from German and her husband from Austria. She was not very friendly looking in the beginning, more serious. However, I had to find a place and I talked with her and that I will only live in ten months. But I will pay 11 months and she even did not ask me for deposit. I felt very thankful.
I never dreamed that I could live in a house. They lived in the second and third floor and I lived in the first. Other houses were much more expensive for they looked more beautiful and new, but the price doubled. Or I think because they rend the house for whole building but I only rent for one floor.
Frank was the male landlord. He is 78 years old. At that time, I could not understand very well about what he said. He looked much kinder and nicer, but not easily to communicated with. All the facilities in my room were fixed by him, because the labor was very expensive here. They cleaned the yard and plant all beautiful flowers. We only enjoyed all their contribution. It is really a wonderful place for us to stay. While Emily came to New Haven, she was surprised that we have stayed in an area of mansion. I was proud of that and enjoyed the place very much.
During our residence, our kids really made a noise to disturb them. Elky would call me and ask whether we move the furniture and in fact she knew it was that the kids were jumping. We also had many parties in the house. Emily liked to cook and we enjoyed inviting people to talk with us. We had a great time there. In 2007, we left from the US, and in 2013, I came back and visited them again. I was so glad that nothing changed a lot. They are still there and their room are so elegant. Now, I could almost understand what they talk. I do have some progress.
 |
| 2007/6 |
 |
| 2006/10 |
 |
| 2013/5 |
2013年6月5日 星期三
Leeds University: Class of Methodology
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Today I attended a class in Leeds University. Leeds, York
and Sheffield are the alliance of White Rose. These universities apply for fund
by patterns of gangs to gather to group to show its size power.
This class is about methodology, entitled as “Understanding
the Impact of Research Perspectives: The Importance of Metatheory, Research
Methodology and Reflexivity in Crafting Qualitative Research.”
To be brief, the professor indicates that any research
should be aware its approach is objective, subjective or intersubjective. Each
approach has its respective ontological and epistemic assumption. Moreover,
depending on different approaches has each rationality, durability, meanings,
historicity, mediation and form of knowledge. Objectivism relies on objective
reality and believe we can grape with it by specific procedure, and it
emphasizes causal relation. Subjectivism think that social realty is created by
human construction. There is no objective outside reality. And we can
understand and enrich human understanding. Intersubjectivism seems to stand
between and emphasize objective should be through dialogue and conversation to
create together.
This class stimulates me to read more about methodology and
research methods. Social science emphasizes the importance of “methods”. It is a necessary to have a clear concept of
methodology. In addition, in the beginning of the talk, the professor tells us
each time when we read or write an article. We should think about two things.
One is contribution. Does it contribute to theory, methodology or practice?
Second is coherence. Does the paper conduct coherence and rigor in validity? I think these two simple standards are very
useful.
 |
| University of Leeds, Business School |
 |
| City Council, Leeds, UK |
2013年6月3日 星期一
First School of Education Research Student Conference
Today, I attended a student conference by school of education. The students who sponsor the conference are really nice and willing to spend time on these, offering a chance for us to practice and learn from others. It is also a place for social interactions.
I met a lady who said that she is a political activist from Yemen. She looks tough and enjoys talking about politics. She talks about the problem of NGO, which every critical. She claims that these NGOs have spent years in these poor countries. Why is there no change? She says that because these people in NGOs don't really want the poor independent. If all the needed can stand alone. All these NGOs have no reason to survive. So they don't really want to help the people. They consider themselves first. Second, she mentions that these foreign representatives with money come to their places. They don't know anything about the rural area but want to tell the local people to change. How could be possible? These people don't know local people needs and have and have-not. First point, I thought it a little too cynical. However, I am not qualified to judge. Second point is quite convincing for me. She campaigns for woman' s empower of education. In poor countries, girls are sacrificed for the boys, she says.
Another interesting article, one of my friends has many activities for the audience to play, including drawing and tell the drawing to the one sitting besides you. She also asks us what is our definition of a better English teacher. I find it interesting to have all these activities, not only attend a lecture. Another lecture which I am interested in, the presenter seemingly from Middle East very good Englsh, is about rhetorical moves in an English article. She emphasizes that it's good to emphasize the result of a study and make the article clearly.
I myself present "Learning 'Rhetoric': To be a part of Education". I argue that political rhetoric shall be a part of civic education, which will make our democracy better. I hope to write it in Chinese this summer.
I met a lady who said that she is a political activist from Yemen. She looks tough and enjoys talking about politics. She talks about the problem of NGO, which every critical. She claims that these NGOs have spent years in these poor countries. Why is there no change? She says that because these people in NGOs don't really want the poor independent. If all the needed can stand alone. All these NGOs have no reason to survive. So they don't really want to help the people. They consider themselves first. Second, she mentions that these foreign representatives with money come to their places. They don't know anything about the rural area but want to tell the local people to change. How could be possible? These people don't know local people needs and have and have-not. First point, I thought it a little too cynical. However, I am not qualified to judge. Second point is quite convincing for me. She campaigns for woman' s empower of education. In poor countries, girls are sacrificed for the boys, she says.
Another interesting article, one of my friends has many activities for the audience to play, including drawing and tell the drawing to the one sitting besides you. She also asks us what is our definition of a better English teacher. I find it interesting to have all these activities, not only attend a lecture. Another lecture which I am interested in, the presenter seemingly from Middle East very good Englsh, is about rhetorical moves in an English article. She emphasizes that it's good to emphasize the result of a study and make the article clearly.
I myself present "Learning 'Rhetoric': To be a part of Education". I argue that political rhetoric shall be a part of civic education, which will make our democracy better. I hope to write it in Chinese this summer.
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