The Mimir Magazine_ November 15, 2023_Learn Chinese & Beyond

EASY-TO-READ MANDARIN CHINESE

NOV.15,2023 | $8.24

The Mimir Magazine

藏在枣糕里的智慧

阿那亚——都市人群的精神出口

掉进沼泽地怎么办？

The Wisdom Hidden in Jujube Cake | 18

Anaya——the Spiritual Outlet of Urban People | 39

What to do if You Fall into the Swamp? | 10

Editor's Note Welcome back to another exciting issue of our magazine! We hope that you’ve had a fantastic summer, and that you’re ready to start your autumn months off with some great reads, and more fascinating information about Chinese culture and customs. In this issue, you’ll learn about the Chinese custom of wearing Long Johns, a delicious recipe for cabbage pork pot, and you’ll even have your cake and get to eat it too with the wisdom heavy tale “The Wisdom Hidden in Jujube Cake.”

This issue is relaxing, and exciting all in one. It offers stories for beginners and those who have a more advanced understanding of English. No matter your level, you’re likely to enjoy every story, but much like that cabbage pork pot recipe, be sure to take your time and savor each bit! As a learner, I’d start with the first story about Chinese long johns, and then would move to the Jujube Cake story, switching then to Zoom’s Story, and so on. Of course, you’re also welcome to read each page as they come, marking where you’d like to come back and read later on. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle reading a story, as this issue is full of them. As the Chinese proverb says, “judge not the horse by his saddle.” Be careful not to judge your reading level, or this entire magazine, by your experience with just one story.

Most importantly, take your time to enjoy this issue, as there are a lot of great gems here. To help your Chinese, take each story and read it slowly, read it outloud if you can. This helps your brain with retention. Take some time to write down notes about the stories, and share them with your friends. Alternatively, you can read one with a friend, a spouse, or even your child every night before bed. Some believe that information taken in right before bed sticks better than other parts of the day. Chinese is a beautiful language, much like a wildflower, and should be taken in slowly, and with appreciation all the same.

What are you hoping to read about? We love to hear from our readers!

Ted Wilson English Editor for TMW Vol.18 Nov.15, 2023 TMM | 01

t e e Mditors E

Our E

Ted Wilson is a writer, marketing specialist, and squirrel feeder with over 14 years of experience. When he’s not working or writing, he enjoys playing tennis, creating art, working out, and looking at raccoons. He currently lives in Michigan with his fiancée, two spiders, and a fish. He hopes to relocate to Washington State soon. He is a language lover, currently speaking English, German, some Polish, and is also learning Chinese.

My name is Hermione Xu. I am a senior teacher of Chinese as a foreign language. I graduated with Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language as my major and have 15 years of teaching experience. I have previously taught at Suzhou University. After leaving the university, I have also worked as a manager in training institutions and as an influencer.

I am currently dedicated to nurturing young teachers. I have developed introductory courses for new teachers and published the first ever book introducing teaching Chinese as a foreign language to those outside the industry: "How to teach Chinese, in a non-amateur way."

I am also committed to the development and promotion of material and methods to learn Chinese language. I believe that people have diverse learning needs that should be met. Good material and methods such as applications, courses and magazines need to reach more people who need them.

I am someone who is eager to explore the unknown. I welcome fresh ideas and concepts and I am open to making new friends. If you have any thoughts or would like to exchange ideas on Chinese language learning and teaching, feel free to reach out.

TMM | 02

CONTENT TRENDS Let's Zoom! Zoom

的故事

27

Anaya——the Spiritual Outlet of Urban People

39

阿那亚——都市人群的精神出口 FOOD IS EVERYTHING The Wisdom Hidden in Jujube Cake

18

藏在枣糕里的智慧 Japanese Cabbage Pork Pot, Delicious!

31

日式白菜猪肉锅，美味！ ASIAN CULTURE Are Chinese the Only People Who Wear Long Johns?

6

只有中国人穿秋裤吗？ Mencius's Mother Moving Three Times

14

孟子的故事---孟母三迁 LIFE & SCIENCE Say Goodbye to a Stiff Neck?

23

怎么和落枕说再见？ What to do if You Fall into the Swamp?

掉进沼泽地怎么办？ Click here to listen to audio recordings of this issue on YouTube

TMM | 03

10

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

ASIAN CULTURE

Intermediate level Min 5

Are Chinese the Only People Who Wear Long Johns?

This story has some challenging words and phrases, but it still works great as a warmup. To help yourself, try to translate each to the proper pinyin, and repeat it to yourself a few times over.

This may help you associate the character with the proper sound, and will help you remember both much more easily. Otherwise, this story is interesting, and is the perfect topic as the leaves start to fall off the trees. Are you excited for winter? What’s your favorite part of the cooler seasons, if you live somewhere that experiences them? For extra learning, discuss with your family and friends about their long johns opinions, but try to do so in Chinese.

Editor: Ted

TMM | 06

ASIAN CULTURE

只有中国人 穿秋裤吗？ ： 秋裤”最早出现在哪里？ Q2：什么样的人被叫做“秋裤党”？ Q1 “

如果你问一个中国人，在冬天，一定要穿的 东西是什么？我觉得他一定会说：秋裤。但 是，很多中国人都觉得全世界只有中国人才穿 秋裤，外国人都不穿秋裤。真的是这样吗？ 其实，除了中国，北朝鲜的人也喜欢穿秋 裤。但是，最早的秋裤却不是出现在这两个国 家，而是在北美大陆。所以，秋裤可能是从外 国传到中国的呢！ 在北美大陆，最早出现的秋裤和我们现在穿 的秋裤是不一样的。那时候的秋裤看起来和连 体裤一样，大多数是白色的，穿上以后会和身 体紧紧地贴在一起。后来为了方便，就把上面 的衣服和下面的裤子分开了。当时很多人都喜 欢穿秋裤。而且，人们还会把秋裤穿在外面。 因为他们觉得这样又暖和又好看。

又过了几十年，中国才有了秋裤。特别是在中 国的北方，人们非常喜欢穿秋裤。穿上秋裤，再 穿上其他的裤子，即使在冬天也不会觉得很冷。 中国的妈妈们经常对他们的孩子说：“记得穿秋 裤！”有时候我们觉得穿秋裤会让自己看起来很 胖，所以不愿意穿。但是因为要听妈妈的话，也 不得不穿。有人会开玩笑说：“有一种冷，是你 妈觉得你冷”。其实，妈妈让我们穿秋裤也是因 为关心我们。 现在的秋裤已经越来越好看了，有很多的颜 色，虽然薄但是很暖和。还有一种说法是秋裤能 让腿变瘦。这是因为天气冷的时候，如果不穿秋 裤，腿上会更容易长脂肪。脂肪想保护你的腿。 所以天气冷的时候，还是穿好秋裤吧！ 作者：春夏 TMM | 07

ASIAN CULTURE

VOCAB! 当然

不得不

only natural / as it should be / certainly

have no choice or option but to / cannot

dāng rán

bù dé bù

除了

but / have to / can't help it / can't avoid

时尚

chú le besides / apart from (... also...) / in

shí shàng

addition to / except (for)

fashion / fad / fashionable

ér qiě

chǒu

而且

丑

(not only ...) but also / moreover / in

ugly

addition / furthermore

紧身

jǐn shēn skintight

受到

shòu dào to

receive

(praise,

an

education,

punishment etc) / to be ...ed (praised, educated, punished etc)

竟然

jìng rán unexpectedly / to one's surprise / in spite of everything / in that crazy way / actually / to go as far as to

甚至

shèn zhì even; so much so that

TMM | 08

r e m m gra ew br

语法：就算……，也……

就算……也……”是一种表示假设条件和结果的语法结构。“就算”后面引出一个假设条件，“也” 后面引出一个结果，这 个结构表示即使这个假设条件发生了，结果仍然不变或不可避免。 在这里，“就算”和“即使”（你可能学过）的意思一样，区别是“就算”听起来比“即使”更口语化一些。 “

就算 …… 也 ……” is used to express first a hypothetical condition and then an inevitable result. The phrase " 就算 " introduces a hypothetical condition, while "也" introduces the resulting action or outcome. This structure conveys “

the idea that the result remains unchanged or unavoidable even if the hypothetical condition occurs.

In this context, "

就算" has the same meaning as "即使", which you might be familiar with, but "就算" sounds more

colloquial and conversational.

：就算……，也……

Structure

Examples:

、就算下雨，我也会去跑步。

1

Even if it rains, I will still go for a run.

、就算他没有道歉，我也能原谅他。

2

Even if he doesn't apologize, I can still forgive him.

Teacher's note

在中国，除了南部的一小块热带地区，其他大部分地方的冬天都不足够温暖到只需要穿一条普通的裤子，而秋裤就 是一种非常简单有用的保暖方法。老一辈人从没有质疑过秋裤，但在许多年轻人眼里，秋裤却不太时尚、丑、麻 烦，一点儿都不酷。 读完这篇文章，你可以采访一下身边的朋友，问问他们穿秋裤吗？对穿秋裤有什么看法？把你的采访结果写出来或 者说出来吧，写或者说的时候可以试着使用从这篇文章中学到的关键词语，如“丑，时尚，不得不”等等。 In most of China, except for a small tropical area in the south, winters are not warm enough to warrant just a

秋裤 " in Chinese) are a very simple and useful way to keep warm. Older generations never questioned long underwear ， but in the eyes of many young people they are less regular pair of trousers, and long johns (known as " fashionable, ugly, troublesome and not cool at all.

After reading this article, you may interview some of your friends and ask them if they wear long johns and what are their views on wearing long underwear. Write down or voice out the answer you get while trying to use key

丑，时尚，不得不"，etc.

words learned from this article, such as "

TMM | 09

Editor: Hermione Xu

LIFE & SCIENCE

掉进沼泽地怎么办？

What to do if You Fall into the

This story is a quick, easy, and useful read! I recommend reading when you’re looking for a short read. I also reccomend showing it to your friends and family, in case they ever need such information. Most importantly, be careful when walkin alone, especially in a new area. Be sure to always press questionable terrain with a stick before stepping. Have you ever had trouble with swamps or quicksand? We’d love to hear your stories!

Editor: Ted

Intermediate level Min 6

TMM | 10

LIFE & SCIENCE

什么是沼泽地呢？沼泽地是一种特殊的地形。 它看起来和草地一样安全，但是如果你一脚踩进去， 就很难再拿出来。慢慢的，你的身体也会沉下去，你 的呼吸也会变得很困难。如果在森林里，还有 可能遇到野兽。所以掉在沼泽地里是非常危险 的一件事情。我们在森林、公园等地方玩的 时候，就有可能遇到这样的危险。 上个星期六，凯文带着他的家人去旅游，他们在一 起玩得很开心。凯文正在一条小河旁边走路，不小 心踩到了一块沼泽地。他的一只脚完全沉下去 了，另一只脚也开始往下沉。一开始 他很害怕，不知道应该怎么做。凯文的家人告 诉他不要害怕，也不要乱动。他们找来了绳子， 帮凯文离开了沼泽地。 如果我们是一个人踩近了沼泽地，该怎么做呢？ 1.

要先冷静下来，不要害怕，更不要让自己的身体乱动。

把自己身上的书包、水杯、食物等东西脱下来，让自己 的身体变得轻一些。 2.

要想办法向后躺下来，把腿和脚向上抬起 来。注意，尽可能把鞋子留在沼泽地里，脚 才容易抬起来。 3.

：哪些地方容易出现 沼泽？ Q2：如果掉进沼泽里， 应该用什么方法脱 离危险？ Q1

张开胳膊，慢慢地移动身体。这样就可以一点一 点地离开沼泽地了。 4.

如果你遇到相同的情况，希望这些办法能帮助到你。但我更 希望你永远也碰不到这种情况。 TMM | 11

作者：北北

VOCAB! 沼泽 zhǎo zé marsh / swamp / wetlands

害怕

hài pà to be afraid / to be scared

逃

táo to escape / to run away / to flee

危险

wēi xiǎn danger / dangerous

冷静

lěng jìng calm; cool-headed / (of a place) deserted; quiet

平卧

píng wò Lie on the back

移动

yí dòng to move / movement / migration / mobile / portable

脱离

tuō lí to separate oneself from / to break away from / diastasis (medicine) / abscission / abjunction (botany)

森林

sēn lín forest

TMM | 12

r e m m a r g brew

语法：越【A】越【B】

表示【A】和【B】两个行为或状态的之间的关系，【B】的程度随着【A】的变化而变化。文章中的“越害怕越危险”， 就是说当“害怕”（即【A】）的程度增加，“危险”（即【B】）的程度也会增加。【A】和【B】的主语可以相同也可以 不同。 越【A】越【B】expressing the relationship between two actions or states of【A】and【B】, where the degree of B changes with the variation of A. In the sentence "

越害怕越危险" from the article, it means that as the degree of "害怕" (A) increases, the degree of "危

险" (B) also increases. The subjects of A and B can be the same or different. ：越【A】越【B】

Structure

： 1、越急越做不好事情。 Examples

The more rushed, the worse things are done.

、别说了，你越说我越讨厌你。

2

Stop it. The more you talk, the more I hate you.

Teacher's note

这篇文章讲述了Kevin在旅游中陷入沼泽并在家人的帮助下逃离危险的经历。沼泽看起来只是潮湿的泥地，但只有陷进 去以后发现很难离开的时候才知道它的可怕，Kevin的这次经历可以让很多人提前认识到沼泽的危险，并且知道正确的 逃离方法。 你有没有过遇到危险的经历？那是怎么发生的？你是怎么脱离危险的？有什么有用的方法？你有没有什么经验可以让 其他人避免这种危险？ 也许你的经历也可以帮助很多人。写一写你自己的故事吧。 This article tells the story of Kevin getting trapped in a swamp during a trip and made it out safe and sound with the help of his family. The swamp may appear as just a damp muddy ground, but it is only when you get stuck and find it difficult to leave that you realize its terrifying nature. Kevin's experience can help many people become aware of the dangers of swamps in advance and know the correct escape methods.

Have you ever had a dangerous experience? How did it happen? How did you manage to make it out safe and sound?

Are there any useful methods you can share? Do you have any experiences that can help others avoid such dangers?

Perhaps your experience can also help many people. Take some time to write down your own story.

TMM | 13

Editor: Hermione Xu

ASIAN CULTURE

孟子的故事——孟母三迁

MENCIUS'S MOTHER MOVING THREE TIMES Intermediate level Min 6

This story should be read sometime after you’ve warmed up. There are some challenges, but the fluidity of the story is perfect. It’s also a pleasant read, and holds your interest well. When reading, consider what you think Mnecius would have grown up like if mother stopped moving at each house. Do you think he would have been obsessed with death? Do you think he would have been a businessman, or even a criminal? The idea of enjoying the sight of pig

不得” and

slaughter would have many shouting “

rightfully so! Do you think that his mother did right by moving so many times? How would have you handled it? For extra learning, discuss your answers to these questions in Chinese amongst yourself or with friends.

Editor: Ted

TMM | 14

ASIAN CULTURE

：孟子的母亲为什么要带着孟子多次搬家？ Q2：孟子的成功是因为他居住的环境吗？ Q1

孟子是中国历史上一位很有名的思想家，也是一位非常好的老师。他去过很多地方，给那里的人 们讲自己的想法。他还和自己的学生一起写了一本书，叫做《孟子》。这本书告诉大家，要做一个 善良的人。现在的中国人也很爱读《孟子》，很多学校也会让学生学习《孟子》里面的故事。今 天，我来给大家讲一讲孟子小时候的故事吧！ 孟子很小的时候，爸爸就去世了，妈妈一个人照顾孟子。妈妈希望孟子可以好好学习，长大以后 成为一个非常优秀的人。 最开始，孟子和妈妈的家在一个墓地的旁边。孟子看到邻居 家的孩子经常模仿那些人，跪在墓地里大哭。他们觉得这很有 趣。有时候他们还会玩一些其他游戏，但很多都是和葬礼有关 的。孟子也想和他们一起玩。妈妈看到了以后心想：在这里 住，孟子能学到的都是葬礼的事情。我得给他换一个环境。然 后妈妈就带着孟子住到了一个热闹的地方。 在那里，有很多人做生意。孟子又开始学别人做生意，不 好好读书了。妈妈又想：这个地方可能也不适合我的孩子读 书。后来，妈妈又带着孟子搬了家。这次他们住在一个屠宰 场旁边，孟子看见杀猪也觉得很好玩。妈妈知道又需要再换 一个住的地方了。 最后，妈妈带着孟子找到了一个学校，就在学校的旁边住 下了。孟子每天和其他孩子一起去学校上课，和老师学了很 多东西。孟子的妈妈很高兴地说：“这才是我儿子应该住的 地方！” 孟子长大以后，成了非常有名的思想家。这就是很 有名的“孟母三迁”的故事。这个故事也让我们知道， 环境对一个人的影响是非常大的。 作者：一凡 TMM | 15

VOCAB! 适合

影响

yǐng xiǎng

shì hé

influence / effect / to influence

to fit; to suit

yán lì

huán jìng

severe / strict

environment /

严厉

环境

厉害

circumstances /

intense / severe

努力

surroundings

lì hai

墓地

nǔ lì

mù dì

to make a great

cemetery / graveyard

effort; to try hard

生意

shēng yì life force / vitality

TMM |16

gramemwer br

语法：虽然【A】，但【B】

虽然【A】，但【B】 ”是一个常用语法结构。【A】是一个既定存在的事实，一般来说，在这种既定事实下，并 不容易出现【B】这个情况。“虽然【A】，但【B】 ” 表示的是，在【A】存在的前提下，【B】并没有受其影响， 仍然出现了。“但”有时候也可以写成“但是”。 " 虽然【 A 】，但【 B 】 " is a common grammatical construction. 【 A 】 is an established fact of existence, and generally speaking, it is not easy for the case of 【B】 to arise under this established fact. "虽然【A】，但【B】" indicates that even though【A】exists, 【B】 is not affected by it and still occurs. "但" can sometimes be written as "但是". “

：虽然【A】，但【B】

Structure

： 1、虽然天气很热，但我还是坚持去跑步。 Examples

Although the weather is hot, I still insist on going running.

、虽然他年纪小，但（是）他的表演非常出色。

2

Despite his young age, his performance are excellent.

Teacher's note

孟子是中国仅次于孔子的儒家宗师，他继承和发扬了孔子的思想。孔子被成为“至圣”，而孟子被成为“亚圣”。因此 孟子的故事在中国有非常大的榜样的作用。 读一读这个故事，你可以注意一下它是怎样叙述一个有时间顺序的事件的：串联起三次搬家的关键词有“一开 始”，“到了……”，“这一次”。也可以思考一下环境和自己的努力对于成功的影响。 另外，这个故事中也反映出一个细节：两千多年前战国时代中国社会的“重农抑商”的思想：商业被认为是社会中最 不重要的一个行业，商人也是没有社会地位的人。 Mencius was the second most important Confucian master in China after Confucius, and he inherited and developed the ideas of Confucius. Confucius is known as the "Supreme Sage", while Mencius is known as the "Second Sage". Mencius is therefore a very big role model in China.

Read the story and notice how it tells a chronological story: the key words linking the three moves are “

一开

始”，“到了……”，“这一次”。You can also think about the impact of circumstances and one's own efforts when it comes to achieving success.

In addition this story also reflects a detail: more than 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States period, Chinese society had the "emphasising agriculture and suppressing commerce" ideology: commerce was considered the least important sector of society and merchants were people of a low social status.

TMM | 17

Editor: Hermione Xu

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

The Wisdom Hidden in Jujube Cake Intermediate level Min 5

藏在枣糕里的智慧

This story is a delightful read with a wise lesson. It also features a delightful wordplay on jujube, with an even funnier history. Have you ever had this cake? What do you think of it? Let us know your favorite cake, or even your favorite jujube cake recipe! Consider reading this story first, or when you’re looking for a break, and something a little easier to follow and read. We see a lot of repeating words here, so following along isn’t so hard to do. For extra learning, talk about jujube cake with your grandma, or even your parents, who probably have a pretty strong opinion about it.

Consider making the cake for your friends, reading the story afterward, outloud in Chinese! And remember, if you accidentally burn the cake, it may be because your second one will be even better.

Do you remember a time where something that went wrong, turned out for the better? Share your stories with us, we always love hearing from you.

Editor: Ted

TMM | 18

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

：枣糕是怎么被做出来的？ Q2：枣糕是什么时候成为一种有名的糕点的？ Q1

今天，凯文看见达达拿着一些糕点，像是磅蛋糕。它的颜色是红的，糕点上还有几颗枣，看起来很好吃。 凯文：达达，这是什么？ 达达：这是枣糕，是中国很有名的一种糕点。 凯文：枣糕好吃吗？是什么味道的？ 达达：你吃一口就知道了。 凯文拿了一块枣糕，尝了尝。吃起来甜甜的，还有枣的味道。 凯文：枣糕很软，比蛋糕多了枣的味道，很好吃！ 达达：是的。这是我奶奶做的。我奶奶是西安人，枣糕是西安人经常吃的一种糕点。 凯文：中国人是什么时候开始做枣糕的呢？ 达达：应该是很久很久以前了。关于枣糕还有一个有意思的故事。中国历史上有一个人叫关羽[1]，他开了一个 卖糕点的店。有一次，厨师正在做糕点。有一个小孩子不小心把一些枣掉进了锅里，谁也没有发现。等到糕点 做好以后，厨师才发现糕点上面有几颗枣。关羽看见了，本来想把这个糕点扔掉。但他吃了一口后发现很好 吃。这个有枣的糕点变得更香甜了，所以他就让厨师多做一些这样的糕点，拿出去卖给人们。不过，虽然它出 现的很早，但是其实在中国清朝[2]的时候，枣糕才成为有名的糕点。 凯文：我知道了。枣糕原来是这样来的呀。 达达：对。枣糕是一种非常健康的食物。因为枣的营养丰富，所以多吃枣糕，对身体很好。 凯文：我刚开始听到“枣糕”这个名字的时候，还以为你说的是“糟糕”呢！ 达达：哈哈哈，你知道吗，关羽发现糕点里不小心加了枣的时候，他旁边的一个人也大喊了一句：“糟糕！”关 羽听错了，以为他说这个糕点应该叫“枣糕”。后来，人们都喜欢吃这个糕点，枣糕也就成了它的新名字了。 所以当你觉得一件事情很糟糕的时候，不要生气。有可能这件事情会变成一件好的事情。这也是藏在枣糕里 的一种智慧吧。 作者：顾凡 [1] [2]

关羽：A character in the novel Romance of The Three Kingdoms. 清朝：The last feudal dynasty of China.

TMM | 19

VOCAB! 糕点

本来

cakes / pastries

original / originally

zǎo

yíng yǎng

gāo diǎn

běn lái

枣

营养

jujube

nutrition / nourishment

wèi dao

zāo gāo

味道

糟糕

flavor / smell

too bad / how terrible

sōng ruǎn

fǎn ér

松软

反而

flexible / not rigid / spongy /

instead / on the contrary

乐观

soft or runny (not set hard) / loose (soil)

lè guān

发现

optimistic / hopeful

fā xiàn to find / to discover

TMM | 20

r e m m a r g brew

语法：才

在动词前面加一个副词“才”，表示某个动作或者状态发生得比较晚，晚于一般认为的、预计的、或者说话人主观认为 的应该发生的时间，一般在“才”之前，会有表示时间或者时长的词。 另外，如果“才”之前没有表示时间或者时长的词，它在一个简单的单句里做副词，表示这个动作不久之前刚发生。 这里的不久，也指的是一般认为的、预计的，或者是说活人主观认为的不久。 Adding the adverb "才" before a verb indicates that the action or state occurred later than the generally perceived, expected, or subjectively considered time. Typically, there will be words indicating time or duration before "才."

Additionally, if there are no words indicating time or duration before " 才 " in a simple sentence, it functions as an adverb and signifies that the action occurred shortly before. In this case, “shortly” also refers to the generally perceived, expected, or subjectively considered timeframe.

：才

Structure " "+verb

： 1、我等到半夜才收到他的消息。 Examples

I didn't receive his message until midnight.

、我昨天才从中国回来。

2

I just got back from China yesterday.

Teacher's note

在中国，这种无意间的“事故”造成的美食还有很多，被遗忘在角落的腌制的豆腐块变成了臭豆腐，偶然落入石灰的鸭 蛋重见天日后变成了松花蛋。 而中国人在食物上寄托的美好愿望也很多，过年的时候吃鱼，意思是年年有余，“鱼”和“余”同音。吃汤圆，意味着全 家团圆。 在你的国家，吃某些东西有没有特别的意义呢？

In China history there is a lot of delicious food created by accident, such as bean curd cubes that were left in a corner and turned into stinky tofu or duck eggs that were accidentally dropped into quicklime and became preserved eggs.

Chinese people also have many types of food with special meanings. For example, eating fish during Chinese New Year means hoping for a prosperous year ahead, as the word for "fish" sounds the same as "surplus" in Chinese.

汤圆 " in Chinese) symbolizes family reunion (know as " 团圆 " in Chinese) ， because “汤圆” and “团圆” share the same character, "圆".

Eating glutinous rice balls (know as "

Does your country have any special meanings associated with eating certain foods?

TMM | 21

Editor: Hermione Xu

LIFE & SCIENCE

How to Say Goodbye to a Stiff Neck?

Intermediate level Min 6

off

on

Nobody likes waking up with a sore neck! If you have consistent neck pain, you may want to consider seeing a professional. Yoga also has a lot of excellent benefits when it comes to neck pain, including neck pain. Practice reading this story a few times over, and read it whenever you like. It’s mildly challenging, but with a little practice you should blow through it like the breeze, just be careful not to go too fast, or you may hurt your neck!

Editor: Ted TMM | 23

LIFE & SCIENCE

落枕不是很严重的问题，大多数是 可以自愈的。但是如果落枕了会觉 得特别疼。我们怎么做才能让自己 舒服一点呢？ 一天早上你起床的时候，发现 自己的脖子很不舒服。向左或者 向右转动的时候，就感觉很疼。 我很不幸地告诉你，你落枕了！

睡觉的姿势不对。如果我们白天 工作累了，晚上睡觉的时候，就 很可能会用一些不正确的姿势睡 觉，这样就可能会落枕。如果睡 觉的时候一直是一个姿势，也会 容易落枕。 人在睡觉的时候，如果脖子一直 被风吹着，也很容易落枕。

注意，如果你用了上面的方法脖子 还是很疼，那就一定要去看医生 了。 不过，最重要的还是平时要多运 动，这样脖子那里的肌肉就会更放 松。睡觉的时候，也要选择合适的 枕头，让肌肉好好休息。还要记得 盖好被子，不要吹太多的空调。 希望我们都可以对自己的身体更 好一些。 编辑：溪山 TMM | 24

： 什 么 是 ： 落 落 枕 枕 ？ 的 原 因 有 哪 些 ？

Q2

枕头高度不合适。我们的枕头太 高或者太低，脖子那里的肌肉就 得不到很好的休息。这样就可能 落枕。

第二，让脖子做一些简单的运 动。比如慢慢地转动脖子，向左转 动几次，再向右转动几次。感觉疼 的时候就停下来。

Q1

落枕的原因有很多种，不过主要 有下面这几个：

第一，发现落枕以后，先把冷的毛 巾放在疼的地方，放10-15分钟。 两天以后，就改用热毛巾。把热毛 巾放在疼的地方，也是放10-15分 钟。这样连续放5天。

怎么 和落 枕说 再见 ？

VOCAB! 姿势

zī shì posture / position

肌肉

jī ròu muscle / flesh

适度

shì dù moderately / appropriate

颈椎

jǐng zhuī cervical vertebra / the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck of humans and most mammals

预防

yù fáng to prevent / to take precautions against

办法

bàn fǎ means / method / way (of doing sth)

锻炼

duàn liàn to toughen / to temper / to engage in physical exercise

治疗

zhì liáo to treat (an illness) / medical treatment / therapy

TMM | 25

gramemwer br 语法：一 【A】就【B】 一 【A】就【B】，用来描述【A】【B】两个事件或状态之间的紧密联系，表示一旦【A】发生，后面紧接着的【B】也会发 生。【A】和【B】的主语可以相同也可以不同。 " 一 【 A 】就【 B 】 " is used to describe a close relationship between two events or states, A and B. It indicates that once 【A】 happens,【B】 will follow right after. The subject of 【A】and【B】 can be the same or different. ：一 【A】就【B】 Examples： 1、我的手一碰就痒。 Structure

My hand itches as soon as I touch it.

、他一说我就懂了。

2

I understood as soon as he said it.

Teacher's note

我们常常用一些固定的俗称，来指代某些没办法一句话说清的情况或者事情。比如：“因为睡姿不好、肩颈受凉或肌肉拉伤而 引起的起床后的脖子疼痛和活动受限”就叫做“落枕”（注意在“落枕”这个词里，“落”的发音是lào）；“在一定的范围内走路无论 如何都找不到出去的路，总是一次次回到原来的地方”叫做“鬼打墙”。 但是第一次听到“落枕”这个词的人，可能不知道它是什么，于是文章使用了一个非常典型的what - why - how 结构，让人阅读 起来非常顺畅： 开头：什么是落枕。 然后：为什么会落枕。 接下来：如何治疗和预防落枕。 这种结构特别适合把一个主题介绍给还不了解它的人。 有什么事情是你很了解但是你身边的其他人却不懂的呢？用以上这个结构来介绍一下吧。 Chinese often use certain fixed terms to refer to situations or things that cannot be easily explained in one sentence. For

example, the condition of "waking up with neck pain and limited mobility due to poor sleeping posture, exposure to cold on the shoulders and neck, or muscle strain" is called "

落枕 " (pronounced as "laò zhěn"). Another example is the situation of

"being unable to find a way out within a certain range while walking, repeatedly ending up back at the starting point", or

鬼打墙" (pronounced as "guǐ dǎ qiáng").

going literally around in circles, which is called " However, someone who hears the term "

落枕 " for the first time may not know what it means. Therefore the article uses a

very typical "what - why - how" structure, which makes it very smooth to read:

落枕"?

Introduction: What is "

落枕" occur?

Next: Why does "

落枕"?

Then: How to treat and prevent "

This structure is particularly suitable for introducing a topic that might be unfamiliar.

Is there something that you understand well but others around you don't? You can use the above structure to introduce it.

TMM | 26

Editor: Hermione Xu

TRENDS

ZOOM

Let's Zoom! 的故事！ ZOOM

This story should be read when you’re up for a little more of a challenge. While many words are somewhat simple, there are still some challenges. For extra fun, practice reading this story, or practice speaking Chinese by calling someone on Zoom as you do! There are many great sources that use Zoom to help you connect via webcam with others in different countries. These are there to help language learners speak with someone who natively speaks the language they’re learning. This is an excellent way to practice your Chinese, or other language.

Have you ever used Zoom in such way? How do you feel about using Zoom? We love hearing your opinions!

Editor: Ted

Intermediate level Min 5

：每天使用 Zoom 的用户从 1000 万到 2 亿， 是因为什么？ Q2 ： Zoom 有哪些功能？ Q1

TMM | 27

TRENDS

这几年因为疫情，很多公司都 受到了很大的影响。但是有一家 公司不但没有被影响，还发展得 更好了！他的用户数从每天的 1 0 0 0 万增加到了 2 个亿！他就是 Zoom。 我们都知道，在疫情的时候， 很多人为了安全都选择了在家里 工作。但是当你要和其他人开会 的时候，需要一个在线的会议 室。人们就发现了 Z o o m 。 在 Z o o m 上，人们可以视频开 会。它最多可以让 1 0 0 0 个人参加 视频会议，或者让 1 0 0 0 0 个人一 起看别人开会和讨论问题。这 样，大家就可以在自己的家里， 参加公司的会议了。

ZOOM

还有很多很好的功能。比如你可以打开虚拟背景，这样就不用担心 别人会看到你家的样子，可以很好地保护你的隐私。 Z o o m 还可以给你 “ 化 妆 ” ，你不用真的化妆，也可以看起来很好看。这是我非常喜欢的两个功能。 和公司的员工一样，因为疫情，很多学生也没有办法到学校上课。这个时 候，老师会用 Zoo m 给学生上课。在疫情的时候，有二十个国家的九万多所 学校用 Zoom 上课。 除了学习和工作， Z o o m 还能 “ 玩 ” ！在美国，有一些大学生会在 Zoom 上 办派对、音乐会和艺术展览。有一些爸爸妈妈会在 z o o m 上带孩子们做运 动。还有很多人在 Z o o m 上面一起玩游戏。虽然很多学生说他们不喜欢在线 上课，也不喜欢每天待在家里。但是因为有 Z o o m ，他们就不无聊了。 你用过 Zoom 吗，你喜欢用 Z o o m 吗？欢迎你告诉我你和 Z o o m 的故事 呀！ 作者：春夏 Zoom

TMM | 28

VOCAB! 疫情

yì qíng epidemic situation

视频

shì pín video

受到

shòu dào to receive

功能

gōng néng function / capability

虚拟

xū nǐ to imagine; to make up / fictitious; theoretical; hypothetical / (computing) to emulate / (computing) virtual

化妆

huà zhuāng to put on makeup

待

dāi to stay

TMM | 29

r e m m a gr ew br

语法：除了【A】，还【B】

除了【A】，还【B】是一种表示补充的语法结构。【A】是已知的，【B】是【A】以外的补充。 在“除了学习和工作，zoom 还能‘玩’！”这句话里，“学习和工作”是刚才上文讲过的，已知的，现在 用“还”引出要补充的部分：“玩”。 “ 除了【 A 】，还【 B 】 ” is a grammatical structure used to express addition. 【 A 】 is known, and 【B】 is the additional part outside of 【A】. In the sentence"除了学习和工作，zoom 还能‘玩’！" , " 学习和工作 " (studying and working) was mentioned in the previous context and is known, and now "还" (also) introduces the additional part: "玩" (play). ：除了【A】，还【B】 Examples： 1、除了公园，我们还可以去海滩玩。 Structure

In addition to the park, we can also go to the beach for fun.

、除了打篮球，他还会弹吉他。

2

In addition to playing basketball, he also plays guitar.

Teacher's note

有人说，一个好的开头是一篇文章成功的一半。这篇文章就有一个很吸引人的开头，值得我们学习： 一个反常的状况，一个激起好奇的提问，紧接着引出本文的主角：Zoom。 本文的最后，作者邀请你写一写你和Zoom的故事，我们就用这种方法来写开头吧，你将如何成功地 吸引别人看下去呢？ 另外，你也可以把你曾经写过的短文的开头用这种方法改一下，看看会不会更 好？

Some say that a good beginning is half the success of an article. This article has an intriguing opening that is worth learning from: an unusual situation, a thought-provoking question, followed by the introduction of the protagonist: Zoom.

At the end of this article, the author invites you to write your own Zoom story. Let's use this method to write the beginning. How will you successfully capture others' attention and make them read on?

Additionally you can also try using this approach to revise the opening of a short piece you have written before and see if it improves the overall effect.

Editor: Hermione Xu TMM | 30

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

JAPANESE CABBAGE PORK POT, DELICIOUS!

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MIN 6

This story is great for an easy read, as it features a lot of words that are easy to remember and grasp.

Practice reading this story and recipe as you cook the recipe! Invite some friends over, and take turns pronouncing the ingredients as you cook. I personally think that the recipe sounds outstanding and I’ll be sure to try it once it gets a little cooler outside. What do you think of “one pot?”

Editor: Ted TMM | 31

FOOD IS EVERYTHING

日 式 白 菜 猪 肉 锅 ， 美 味 ！

：什么叫“一锅端”？ ：用什么方法切洋葱不会刺激眼睛？

Q1 Q2

上周我去我朋友家玩。到了晚餐时间，我朋友说要做一个 很好吃的日式菜让我尝一尝。这道菜叫日式白菜猪肉锅。 日式白菜猪肉锅是具有日本特色的食物。我把那天我们吃 的日式白菜猪肉锅的做法分享给大家，你们也可以回家试试。

准备什么？

克大白菜--500g Chinese cabbage 克五花肉片--500g streaky pork 5克葱花--5g shallots 3克红椒--3g Red pepper 40毫升酱油--40ml soy sauce 3克糖--3g sugar 5克盐--5g salt 5克黑胡椒粉--5g black pepper 5毫升柠檬汁--5ml lemon juice 5克姜片--5g ginger slices 1个洋葱--an onion 10粒墨鱼丸--10 cuttlefish balls

500 500

TMM | 32

怎么做？ 先把洋葱洗好切片，放在锅的底部。用水把刀冲一下，刀的表 面就有了水。用这样的刀切洋葱，你就不会一直流泪了！ 1.

把五花肉放进冰箱，冷冻一下。等肉变得有点硬的时候，就可 以拿出来了。这样的五花肉很好切。把它竖着切成长长的片， 厚度大约0.5厘米。 2.

3.

在五花肉的上面和下面都放一点盐和黑胡椒粉，腌制15分钟。

把白菜洗干净，分成一片一片的。最好是买小一点的白菜，一 片白菜叶子和一片五花肉差不多长。 4.

把腌制好的五花肉放在白菜的上面。一片白菜上面放一片五花 肉，这样一层一层叠起来，叠放8-10层。 5.

然后把叠好的白菜五花肉切成一段一段的，每段大约4厘米， 注意不要切散。 6.

把切好的白菜五花肉整齐地放在洋葱上。一定要竖着放，放一 圈，这样你就能看到一层一层的白菜和肉了。最后在锅的中间放 入墨鱼丸。 7.

把酱油、糖、盐、柠檬汁和姜片一起放入碗中，加300毫升的 水，搅拌一下就是酱汁。 8.

把准备好的酱汁倒入锅里，开大火，煮3分钟，再转小火煮20分 钟。 9.

10.

煮好后放上葱花和红椒，就可以开始吃了！ TMM | 33

另外，关于这个菜，有个很好玩的 名字——一锅端。“一锅端”原本是用 一个锅把很多的食物都拿出来的意 思。如果一道菜很丰盛，做法也简 单，里面有肉有蔬菜，就可以 叫“一锅端”。是不是很有意思呢！ 作者：陶宝

TMM | 34

VOCAB! 蘸 zhàn to dip in (ink, sauce etc)

刺激

腌

cì jī

yān

stimulate; to excite /

to salt / to pickle

irritant

jiǎo yún

特色

搅匀

to mix up

丰盛

tè sè

fēng shèng

characteristic /

rich / sumptuous

distinguishing feature or quality

分享

fēn xiǎng to share (let others have some of sth good)

TMM | 35

r e m m a gr ew br 语法：把字句里隐藏的“把” 把”字句是汉语学习初级阶段一个非常重要的语法结构。它有很多种结构形式和对应的不同用法，可 能会让你感到复杂，但是别担心，你不需要一次掌握所有的用法，每次学会一个就很好了。 这篇文章里出现的“把”字句大多数是比较常见的“把+宾语+动词+介词+位置”结构，表示对这个宾语做 了什么动作。比如“把切好的白菜五花肉整齐地放在洋葱上”，“把准备好的酱汁倒入锅里”等等。 需要注意的是，在菜谱、指导手册、操作说明等带有指示意味的语境下，“把”字句里的“把”可能会被 省略。比如文中的“白菜切片洗干净”，其实是被省略了“把”的把字句，完整的句子是“把白菜切片洗干 净”。 The " 把 " sentence is a crucial grammar structure in the early stages of learning Chinese. It has “

various forms and corresponding usages. They may seem complex but fear not, you don't need to master all the usages at once. It's sufficient to learn them one by one.

把 " constructions appear in the common form of " 把 + object + verb + preposition + location". This structure indicates an action done to the object. For example, "把切好的 白菜五花肉整齐地放在洋葱上" means "neatly place the sliced cabbage and pork belly on top of the onions," and "把准备好的酱汁倒入锅里" means "pour the prepared sauce into the pot."

In this article, most of the "

Please note that in contexts where there is an implied sense of instruction, such as recipes,

把" character in the "把" construction may be omitted. For instance the phrase " 白菜切片洗干净 " in the text actually omits the " 把 " character in the complete sentence "把白菜切片洗干净." instructional manuals, or operation instructions, the "

：

Structure none

： 1，在菜谱中：“鸡蛋两个，打散。”=“把两个鸡蛋打散。” In a recipe: “鸡蛋两个，打散。” = “把两个鸡蛋打散。” = “Take two eggs and beat them.”

2，在制作指导中：“A4纸对折，剪开。”=“把A4纸对折，剪开。” In a crafting guide: "A4纸对折，剪开" =“把A4纸对折，剪开。” = "Fold the A4 paper in half and cut it Examples

open."

TMM | 36

Teacher's note

读完这篇短文，你可以试试用中文写一个菜谱，来介绍你们国家的一道特色菜。 写菜谱很简单，先列出需要用的材料，然后按照步骤把做法写出来，在菜谱中最常用的句 型就是“把”字句了。 如果想看更多菜谱作为参考，你可以在中国的网站或者社交媒体上搜索一下，有很多人热 衷分享他们怎么做自己的拿手菜。 你可能也发现了，这篇文章中做的菜是日式菜，是的，中国人喜欢各种各样的食物，在中 国不是只能吃到中餐。如果你想了解中国饮食文化的多样性，我推荐你看一部纪录片， 《舌尖上的中国》，记住，千万不要饿着肚子看。

After reading this short article, you can try writing a recipe in Chinese to introduce a signature dish from your country. Writing a recipe is simple: first, list the ingredients needed, then describe the steps in the process. The most commonly used sentence

把

pattern in a recipe is the " " construction.

If you want to see more recipes for reference, you can search on Chinese websites or social media platforms. Many people are enthusiastic about sharing their own specialty dishes.

You may have noticed that we shared a Japanese dish in this article. Chinese people enjoy various types of food beyond Chinese cuisine. If you want to explore the diversity of Chinese culinary culture, I recommend watching a documentary called "A Bite of

（舌尖上的中国）". Just remember not to watch it on an empty stomach!

China

Editor: Hermione Xu

TMM | 37

TRENDS

Advanced Level Min 8

ANAYA——THE SPIRITUAL OUTLET URBAN PEOPLE

OF

I would reccommend that this story be read last, as it was meant to be. This piece provides soothing imagery that calms, yet entices. Have you ever been to this area? What is your ideal home location? I like both city living and mountain living, and would love to one day own a home that offers a location that’s located near both, so I’m able to choose either when I please. Because this story features some challenges, take your time, and reread it a few times if you have to. Much like the sea, your knowledge will run deep.

Editor: Ted

ANAYA TMM | 38

TRENDS

阿那亚—— 都市人群的 精神出口

：生活在北京的人为什么更 向往远方？ Q2：阿那亚为什么这么吸引都 市人？ Q1

作 为中国的首都，北京是很多人

梦想的生活地。不过，对于已经生 活在北京的人来说，他们更向往远 方，尤其是在周末和节假日。 距离北京380公里的秦皇岛，无疑 是一个很好的选择。路程近、有 海，只是这两点就足以吸引向往自 由呼吸的北京人了。 很多年以前，人们来秦皇岛就是去 海边游泳、晒太阳、吃海鲜。因为 这里提供的就只是海和沙滩。 但这已经无法满足向往更多精神生 活的都市人群了。

ANAYA TMM | 39

就在这个时候，秦皇岛的海边出现了一 座“孤独的图书馆”。阿那亚就此进入了人 们的视野。 这个图书馆就在沙滩上，面朝大海。外 表裸露的浇筑混凝土、极简的线条，内部 的冥想坐垫，都给了这座图书馆一种与众 不同的气质。尤其是在冬季，海边少了喧 嚣的人群、色彩鲜艳的太阳伞、泳衣，加 之寒冷的空气，让人感觉海水的颜色都变 地更深更低沉。这些都给这座图书馆添加 了一份悠长的清冷感和孤独感。而这些， 和都市人群内心压抑的情绪狠狠共鸣。 阿那亚不仅让人们向往，它也真正地留住 了人们。因为这里不仅有海和图书馆，它 还是一个完善的海边社区。人们对海有先 天的向往，每天打开窗帘就可以即刻看到 海景是很多人梦想中家的样子。在阿那亚 就可以实现这个愿望。而且，和北京惊人 的房价相比，这里房子价格友善很多。

除了海景房，社区还有食堂、电影院，甚至剧场和音乐 厅。基本的生活需要和更高的精神满足，这里都可以足足 地给到你。这就是很多人选择在这里买房子的原因。 其实，在这里生活的人们有三种。一种人是业主。他们在 这里生活有的是为了养老；有的是平时在北京上班，周末 和节假日来这里休闲的都市人群。第二种是短期来这里旅 游的人。第三种是来这里办展览和演出的人们。不过不管 是哪种人，他们都在这里得到了他们想要的东西。 现在的阿那亚也还在不断地优化。但我更希望人们不需要 到一个特定的地方，也能找到自己心灵的答案。 作者：暖暖

TMM | 40

VOCAB! 无疑

wú yí undoubtedly; without doubt; for sure

视野

shì yě field of view / (fig.) outlook / perspective

裸露

luǒ lù naked / bare / uncovered / exposed

冥想

míng xiǎng to meditate / meditation

气质

qì zhì temperament / personality traits / manners

喧嚣

xuān xiāo to clamor; to make noise

悠长

yōu cháng long / drawn-out / prolonged / lingering

共鸣

gòng míng resonance (physics) / sympathetic response to sth

完善

wán shàn (of systems, facilities etc) comprehensive / well-developed / excellent / to refine / to improve

TMM | 41

先天

xiān tiān embryonic period / inborn / innate / natural

业主

yè zhǔ owner / proprietor

养老

yǎng lǎo to provide for the elderly (family members) / to enjoy a life in retirement

休闲

xiū xián leisure / relaxation / not working / idle / to enjoy leisure / to lie fallow

r e m m a gr ew br 语法（一）：……，尤其是…… 在一个句子后面，用“尤其是”来强调前一句里的某个部分，可以是前句的的任何方面、任何角度，比如强调发生 的时间、地点、状态，前句的主语、宾语等。 After a sentence, using " 尤其是 " to emphasize a specific part of the previous sentence can be any aspect or angle of the preceding sentence. This includes emphasizing the time, location, state, subject, object or any other aspect of the previous sentence.

： ，尤其是……

Structure ……

： 1、这部电影刻画了许多令人难忘的角色，尤其是主角。 Examples

This movie portrays many memorable characters, particularly the protagonist.

、他对音乐的热爱很大程度上驱使他成为一名音乐家，尤其是在他的年轻时期。

2

He was driven to become a musician largely by his passion for music, especially in his youth.

语法（二）……化 动词/形容词/名词 + 后缀“化”，形成一个动词，表示一种以该动词/形容词/名词为方向或趋势的变化。文中的“优 化”即变得更好。 The suffix " 化 " (pronounced as "huà") after a verb, adjective, or noun forms a verb that represents a change, direction or trend towards that verb/adjective/noun. In the article, "优化" means to become better. ： 化

Structure ……

： 1、公司最近财务状况恶化，已经好几个月发不出工资了。 Examples

The company's financial situation has recently deteriorated and salaries have not been paid for several months.

、最初简单的工作方法，经过多年的发展，已经进化成了一套精密又高效的标准工作流程。

2

The initially simple work method has evolved over many years into a sophisticated and efficient standard workflow.

TMM | 42

Teacher's note

这篇文章的语法结构并不难，读懂它的难度更在于其中很多在口语中不常用的高级词汇，如： 气质、喧嚣、悠长、共鸣，等等，它们之所以是高级词汇，是因为除了有最基本的字面意义， 其背后还带有更丰富的属性。比如“喧嚣”，基本义就是很吵，但并非那种逢年过节欢快的吵 闹，而是令人不舒适的、给人压力的吵闹；“悠长”，基本义就是长长的，但不是普通的长，无 聊的长，而是那种让人放松的、愿意享受其中的长。 学习汉语到了高级阶段，高级词汇的基本义已经不难理解，甚至可以猜个差不多，但注意分辨 其背后的细微差距，才能真正帮助我们理解并学会更复杂、更精确的表达。 The grammatical structure of this article is not difficult. The difficulty in understanding it lies in

气质" (temperament), "喧嚣" (hustle and bustle), "悠长" (long and leisurely), "共鸣" (resonance), and the advanced vocabulary not commonly used in spoken language, such as "

so on. They are considered advanced vocabulary words because they not only have basic literal meanings but also carry richer connotations.

喧嚣" literally means very noisy but it's not the kind of lively noise during

For example, "

festivals and celebrations. Instead, it refers to uncomfortable and stressful noise that creates

悠长" simply means long but it's not just any long and tedious duration.

pressure on people. "

On the contrary it describes a long and relaxing experience that people enjoy.

When learning Chinese at an advanced level, it is not difficult to understand the basic meaning of advanced vocabulary and we may even guess their meaning correctly. It is however essential to distinguish the subtle differences that can help us truly understand and learn more complex and precise expressions.

Editor: Hermione Xu

TMM | 43

TEACHER'S NOTE

The end ...

The eight articles in this issue provide Chinese language learners with a rich collection of reading material.

In China, long underwear is a controversial topic. Those who acknowledge its usefulness consider it a must-have for autumn and winter, while those who don't approve of it would never include it in their wardrobe. If you want to learn about the story of long johns, read the article "Are Chinese the only people in the world who wear long johns?". After reading it, you can bring the discussion about long johns into your own life using the teacher's notes provided at the end of the article as a guide.

When discussing ancient Chinese philosophers and Confucianism, we may have heard of Confucius, but there were other outstanding thinkers and educators in China as well. Mencius was one of the most notable figures, second only to Confucius. Many stories about Mencius have been passed down in China, and "Mencius's Mother Moving Three Times" is one of the more famous ones. In this story, you can see reflections on the factors contributing to personal success, as well as the long-standing tradition of valuing education for children in Chinese culture.

This issue includes two articles about food: "The Wisdom Hidden in Jujube Cake" and "Japanese Cabbage Pork Pot, Delicious!" In the story of jujube cake, the process of making it is not described in detail. Instead, it tells a delightful incident associated with the cake, which reflects the optimistic attitude of the Chinese people. If the story of jujube cake doesn't teach you how to make it, "Japanese Cabbage Pork Pot, Delicious!" will definitely do the job. It provides a recipe, and by following it, you can expect a delicious hot pot. For friends interested in Chinese cuisine, don't be disappointed that this article talks about Japanese food. The teacher's notes in the article recommend more resources to explore Chinese cuisine.

The article "Let's Zoom" is relatively easy to read because Zoom is a tool that everyone is familiar with. The article introduces the features of Zoom using language that may be unfamiliar to you, but based on your understanding of Zoom it is easier to comprehend than an article introducing Tai Chi for instance. This also provides a learning approach: learning within a familiar context can slightly reduce difficulty and alleviate the stress caused by unfamiliarity.

Even if they are not used as reading material for Chinese language learning, "Say Goodbye to a Stiff Neck?" and "What to Do If You Fall into The Swamp?" have valuable content nonetheless. They provide solutions to dilemmas encountered in daily life, such as what to do if you wake up with a stiff neck or if you fall into a seemingly ordinary but dangerous swamp. What attracts you to continue reading may not only be the motivation to learn but also the interest in the content itself. This showcases the power of selecting topics. When you need many people to read an article you write, it is worth experiencing the power of topic selection.

阿那亚 都市人群的精神出口

The two aforementioned articles address specific dilemmas faced by individuals, while " —— " ("Anaya The Spiritual Outlet for Urbanites") addresses the spiritual dilemma faced by urban dwellers. This dilemma is widely present in today's world, not just limited to residents of Beijing as mentioned in the article. It is believed that you can observe this yearning for a spiritual outlet among modern city dwellers in any other place or person you are familiar with. In the article, this outlet is called " " (Anaya), but what is it called elsewhere or by people you know?

阿那亚

We hope that the eight articles in this issue will not only assist you in learning Mandarin but also provide you with more background and new perspectives to understand Chinese society, culture, and history.

Editor: Hermione Xu

TMM | 45

means / method / way (of doing sth)

běn lái

original / originally

3

不得不

bù dé bù

have no choice or option but to / cannot but / have to / can't help it / can't avoid

4 5

丑 除了

chǒu

ugly

chú le

besides / apart from (... also...) / in addition to / except (for)

cì jī

to upset; to stimulate; to excite / irritant

dāi

to stay

8

刺激 待 当然

dāng rán

only natural / as it should be / certainly

9

锻炼

duàn liàn

to toughen / to temper / to engage in physical exercise

ér qiě

(not only ...) but also / moreover / in addition / furthermore

fā xiàn

to find / to discover

fǎn ér

instead / on the contrary

6 7

23

而且 发现 反而 分享 丰盛 糕点 功能 共鸣 害怕 化妆 环境 肌肉 搅匀 紧身

24

颈椎

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

fēn xiǎng

to share (let others have some of sth good)

fēng shèng

rich / sumptuous

gāo diǎn

cakes / pastries

gōng néng

function / capability

gòng míng

resonance (physics) / sympathetic response to sth

hài pà

to be afraid / to be scared

huà zhuāng

to put on makeup

huán jìng

environment / circumstances / surroundings

jī ròu

muscle / flesh

jiǎo yún

to mix up

jǐn shēn

skintight

jǐng zhuī

cervical vertebra / the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck of humans and most mammals

TMM | 46

Glossary

bàn fǎ

2

办法 本来

1

竟然

42

乐观 冷静 厉害 裸露 冥想 墓地 努力 平卧 气质 森林 甚至 生意 时尚 视频 视野 适度 适合

43

受到

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

44 45 46 47

48

受到 松软 逃 特色 脱离

jìng rán

unexpectedly / to one's surprise / in spite of everything / in that crazy way / actually / to go as far as to

lè guān

optimistic / hopeful

lěng jìng

calm; cool-headed / (of a place) deserted; quiet

lì hai

intense / severe

luǒ lù

naked / bare / uncovered / exposed

míng xiǎng

to meditate / meditation

mù dì

cemetery / graveyard

nǔ lì

to make a great effort; to try hard

píng wò

Lie on the back

qì zhì

temperament / personality traits / manners

sēn lín

forest

shèn zhì

even; so much so that

shēng yì

life force / vitality

shí shàng

fashion / fad / fashionable

shì pín

video

shì yě

field of view / (fig.) outlook / perspective

shì dù

moderately / appropriate

shì hé

to fit; to suit

shòu dào

to receive (praise, an education, punishment etc) / to be ...ed (praised, educated, punished etc)

shòu dào

to receive

sōng ruǎn

flexible / not rigid / spongy / soft or runny (not set hard) / loose (soil)

táo

to escape / to run away / to flee

tè sè

characteristic / distinguishing feature or quality

tuō lí

to separate oneself from / to break away from / diastasis (medicine) / abscission / abjunction (botany)

TMM | 47

Glossary

25

完善

wán shàn wēi xiǎn

danger / dangerous

wèi dao

flavor / smell

wú yí

undoubtedly; without doubt; for sure

53

危险 味道 无疑 先天

xiān tiān

embryonic period / inborn / innate / natural

54

休闲

xiū xián

leisure / relaxation / not working / idle / to enjoy leisure / to lie fallow

55

虚拟

xū nǐ

to imagine; to make up / fictitious; theoretical; hypothetical / (computing) to emulate / (computing) virtual

50 51 52

56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

喧嚣 腌 严厉 养老 业主 移动 疫情 营养 影响 悠长 预防 糟糕 枣 蘸 沼泽 治疗 姿势

xuān xiāo

to clamor; to make noise

yān

to salt / to pickle

yán lì

severe / strict

yǎng lǎo

to provide for the elderly (family members) / to enjoy a life in retirement

yè zhǔ

owner / proprietor

yí dòng

to move / movement / migration / mobile / portable

yì qíng

epidemic situation

yíng yǎng

nutrition / nourishment

yǐng xiǎng

influence / effect / to influence

yōu cháng

long / drawn-out / prolonged / lingering

yù fáng

to prevent / to take precautions against

zāo gāo

too bad / how terrible

zǎo

jujube

zhàn

to dip in (ink, sauce etc)

zhǎo zé

marsh / swamp / wetlands

zhì liáo

to treat (an illness) / medical treatment / therapy

zī shì

posture / position

TMM | 48

Glossary

49

(of systems, facilities etc) comprehensive / well-developed / excellent / to refine / to improve

Coming Next

In the next issue, the following questions will be answered: 1. Who is the most famous Sherlock Holmes in China?

2. What is the most edible monster in China?

3. How to make your own ice bock?

4. Which university cafeteria in Beijing is delicious?

5. What are the two most popular words in China recently?

6. Why don’t young Chinese people like to get married anymore?

7. Why are so many people afraid of the dark?

The Mimir Magazine Published by Contemporary Education and Technology Yi Chou Hsu Contemporary Education and Technology Chair Mengting Hou Executive Editor Mengjia Xu Managing Editor

ISSN 2835-5970

LEARN & BE CURIOUS www.themimir.com