Exploring the Chinese language through games, culture and cuisine!
In addition to our regular Chinese language curriculum, Aidan students learn about Chinese language and culture by playing some of China's most popular and challenging board games: Chinese chess and the Go game. While playing, students learn to strategize in different situations and display understanding of Chinese sportsmanship by showing respect to opponents.
While learning and playing the games, students learned some interesting facts, such as:
- In Go, if you are one piece away from being eaten by the opponent, you're in "虎口" -- the "tiger's mouth." The Chinese often use the term "tiger's mouth" as a metaphor to describe a dangerous situation.
- Before playing the Go game, the players bow to each other and say "请多指教" (qǐng duō zhǐ jiào). The direct translation is " It's my pleasure to learn from you." We also use this expression when meeting someone for the first time in a formal setting.
- In Chinese chess, the pieces 兵 (bīng）and 卒 (zú) represent the soldiers. The Chinese use these words as a metaphor for someone who is the lowest ranking or the least acknowledged.
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At the end of January, we celebrated Chinese New Year by making dumplings. This year, students learned to recognize various vegetables from China. We dissected, smelled and studied the parts of a plant. We also learned the differences between the dumpling wrappers and wonton wrappers. Chinese food is such an important part of Chinese culture and daily life, and I am very proud of Aidan's Chinese students for showing their deep curiosity and interest in learning to appreciate the cuisine.
Happy Chinese New Year of the Pig.
新年好 xīn nián hǎo，恭喜发财 gōng xǐ fā cái！
Sincerely,
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