EASY-TO-READ MANDARIN CHINESE
NOV.01,2023 | $8.24
The Mimir Magazine
包青天：中国版的福尔摩斯
中国人的婚礼什么样?
为什么先有闪电后有雷声？
Bao Qingtian The Chinese Version of Sherlock Holmes | 18
What is a Chinese Wedding Like? | 28
Why Does Lightning Always Come Before Thunder? | 10
：
Editor's Note Step into a world of captivating stories and cultural exploration as we unveil another delightful issue of The Mimir Magazine. From the quirky allure of a restaurant dedicated to canned food to the legendary figure of Bao Qingtian, often dubbed the lightning
Chinese Sherlock Holmes, our articles promise to transport you to intriguing realms of knowledge. Delve into the solo culinary adventure of Malatang, uncover the secrets behind the global popularity of Kimchi, and empathize with those who faced layoffs from major international corporations. Ever wondered about the science behind the lightning's dance before the thunderous applause? We've got the answers. Join us in the enchanting realm of Chinese weddings and immerse yourself in the lyrical beauty of a thought-provoking Poem that invites introspection. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and enchanted as you embark on this linguistic and cultural voyage. We invite you to relish the unique insights and vibrant narratives this issue has to offer, embracing the diverse facets of China's heritage. Lisa English Editor for TMM Dec.01, 2023
TMM | 01
t e e M itors d
E r u O
My name is Wang Lisa. My deep affinity for Chinese culture blossomed from childhood stories my grandparents shared about their adventures in the Far East. These narratives kindled a lasting curiosity and an abiding love for all things Chinese. With an enduring passion for Chinese culture, my mission is to convey its beauty through my words. I aim to celebrate China's rich history, traditions, and the vibrant tapestry of its people. Let's embark on a journey together, bridging cultures
and
fostering
connections
that
transcend borders, all while savoring the splendor of our diverse world.
Hello! My name is Wang Xinyi, a Chinese teacher who has been practicing for 4 years. I teach Chinese courses and Chinese culture courses at the Confucius Institutes in Thailand and Indonesia, and work as a Chinese teacher at the International School of Huaqiao University in China. My students range from elementary school to university, and their Chinese level ranges from zero to HSk5. There are students from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Spain, Japan and other countries.I’m good at adjusting teaching method according to the student, and making every student their own perfect Mandarin learning plan. I’m funny and outgoing. You will feel interesting and joyful while mastering the Mandarin with me. TMM | 02
CONTENT
TRENDS What did They do After They Were Laid off by Big International Companies?
34
被大厂裁员后，他们都去做什么了？ What is a Chinese Wedding Like? 中国人的婚礼什么样?
28
FOOD IS EVERYTHING
麻辣烫是一个人的火锅 How can Kimchi be so Popular? 为什么泡菜这么受欢迎？ Malatang is a Hot Pot for one Person
23 06
ASIAN CULTURE A Restaurant That Only Sells Canned Food
： 包青天：中国版的福尔摩斯
只卖罐头的餐厅
Bao Qingtian The Chinese Version of Sherlock Holmes
14 18
LIFE & SCIENCE Why Does Lightning Always Come Before Thunder?
10
为什么先有闪电后有雷声 SHORT STORY Someone Said
有人说
38
Click here to listen to audio recordings of this issue on YouTube
TMM | 03
friends 莉莉
艾米 Amy is a high school exchange student from the U.S. She likes traveling and is curious about ancient cultures. She thinks Dada is very knowledgeable.
Lily is a student in the same high school as Amy. Her mom is Chinese and her Dad is from Ireland. Like her mom, Lily enjoys reading and cooking.
达达
凯文
Dada is a high school straight-A student from China. He loves science, the universe, and everything about aliens.
Kevin is an exchange student from Australia. He likes sports and cars. He thinks Amy is the cutest girl ever.
TMM | 05
FOOD IS EVERYTHING
HOW CAN KIMCHI BE SO POPULAR? 为什么泡菜这么受欢迎？
Intermediate level 5 Mins
THROUGH READING THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL COME TO UNDERSTAND WHY KIMCHI HOLDS SUCH PROFOUND SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH KOREA. DRAWING FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCES DURING MY TIME IN KOREA, I'VE LEARNED THAT KIMCHI ISN'T JUST A DISH – IT'S A CULTURAL EMBLEM WITH DEEPROOTED HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE. KIMCHI, A TANGY FERMENTED VEGETABLE SIDE DISH, IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR DAILY LIVES. WITH A RICH HISTORY, KIMCHI'S ORIGINS LIE IN THE INGENIOUS SOLUTION OF USING SALT TO PRESERVE FRESH VEGETABLES DURING KOREA'S AGRICULTURALLY CHALLENGED PERIODS AND LONG WINTERS. THIS ARTICLE SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW KIMCHI HAS EVOLVED FROM BEING A PRACTICAL PRESERVATION METHOD TO BECOMING A SYMBOL OF KOREAN IDENTITY AND UNITY, FOSTERING COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES AND EVEN CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS. SO, IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO VISIT SOUTH KOREA, DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO SAVOR THEIR ICONIC KIMCHI – YOU MIGHT JUST DISCOVER A NEW APPRECIATION FOR ITS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND FLAVORS! EDITOR: LISA
TMM | 06
FOOD IS EVERYTHING
你知道吗？韩国人吃饭的时候 可以不吃肉，但一定要吃泡菜。 泡菜是韩国人每天必须吃的食 物。韩国人为什么这么爱吃泡菜 呢？ 其实，泡菜在韩国有很长时间 的历史。很多年以前，韩国的农 业不发达，但是他们的冬天又非 常长。在冬天，他们就没有新鲜 的蔬菜吃了。为了能一直有蔬菜 吃，有一些很聪明的韩国人想到 了一个好办法。那就是在新鲜的 蔬菜里放很多盐，做成泡菜。因 为泡菜可以保存很长的时间，人 们会在夏天就把泡菜做好，到了
：韩国泡菜的历史 故事是什么？ Q1
冬天也能吃。 慢慢地，越来越多的韩国人 会做泡菜了，他们做的泡菜也 越来越好吃。泡菜成了韩国的 代表食物之一，一说到泡菜人 们都会想到韩国。 其实做泡菜的工作也有很 多，比如清洗，切菜，加盐等 等。如果一个人需要做很多泡 菜，就要请一些朋友过来帮 忙。他们在一起，一边吃着食 物，一边说话，一边做泡菜， 非常热闹。韩国人都很喜欢做 泡菜。女人们在一起，互相帮
：做韩国泡菜的工 作有哪些？ Q2
TMM | 07
忙，一起做一件事情。这 能让她们之间的关系变得 更好，还可能认识新的朋 友。 现在，韩国每年都会举 办很多和泡菜有关的活 动，有些在其他国家生活 和学习的韩国人，也经常 在一起举办和泡菜有关的 活动。 如果你去韩国旅游，一定 要尝一尝他们的泡菜，有 可能你也会爱上韩国泡菜 哦！ 作者：可可
VOCAB! 泡菜
帮忙
pào cài
bāng máng t
pickled cabbage
o help / to lend a hand / to do a favor
Hán guó
热闹
韩国
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
rè nao
必须
bustling with noise and excitement / lively
to have to / must
hù xiāng
互相
bì xū
历史
each other / mutually
history
jǔ bàn
举办
lì shǐ
以前
to conduct / to hold
yǐ qián before / formerly / previous / ago
新鲜
xīn xiān fresh (experience, food etc) / freshness
一直
yī zhí straight (in a straight line) / continuously / always
办法
bàn fǎ means / method
TMM | 08