Spondoolix - Web Log
Wednesday 14 February 2007
Monday 12 February 2007
Learning Mandarin - The Times Newspaper
Letter 11 February 2007: -
As an English chap who studied Mandarin for two years at Nanyang University, Singapore, back in the 1970's, I believe that to speak Mandarin is not as difficult as we tend to imagine. Reading and writing, are, of course, much harder.
I once told a Chinese friend, that there was no point in me learning Mandarin, as so many Chinese people spoke such excellent English.
He replied, "It will help you to be accepted and Chinese businessmen will trust you more than trusting other Chinese. They know that you can't be as smart!"
Sunday 11 February 2007
Chinese Year of the Pig
Chinese New Year of the Pig falls on the 18th February.
If you were born in any of these years, you are a porker:-
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995.
As a pig you have some great traits. Supposedly, those born in such a year are loyal, honest and tolerant. Pigs make great friends and unlike those portrayed in "Animal Farm," they will often sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of society at large.
Unfortunately, because they are idealistic and naive, Pigs are often duped, as people take advantage of their trusting nature. This does not deter the Pig. They are steadfast and continue to walk down the path of righteousness. They are rather stubborn by nature.
Pig people are great readers and they love to grub up knowledge and facts. In like minded company, they can talk happily for hours.
Pigs are compatible with those born in the years of Rabbit and Sheep.