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Language Table in the Good Old Days

    (Update June 2021)  The Schedule at the right has been updated and is currently in effect for in person meetings.  Zoom meetings have been significantly reduced in number.  As before, please e-mail or write in the comments if you are interested in a Zoom group.  otherwise, feel free to attend any of our groups here in Bemidji at the time scheduled on the right.  Welcome back!

     COVID 19 shut down our weekly language table meetings when it shut down our restaurants last March here in Minnesota. (see my previous post, COVID 19 Septuagenarian Blues).  Beginning in April, some of our groups began meeting on the computer, via Zoom.  Although this was an excellent means to continue our language connection given the circumstances, and I plan to continue its use when it fits the circumstance, I certainly missed communicating through waves of air rather than waves of electrons.  There are some vibrations that don't transmit well in electronic waves.

     So when I heard that my favorite meeting place, the Wild Hare Bistro, was opening for take-out and outside dining, I was cautiously optimistic.

     Our Mandarin Chinese table has only two regular participants, so at our last Zoom meeting, we decided to try the Wild Hare, weather permitting.

     Upon our arrival last Tuesday, we could see that our friends who work there had worked hard to make it a safe and friendly atmosphere.  With sneeze shields, staff  wearing masks, and tables outside properly spaced, even a customer over 70 with a previous health condition like myself can feel very comfortable.

     My friend and I, sitting 6 feet apart and at least 6 feet from the other customers, greeted each other with a 你好 老朋友, ni hao lao peng you, (greetings old friend).  We talked about life, language, memorization techniques and restaurants for about an hour or a little more, said  再见, Zai jian, (see you later) and parted.  How good it felt to be in the same air space!

     I'm not comfortable with a larger group like we had in the old days yet, but that time will come.  In the meantime, for a family group or a group of two or three, try the Wild Hare Bistro here in Bemidji (web site).  You'll be happy you did.

Chinese new time and place. 中文 新 时间，处所。Zhong1wen2 xin1 shi2jian1, chu4suo3

     中文 桌子 改变 时间，处所。 我们 星期二 5点钟，在 Hobsen 上 学生会， 第 二 系上聚会。 看 学生会 的 地图 在 "Table Locations" 右边的。 点击 “Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" 看 地图。  来吧！说 汉语 跟 朋友。  星期二 见！

     Zhong1wen2 zhuo1zi gai3bian4 shi2jian1, chu4suo3.  Wo3men xing1qi1er4 wu3 dian3zhong, zai4 Hobsen shang4 xue2sheng hui4, di4 er4 ji2shang4 ju4 hui4.  Kan4 xue2shenghui4 de di4tu2 zai4  "Table Locations" you4bian1 de.  Dian3ji1 "Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" kan4 di4 tu2.  Lai2 ba!  Shuo1 han4yu3 gen peng2you3.  Xing1qi1er4 jian4!

     The Chinese table is changing time and location.  We will be meeting Tuesdays at five o'clock on the second level of Hobsen upper union.  Look to the right under "Table locations" to see a map of the student union.  Click on "Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" for map.  Come speak Mandarin with friends.  See you Tuesday!

3 week report, san1 xing1qi1 de bao4gao4, 三 星期 的 报告, tre uke melding

     Three weeks ago, I wrote that I would study Chinese and Norwegian every day, and would write something every week.  I didn't do it.  I went to the Chinese and Norwegian conversation tables every week, but I didn't study every day.  Today I change my habits.

Pinyin

     San1 xing1qi1 qian2, wo3 xie3 le wo3 mei3 tian1 xue3 Zhong1wen2, Nuo2wei1yu3, mei3 qing1xi1 wo3 xie3 yi1dian3.  Wo3 bu2 zuo4le.  Wo3 mei3 qing1qi1 qu4 zai4 Zhong1wen2 he Nuo2wei1yu3 shuo1hua4 de zhou1zi, dan4shi4 mei3 tian1 bu4 xue2xi.  Jin1tian1 wo3 gai3bian4 wo3 de xi2guan4.

Chinese

      三 兴起前，我 写了 每天 我 学 中文，挪威语; 每星期 我 写 一点. 我 不 做了.  我 每星期 去 在 中文 和 挪威语 说话 的 桌子, 但是 每天 不 学习.  今天 我 改变我 的 习惯.

Norwegian

     For tre uken, skrivet jai skal jai hver dagen studere kinesisk og norsk, og hver uke skal jai noe skrive.  Jai har ikke gjore det.  Hver uke gjoret jai  til kineserebord og norskebord, men studier jai ikke hver dag.  Idag skal jai forandre vanen min.

     (Being a student, I know there are many errors in my Chinese and Norwegian writing.  I won't feel bad if you would like to correct any or all of my errors.  You may do so in the comments section below, or by e-mail at bemidjidavid@gmail.com.)

After a year, what next?

     A year and a week ago I wrote the first post on this blog.  I created this blog to be a source of information on the current schedule of language tables and resources available in the Bemidji area.  My secondary reason was to give me an incentive to write in the languages I am studying, to help me develop my understanding of these languages.
     Although I've not added any new languages to my "survival" list, nor have I brought any of my "survival" languages up to the "pretty good" level, I've made small progress in most of them.  Participating in language tables does help one maintain current skills in that language, but without significant outside study, improvement is very slow.
     For that reason, I've decided to concentrate on Mandarin Chinese and Norwegian for the next four months.  I will do something in these two languages every day, and write about some mundane aspect of my life in these two languages every week.  By the end of December, I hope to have survival skills in Norwegian, and speak "pretty good" Mandarin Chinese.  Look for the first written report in these two languages by next Thursday, August 30.
     I will continue to spend some time each week to maintain my Spanish and other survival languages, and of course if I get a surprise opportunity to visit some distant corner of this globe, all bets are off, and I'll concentrate on the language and culture of that area.  Questions, comments or suggestions? click on "comments" below.

三 人 行， San1 ren2 xing2, Three people walk

     星期一上， 三个人 来 中文的 桌子。 在 会议 以后， 我 烤炉 孔子。  他 说， “三 人 型。  庇佑 我 的 师。“  我们 不 型， 但是， 每个 人 学， 每个 叫 娶她的。
     星期一 下， 我们 要 说话 的 农场 和 财源。  你 想说 一点 汉语 吗？ 你 相会说， 东， 一点吗？ 请 来， 请教，请学 以下。
     你有问题吗？  请 在 “comments  “ 下， 写 还是 罚 我 电子邮件。

     Xing1qi1yi1 shang4, san1 ge ren2 lai2 zhong1wen2 de zhuo1zi.  Zai4 hui4yi4 yi3hou, wo3 kao3 lu4 Kong1zi3.  Ta1 shuo1 "san1 ren2 xing2, bi4 you3 wo3 de shi1."   Wo3men bu4 xing1, dan4shi,mei3 ge ren2 xue3, mei3 ge jiao4 qu2 ta1 de.
     Xing1qi1yi1 xia4, wo3men yao shuo1hua4 de nong2chang3 he cai4 yuan2.  Ni3 xiang3 shuo1 yi dianr3 han4yu3 ma?  Ni3 xiang3 hui4 shuo1, dong1 yi1 dianr3 ma?  Qing3 lai2, qing3 jiao4, qing3 xue2 yi xia4.
     Ni3 you3 wen2ti ma? Qing3 zai4  "comments" xia4 xie3, haishi fa1 wo3 dian4zi you2jian4

       Last Monday, three people came to the Chinese table.  After the meeting, I thought about Confucius.  He said, "Three people walk, certainly there is my teacher."    We didn't walk, but each one learned, and each one taught the others.
     Next Monday, we will talk about farming and gardens.  Do you want to speak a little Mandarin?  Do you want to be able to speak and understand a little?  Please come, please teach a little, learn a little..
     Do you have questions?  Please write in "comments" below, or send me an email.

中文 的 桌子 改变 时候 的 回忆。 Zhong1wen2 de zhuo1zi gai3bian4 shi2hou4 de hui4yi4。 Chinese table changes meeting time.

     下个星期一，我们 五点半 要见面。 这个 时候 多一点儿 方便 根 几个 人。  星期一， 五点半 件。

     Xia4ge xing1qi1yi1, wo3men wu3dian3ban4 yao4 jian4mian4.  Zhe4ge shi2hou4 duo1 yi1dianr3 fang1bian4 gen1 ji3ge ren2.  Xing1qi1yi1 wu3dian3ban4 jian4.

     Next Monday, we will meet at 5:30.  This time is more convenient for some.  See you Monday at 5:30!

中文的桌子有节日。 Zhongwen de zhuozi you jieri。 Chinese table takes a holiday

      昨天，四口人 来了 中文的桌子。 我们说话，甚或快乐。
      因为 星期一，五月，二 十八号 是 纪念节，那天 中文的桌子 没有 会议。 我们 回来 下个 星期一， 六月四号。  我们也 改变 会议 的 时候。  四点钟 会议 开始。  两个星期  见！
  
     Zuo4tian1, si4 kou3 ren2 lai2le Zhong1wen2 de zhou1zi.  wo3men shuo1hua, sheng3 huo1 kuai4le4
     Yin1wei4 xing1qi1yi1, wu3yue4, er4shi2ba1 hao4 shi4 ji4nian4jie2, Na4 tian1 Zhongwen de zhuozi meiyou hui4yi4.  Wo3men hui4 lai2 xia4 ge xing1qi1yi1, liu4 yue4 si4 hao4.  Wo3men ye3 gai3bian4 hui4yi4 de shi2hou4.  si4 dian4zhong1 hui4yi4 kai1shi3.  Liang3 ge xing1qi1 jian4!.
 
     Yesterday, four people came to the Chinese table.  We talked and had a good time.
     Because Monday, May 28 is Memorial Day, the Chinese table will not meet that day.  We will return the following Monday, June 4.  We have also changed the meeting time to 4 o'clock.  See you in two weeks!

中文 的 桌子 开始 Zhong1wen2 de zhuo1 zi kai1shi3 Chinese table begins

     5月14号 星期一 晚上 5点钟，中文的桌子开始。 每 星期一，5点，我们 要来 Cabin Coffeehouse, 说 汉语, 听 汉语, 可是 学 一点点..  你 喜欢 说 汉语 吗? 请来.. 你不 好 说, 但是 香 联系 吗? 请来. 时候 不 好 吗? 请 写一张 便条 "Comments" 里, 还是 送我 一个电子邮件. bemidjidavid@gmail.com             星期一间! 

     5 yue4 14 hao4 xing1qi1y1i wan3shang 5 dian3zhong1, zhong1wen2 de zhuo1zi kai1shi3.  Mei3 xing1qi1yi1, 5 dian3, wo3men yao4 lai2 Cabin Coffeehouse, shuo1 han4yu3, ting1 han4yu3, ke3neng2 xue2 yi1 dian3dian3.  Ni3 xi3huan shuo1 han4yu3 ma3? qing3 lai2.  Ni3 bu4 hao3 shuo1, dan4shi4 xiang3 lian4xi2 ma3?  Qing3 lai2.  Shi2hou bu4 hao3 ma3?  You3 wen4ti2 ma3?  Qing3 xie3 yi1 zhang1 bian4tiao2 "Comments" li3, hai2shi song4 wo3 yi ge dian4zi you2jian4..     xing1qi1yi1jian4!

     May 14, Monday evening at 5 o'clock, the Chinese table will begin.  Every Monday at 5 we will meet at the Cabin Coffeehouse to speak and listen to Mandarin Chinese, and maybe learn a little.  Do you want to speak Mandarin?  Please come.  You don't speak well, but want to practice?  Please come.  Is the time not good, or you have other questions?  Please write in the "comments" or send me an e-mail. bemidjidavid@gmail.com   See you Monday!

中文的桌子吗？ Zhongwen de zhuozi ma? Chinese table?

2012年5月2号，星期三，晚上5：15，有汉语的会议在Cabin Coffeehouse  。我们要说话的新汉语的桌子。我们做什么在那里，什么时候？有意思吗？请来。 驾驶 不回来，下泄便条在"comments"。

2012 nian 5 yue 2 hao, qingqisan wanshang 5:15, you zhongwen de huiyi zai Cabin Coffeehouse.  Women yao shuohua de xin hanyu de zhuozi. Women zuo shenme zai nali, shenme shihou?  You yisi ma?  Qing lai.  Jiashi bu hui lai, xia xie biantiao zai "comments".

May 2, 2012, Wednesday evening at 5:15, there will be a Mandarin Chinese meeting at the Cabin Coffehouse.  We will talk about a new Mandarin table.  What will we do, where and when?  Sound interesting?  Please come.  If you are unable to come,  write a note in the "comments below.

Le chinois en français

Samedi, à 9 heure, il y avait seulmente deux personnes à la table française.  Comme nous deux aussi étudions le chinois, nous avons choisi à parler le chinois.  après d'une heure, autres ont arrivés et nous avons changé des langues.


星期六， 九点钟， 在法语 的 桌子 徵 有两个人。我们都 学习中文。所以 我们选了说中文。 在一小时之后  另外的人 到来。我们 变化的 语言。

Xing1qi1liu4, jiu1 dian1zhong1, zai4 fa3 yu3 de zhou1zi zhi3 you3 liang3ge ren2.  Wo3men dou1 xue2xi Zhong1wen2.  Suo3yi3 wo3men xuan3le shuo1 Zhong1wen2.  Zai4 yi1 xiao3shi2 zhi1hou4 ling4wai4de ren2 dao4lai2.  Wo3men bian4hua4 de yu3yan2.

Saturday at 9 o'clock there were only 2 people at the French table.  As we both study Chinese, we chose to speak Chinese.  After an hour, others arrived and we changed languages.

中文的目标, Zhong1wen2 de mu4biao1, Goal for Chinese

     我能说一点汉语，可是我文盲。 在北京，跟难处，我说话跟中国人。可是不能看牌子，逛过，报纸。有一本必读书和一些孩子的小说。我也有目标。在中国的新年以前，2012年1月23号，我要能度牌子和要能读容易的小说。
     你有意见吗？建议吗？ 在下文中，按 "comments"。

Pinyin:  Wo3 neng2 shuo1 yi dian3 han4yu3, ke1shi4 wo3 wen2mang2.  Zai4 Bei3jing1, gen1 nan2chu4, wo3 shuo1hua4 gen1 Zhong1guo2ren2.  Ke1shi4 bu4 neng kan4 pai2zi, guang1gao4, bao4zhi1.  You3 yi1 ben3 bi4du4shu1, he4 yi1 xie1 hai2zi de xiao3shuo1.  Wo3 ye3 you3 mu4biao1.  Zai4 Zhong1guo2 de xin1nian2 yi4qian2, er4 ling1 yi1 er4 nian2 yi1 yue4 er4shi1er4  hao4, wo3 yao4 neng2 du4 pai2zi he4 yao4 neng2 du4 rong2yi4 de gu4shi4.
     Ni3 you3 yi4jian4 ma?  jian4yi4 ma?  Zai4 xia4wen2zhong1, an4 "comments".

English:  I can speak a little Mandarin Chinese, but I'm illiterate.  In Beijing, with some difficulty, I talked with Chinese people.  But I could not read signs, ads or newspapers.  I have a Chinese textbook and some Chinese children's stories.  I also have a goal.  Before Chinese New Years, January 23, 2012, I will be able to read signs and easy stories.
     Do you have comments? suggestions?  Click on "comments" below.

Concordia Field Trip

上 星期三 我 和  顾 老师 认识 以下。  她 是 教授 从 中国。 今年 她 来 把密集 大学，较 中文。 我 邀请 她 来 看 Concordia 语言 的村庄。 星期六 我们 去 在 Concordia。 我们 看 五 个 语言 的 村庄。 我们 也 看 圆 的 和平。 真言 是 [和平 通过 了解]。 我们 都得 学 另外 的 文化。


Pinyin:  Shang4 xing1qi1san1 wo3 he2 Gu4 lao2shi1 ren2shi yi1xia4.  Ta1 shi4 jiao4shou4 cong2 Zhong1guo2.  Jin1 nian2 ta1 lai2 Bamiji da4xue2, jiao4 Zhong1wen2.  Wo3 yao1qing3 ta1 lai2 kan4 Concordia yu3yan de cun1zhuang1.  xing1qi1liu4 wo3men qu4 zai4 Concordia.  wo3men kan4 wu3 ge yu3yan de cun1zhuang1.  wo3men ye3 kan4 yuan2 de he4ping2.  Zhen1yan2 shi4 [he4ping2 tong1guo4 liao3jie3.]  Wo3men dou1 dei3 xue2 ling4wai4 de wen2hua4.

English:   Last Wednesday I met and visited with Professor Gu.  She is a visiting professor from China.  This year she came to Bemidji University to teach Chinese.While visiting, I invited her to come and see Concordia Language Villages.  Saturday we went to Concordia.  We saw 5 villages and also looked at the Circle of Peace.  The motto is "Peace through understanding".  To promote peace, we should all learn about other cultures.

也 看,  ye3 kan4,   see also,  Concordia Language Villages, fall 2011

20,000,000 Teachers in Beijing

 

在 北 京 的 公 园   Zai4 Bei3Jing4 de Gong1yuan2    In a Beijing Park

三 人 行，比 有 我 的 市   San1 ren2 xing2, bi1 you3 wo3 de shi1

3 people walk together, there is my teacher

“When three people walk together, there is always something I can learn.”  Confucius said this 2500 years ago.  A man I met on the streets of Beijing also told me this after I said that 20,000,000 people on the streets of Beijing were teaching me Chinese language and culture. His English was limited and my Chinese was very limited, so it took several minutes of further conversation before I finally understood the general meaning of these words.  As an American on his first holiday in China, I was happy to have walked a brief time together with this teacher.

Of course I enjoyed the magnificence and grandeur of Beijing, the mix of traditional and modern art and architecture, the beautiful parks and streets, but was most impressed by the people who invited me to share a moment in their lives.

While admiring a photo exhibit of life in the Hu Tongs, the winding narrow streets and passageways comprising many of the old neighborhoods of Beijing, a woman approached me and asked for my thoughts.  In my broken Chinese I told her the photos were interesting and beautiful, and helped me to see what I couldn’t see with my own eyes.  A little later, a man came over and told me to come with him.  There was a meeting of the contributing photographers and others discussing the exhibition and they would appreciate the input of an American.  There was an interpreter there so that I and the few other non-Chinese speakers could understand and be heard.  I listened, made my comments, and got a deeper understanding of the old Hu Tongs of Beijing. 

Of course there were many other experiences; the old man sitting on a bench in the park inviting me to sit and talk for a while, the little boy playing in the street explaining his game to me, the policeman on the corner giving me directions, the street cleaner curious about the notes I was writing, the accordion player interrupting his Chinese folk music to play an American folk tune and many others all teaching me something of the life and customs of China.  In turn, I was able to teach a little of the life and customs of America.

Someday soon I hope to return to Beijing and walk again with my fellow teachers and learners.  So come walk with me.  On a small planet such as this one, our understanding and our respect of its people and its neighborhoods will surely increase as we all walk more with our friends from around the world.