General introduction about" Chinese cuisine"

Regional cultural differences vary greatly within China, giving rise to the different styles of food across the nation. Traditionally there are eight main regional cuisines, or Eight Great Traditions (八大菜系)





no.1 Cantonese(广东菜), famous for Slow cooked soup,seafood,Siu mei,Lou mei,Siu laap and Little pan rice.





No.2 Jiangsu(江苏菜）Jiangsu cuisine's texture is characterized as soft, but not to the point of mushy or falling apart.






No.3 Zhejiang（浙江菜） Food made in the Zhejiang style is not greasy, having instead a fresh and soft flavor with a mellow fragrance.






Anhui（徽菜）is known for its use of wild herbs, both land and sea, and simple methods of preparation.


More Information on our facebook photo

Mid-Autumn Festival In China

LC: want to learn "buy&sell" in chinese?

Hi,大家好。
Our topic next monday will be "buy&sell", which means you will be able to learn simple dialogue focusing on how to buy and sell things.

There will have tutors to help you practicing, so don't worry if you have never learnt chinese before. We will help you!

The class will be on monday from 5-6pm at Hidatsa room(2nd floor of MU).

Come and have fun!!!

LC@ 's new start this semester!

More photos at http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=55477671762&view=all

Learn Chinese @ NDSU will be back soon!

Every Monday
5:00pm-6:00pm
NDSU Memorial Union (Hidatsa) (2/F, close to Ballroom)

Please check back later for our starting date.
Feel free to join our facebook group Learn Chinese @ NDSU! for updated information.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55477671762

Spring 2009 LC@ Came to an End

See you all next semester!

Last LC@ class of this semester

April 27, Monday
4:30-6:30pm
Hidatsa (union 2/F)

Last class of this semester!

We are going to have a review of what we've learned so far, a presentation on the largest city in China (Shanghai), and a chance for everyone to win prizes (tutors will help you out ;)

We'll also open up for any types of questions that you might have related to China... so bring questions and come hang out one last time before we enter into dead week!

April 20

April 20, Monday
4:30-6:30pm
Hidatsa room (union 2/F)

We'll continue to learn about the initials and hear some stories (personal experiences) from survivors of disasters.

For those who missed our paper-cutting activity last time, feel free to ask tutors about getting the mock paper so everyone could try it!

We will also provide exercise sheets from previous classes to those who need them.

LC@ Eat Out

Seventeen of us ate out at a Chinese buffet on this school holiday. It was fun practice using chopsticks. For those of you who didn't come, you missed out! Hopefully we could take more time to hang out and get to know each other better outside of classroom in the future!

LC@ resumes on Monday, April 6

4:30-6:30pm Union Room of Nations.

Please refer to the post dated "Sunday, March 22, 2009" for class details.

Mar 30 Class Cancelled

Learn Chinese @ NDSU! will be cancelled on Monday (Mar 30) due to flooding in Fargo.

Mar 23 Class Cancelled

Learn Chinese @ NDSU! will be cancelled today due to flooding in Fargo.

Learn Chinese @ NDSU!
Mar 23, Monday
5:00-6:00pm
(Come hang out / bring questions as early as 4:30pm)
Meadow Lark

Paper-cutting, literally means cutting papers with scissors or an engraving knife, may not sound exceptionally interesting; yet, it is a distinctive visual art of Chinese handicrafts. It is easy to learn about cutting a piece of paper but very difficult to master it with perfection.
Paper-cutting originated from the 6th century when women used to paste golden and silver foil cuttings onto their hair at the temples, and men used them in sacred rituals. Later, they were used during festivals to decorate gates and windows. After hundreds of years' development, now they have become a very popular means of decoration among country folk, especially women.
People find hope and comfort in expressing wishes with paper cuttings. For example: for a wedding ceremony, red paper cuttings are a traditional and required decoration on the tea set, the dressing table glass, and on other furniture. A big red paper character 'Xi' (happiness) is a traditional must on the newlywed's door. Upon the birthday party of a senior, the character 'Shou' represents longevity and will add delight to the whole celebration; while a pattern of plump children cuddling fish signifies that every year they will be abundant in wealth.

Come join us tomorrow and give it a try! Don’t forget to practice the initials you learned! There will also be a presentation on Chinese tea—something different from just coffee or pop!

P.S: If you lost your PRS on Mar 9, contact Winga and get it back tomorrow!

Found PRS

Did you lost your PRS on Mar 9? Contact Winga and get it back!

Possible Presentation Topics

Which one interest you most? Let us know and you might get what you want soon!!!

Three-word chant / Three Character Classic (San Zi Jing)
China’s traditional enlightenment / education: embodiment of Confucian thoughts, which have great impact even on today’s Chinese society

The Forbidden City
Introduction and discussion of the imperial palace (Emperor(s), Empresses, Eunuchs, Officers, etc.), its structure and system of rules.

Traditional Clothing
Styles in different dynasties (e.g. Han, qipao, etc.)

Traditional Gourmet Food
Chinese eating styles, E.g. Sichuanese cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, Imperial Man-Han Banquet

Tai Chi (Taoism)
Origin, beliefs, bagua, ying-yang, qi gong, current development

The Art of War (Sun Zi Bing Fa)
Application of ancient saint’s knowledge, in the business world

Eastern Style of Architecture (feng shui system)
Chinese elements e.g. Suzhou Gardens, Great Wall, etc.

Confucianism (Confucius and Mencius)
Introduction of Confucius and Mencius, their philosophies and impacts on China

China’s Education System (since ancient times)
From the imperial examination system to college entrance examination; comparison between western and Chinese systems

Chinese Ethnic Minorities
Demographics, traditions, rights, current affairs and developments

Giant Panda
Distribution, breeding and growth process; significance to China

Wu Zetian (the only Empress in Chinese history)
Women’s status since ancient times; Wu’s character, achievements and stories

Chinese Buddhism
the development and evolution of Buddhism in China, its status in history and current condition

Guqin (traditional Chinese musical instrument)
The oldest Han musical instrument; its medical efficacy, its legends, etc.

Family Relationships (form of address)
Seniority; genealogy; family meetings

Chinese Weddings and Funerals
Traditions (since ancient times); today’s customs

Feudalism
Impact on today’s society; seniority; equality vs. obedience; face (social perceptions of a person's prestige)

Zhang Yimou (2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony)
Films, large-scale productions, China’s human resources and technology

Collectivism (Yao Ming, Liu Xiang)
Chinese perception of loyalty, belongingness, sense of honor to a group

Culture of Tea (Teahouse)
Tea from different regions, tradition of tea-drinking, etc.

Chinese Opera
Beijing opera, Sichuan opera, Cantonese opera, etc.

Martial Arts Stars (Jackie Chan, Jet Li, etc.)
Roads to success as a martial arts star, movies, significances

Culture of Alcohol (Wine / Beer)
Productions from different regions; tradition of drinking; today’s industry

Treating someone to Dinner
Differences between American (Going Dutch) and Chinese tradition; origin of the tradition, its development and current state

Modern Chinese Entertainment
Night life, karaoke, mahjong, etc.

The Great Wall
Its structure, role, related historical events, etc.

One-child Policy
Purpose, effect, citizens’ perception and acceptance level

Chinese Human Rights
Election system

5.12 Sichuan Earthquake (2008)
personal experience

Extended time = "Fatabulous" learning experience!

Did you all know that we were in the union 2/F Meadow Lark room today? We're missing a few of you... I know mid-terms are coming up, but we still ought to have fun on the side, right? And let me give you a little explanation on how the "2-hour class works":

The main part of the lecture + presentation + activities is still going to be 5:00-6:00pm.
4:30pm is the social time for you to come ask questions, get more practice and reviews, or do whatever you want with us... after the class, we could hang out and play games till 6:30pm every Monday! How does this sound?

Annoucements!!!

1. New Time New Place
We've got a new schedule starting this Monday:
Mar 2
4:30-6:30pm Meadow Lark (2/F in the union)

Please don't feel overwhelmed by the extended time! We're just trying to give you more time...
- to digest what you'll learn
- to chat and practice with your tutor
- to enjoy enriched presentations
- to have more fun with our activities!

You don't have to stay the whole time--you might be mesmerized to do so though!

The new schedule is posted on our facebook group page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55477671762


2. Powerpoint
Did you all enjoy the class last time but are forgetting what you learned? Well, do you want to keep the powerpoint? We already sent that out to those who are already in our email list. Remember to leave your email next time you stop by!
By the way, would you all like to receive the powerpoint through email in the future, or do you prefer blackboard site, or any other methods? Let us know! Leave us a comment / reply to the discussion board topic on facebook / send us an email (ndsu.lc@gmail.com)!


3. Overview of Monday's Class
And here comes a brief preview of what we're doing this coming Monday:
Let’s play Jianzi! It’s a traditional Chinese game that combines techniques and athleticism, also known as "shuttlecock" in the States. When Merkel, Chancellor of Germany visited China a few years ago, she tried the game! Now it's your turn! Before the game, we're going to continue with learning the basics of Chinese pinyin. We're also planning to add a presentation for your all--give us feedback on whether you like it or not afterwards! We love to hear from YOU!

See you all on Monday!

Learn Chinese @ NDSU!
5:00-6:00pm
LLC West Classroom 124
February 23, 2009

Come learn and play a traditional Chinese hand game! Some people call it the finger-guessing game, which is kind of similar to rock-paper-scissors, but not really—you might get paid playing the Chinese game!

Last year a 62-year-old won a job with a salary of ￥100,000 simply because of the game! A wealthy girl also offered to give him ￥10，000 if he is willing to teach her how to win the game.

We usually play the game when we’re having a good time—it simply adds more fun when you’re hanging out a bunch of friends! The game has been played in China since ancient times, and it still has its charm nowadays when people are having a party or going to pubs.

In Monday’s class, you will be shown a basic game—it’s so easy to learn and we can guarantee that you know how to say 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 in Chinese by the end of the day! Come and join us, you don’t want to miss it!