Chinese Colloquialised - Learn About Chinese Culture In Chinese！

Episode 86: 裹脚 (Foot Binding) Apr 08, 2022

In this episode, we go through the terrible history and culture of foot binding.
Transcript will be available on the website within the next 24 hours.

Episode 85: 阿Q vs 阿甘 (A comparison between Ah Q and Forrest Gump) Mar 27, 2022

Both The Story of Ah Q and Forrest Gump are representative of the zeitgeist at the time of their publication. In this episode, I go through the similarities and differences between the story of Ah Q and Forrest Gump. Enjoy!
Transcript will be made available at chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 84: 从文字到文化 (From Words to Culture) Mar 20, 2022

In this episode, I go over how language can shape someone's pattern of speech and why this can lead some people to think Chinese people are rude. I then go through some major translation incidents.
Transcript will be on the website: chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 83: 塞浦路斯 (Cyprus) Mar 13, 2022

In this episode, we briefly and speedily run through the very interesting Cypriot history.
Transcript will be available on http://chinesecolloquialised.com.

Episode 82: 乌克兰 (Ukraine) Mar 06, 2022

We stand with Ukraine.

Episode 81: 虎年快乐! (Happy Year of the Tiger!) Jan 24, 2022

Since it's the lunar new year coming up and it will be the year of the tiger, I thought it would be interesting to explore the Chinese idiom: 不入虎穴，焉得虎子.
Happy Year of the Tiger!

Episode 80: 西安防疫措施（Xi'an's Covid Prevention Measures） Jan 08, 2022

Happy New Year! In this episode, we catch up on what has been happening in Xi'an in terms of COVID prevention measures.
Transcript available on: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 79: 魔鬼城 (City of Ghosts) Sep 27, 2021

I'm back! In this episode, we talk about the City of Ghosts. It sounds fictitious but it very much exists! Where is it? And why is it known as the City of Ghosts?? Let's find out!
Transcript available on: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 78: 许渊冲 (Xu Yuanchong) Jun 20, 2021

In this episode, we take a moment to admire some of 许渊冲's works.
Transcript will be available at: www.chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 77: 看看腾讯爸爸 (When did Tencent start playing nice? ) Jun 12, 2021

In this episode, we have a look at how Tencent was and is viewed by its partners and competitors, including how Tencent went from being a public enemy to being the favourite.
June Workshop Tickets (Four-Day Work Week):
1A: 27 June, 10:00-11:00 (BST)
1B: 27 June, 18:00-19:00 (BST)
Transcript available at: www.chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 76: 中国目前单身人口近2亿 (Why are so many people in China still single?!) May 29, 2021

Recently I read a news article reporting that China has over 200 million people who are single. Why is this? Let's have a look!
Transcript will be available at: chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 75: 调休是不是该淘汰了? (Should "Adjusted Leave" Be Cancelled?) May 15, 2021

In this episode, we discuss why people don't like this "adjusted leave" concept and whether it should be cancelled for good.
Transcript available: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 74: 五一调休（China's International Workers' Day Adjusted Leave System） May 08, 2021

In this episode, we talk about China's International Workers' Day adjusted leave / time-off in lieu system. How does one day off become five days off?! And what do people in China think of this system?
Transcript available: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 73: 《小舍得》(China‘s junior to high school education culture) May 01, 2021

In this episode, we borrow the plot from the TV series 《小舍得》to explore China's junior to high school education culture.
Transcript available at: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 72:《星期日泰晤士报》的口误 (The Sunday Times' Gaffe About Slitty Eyes) Apr 24, 2021

In this episode I talk about an article I've written (in English) in response to The Sunday Times' remark that seems to condone, approve and trivialise Prince Philip's racist "gaffes".
The article: https://chinesecolloquialised.com/category/blog/
Transcript for today's episode: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 71: 中国第一位女皇帝 (The First Female Emperor of China) Apr 10, 2021

Who do you think is China's first female emperor? What if I told you there are actually three contenders? Let's have a look. 👑
Transcript available: http://chinesecolloquialised.com
Buy Me Coffee code: buymeacoff.ee/kaycee

Episode 70: 新疆棉花事件 (Xinjiang Cotton) Apr 04, 2021

In this episode, I briefly summarise the Xinjiang cotton issue and read a couple of news articles from China and a couple from the West to see how the issue was covered from different perspectives.
Transcript available at: http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 69: 汉字游戏 (How well do you know your Chinese characters?) ;) Mar 28, 2021

Let's play with some Chinese characters this week.
1. Can you guess the Chinese character from the short riddles?
2. What can you replace 弄 with for the sentence to still make sense?
3. Where can you insert punctuations to break the sentence up? There are 5 possible different sentences with different meanings, can you find them all?
Let me know on Instagram or in the comments section on my website, where the transcript is also available (http://chinesecolloquialised.com).

Episode 68: 他娶她嫁他（Will You Marry Me?) Mar 21, 2021

In this episode we talk #marriage! We take a closer look at the characters 娶 and 嫁 and their implicit meanings. We also cover 娘家 and 赘婿 to gain a certain cultural perspective of marriage in China.
Chinese Conversed: https://chineseconversed.com
Transcript available at: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 67(b): Read With Me Deep Dive: 《从你的全世界路过》第二夜：表白（"I Belonged To You", The Second Night: Confessing Love) Mar 10, 2021

《从你的全世界路过》Read With Me Deep Dive Part 3. In this episode, I run through some of the colloquial/uncommon/helpful terms in this first short story of the second night. What do you think about the series so far?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 67: 《从你的全世界路过》第二夜：表白（"I Belonged To You", The Second Night: Confessing Love) Mar 07, 2021

Let's read the first short story of the second chapter of 《从你的全世界路过》; it's called 我希望有个如你一般的人.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 66(b): Read With Me Deep Dive: 《从你的全世界路过》(I Belonged To You) (2) Feb 24, 2021

《从你的全世界路过》(I Belonged To You) Read With Me Deep Dive Part 2. In this episode, I run through some of the colloquial/uncommon terms in this second and last part of chapter 1. Video version available on YouTube (link below)
I would always recommend that you buy a copy of the book, to support the author if nothing else, but online versions are available if you wanted to read along with me in the meantime (link below). Here we go!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_gruZYFll40
#readwithme #bilingualbooks #learnmandarin

Episode 66: 从你的全世界路过II（“I Belonged To You II”） Feb 21, 2021

In this episode, we finish reading the second part of 从你的全世界路过 before we take a deep dive into some of the interesting, colloquial terms and phrases on Wednesday. What do you think of this first little short story from the collection?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 65: 年味儿（That New Year Feels） Feb 14, 2021

As many people know, we are now officially in the year of the ox! Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! In this episode we talk about the often talked about "年味儿". What is it??!

Episode 64(b): Read With Me Deep Dive: 《从你的全世界路过》(I Belonged To You) (1) Feb 10, 2021

I take a deep dive into the book《从你的全世界路过》, written by 张嘉佳。It's a collection of short stories, half of which are related to love. It's witty, funny and contains a good amount of slang with some gentle profanity. I would always recommend that you buy a copy of the book, to support the author if nothing else, but online versions are available if you wanted to read along with me in the meantime (link below). Here we go!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
#readwithme #bilingualbooks #learnmandarin

Episode 64: 《从你的全世界路过》（“I Belonged To You”） Feb 07, 2021

In this episode, I read a segment of the book 《从你的全世界路过》，written by author: 张嘉佳。It's a collection of short stories, half of which are related to love. It's witty, funny and contains some gentle profanity. I would always recommend buying a book if you can, to support the author, but there are online versions available if you wanted to read along with me in the mean time. Here we go!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
Online version of the book: http://www.dushu369.com/zhongguomingzhu/HTML/99793.html

Episode 63: 没有爱了，要不要离婚？好朋友的恋人出轨，告诉ta吗？!（Stay In A Loveless Marriage? Should I Tell My Friend Their Partner Might Be Cheating On Them?!） Jan 31, 2021

In this episode, Summer and I discuss the topics of a loveless marriage and whether we should tell our friend that their other half might be cheating on them?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

听夏老师讲讲：你好吗，少年？(How are you, young person?) Jan 27, 2021

Learn Chinese by listening to Chinese music! In this episode, Summer talks about Huo Zun's song 《你好吗，少年？》

Episode 62: 漂亮女人该拼事业还是拼男人？门当户对？！ (Should pretty women focus on their career or men? The right family for marriage? ) Jan 24, 2021

In this episode, Summer and I discuss two main concepts often debated in China: (i) should pretty women focus on their career or on men; and (ii) should you marry someone with a similar background and family to you? Then, I go on to discuss a recent TV series called 《流金岁月》, the storyline of which encompasses both of these points.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com.

跟夏老师聊聊：问候语 (Talking to Summer about Chinese Greetings) Jan 19, 2021

In this episode, we dig a little bit deeper about some of the basic Chinese greetings, including some interesting anecdotes about how some of the Chinese personal pronouns came about and how to move on from using the general patriarchal '他' （‘he') when you don't know the gender of the subject.
I am currently away from home and didn't bring my microphone with me as I didn't think I was going to spend this much time away. I had to film this via my camera, hence the reduced sound quality; it didn't sound terrible so I thought I'd upload it!

Episode 61: 聊聊近况（A Catch-Up） Jan 17, 2021

Semester 1 is over, most of my Semester 1 exams are done and it's been 4 months since I've resigned so... I thought this would be a good time for a quick catch-up!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com.

Episode 60: 丝绸之路 3/3 (The Silk Road 3/3) Jan 03, 2021

What's the connection between: 胡萝卜、胡椒、番茄、番薯、洋葱、洋菜? Let's find out in this third and final instalment of the series! Happy New Year, everyone!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com.

Episode 59: 丝绸之路 2/3 (The Silk Road 2/3) Dec 27, 2020

Hello! Hope everyone had good Christmas! This is the second instalment of the three-part Silk Road series. Key phrases are: collapse of the Roman Empire, Buddhism and Journey to the West. Enjoy ;)
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 58: 丝绸之路 1/3 (The Silk Road 1/3) Dec 20, 2020

Over the Christmas and New Year period, I will be talking about the Silk Road in 3 (hopefully interesting) parts. This is the first instalment where we will have a look at how the journey started in the first place. Let's get started!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 57:《青花瓷》vs 青花瓷（Jay Chou's “Qing Hua Ci" vs blue and white porcelain) Dec 13, 2020

In this episode, I examine some lyrics from Jay Chou's "Qing Hua Ci" and briefly discuss some interesting points about China's blue and white porcelain, could it have been taken from another country? Let's have a look.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com (link in description)

Episode 56: 中国女排《夺冠》(China's Women's Volleyball Team - "Leap (2020)") Dec 06, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the recently released film "Leap" - a film about China's women's volleyball team. Why volleyball? And why the Chinese women's team? Let's find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com (link in description)

Episode 55: 双十一单身狂欢节 (Double Eleven Singles Celebrations) Nov 16, 2020

In this episode, I recap on 11 November aka Singles' Day aka Online Shopping Spree Festival - huh?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 54: 碰瓷儿(Touch Porcelain?) Nov 02, 2020

In this episode, I talk about 'Touching Porcelain'. This is a literal translation of the Chinese phrase, of course, it's not as simple as just touching porcelain... so what could it be? Hint: It's not similar to the English idiom 'touch wood'.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 53: 中国古代服装vs西方古代服装 (Ancient Chinese Clothing vs. Ancient Western Clothing) Oct 24, 2020

In this episode, we talk fashion. I compare what people used to wear in the ancient times in both China and the West. Would they be similar or too different?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 52(b): [English] There's this kind of...tea?! Oct 18, 2020

In this episode, I talk about Kombucha. Did you know it was originally from China and has existed for over 2,000 years?!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 52: 还有这种茶？！(There's this kind of...tea?!) Oct 17, 2020

In this episode, I talk about Kombucha. Did you know it was originally from China and has existed for over 2,000 years?!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 51(b): [English] Mulan (Disney's Remake) Oct 11, 2020

In this episode, I discuss what's been discussed about Disney's remake of Mulan and throw in a few pennies of my own thoughts.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 51: 花木兰 (Mulan) Oct 10, 2020

In this episode, I discuss what's been discussed about Disney's remake of Mulan and throw in a few pennies of my own thoughts.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 50(b): [English] China's National Day Oct 04, 2020

In this episode, I talk about how China celebrated its National Day historically and the National Day in general, for both China and the rest of the world.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 50: 国庆节 (China's National Day) Oct 03, 2020

In this episode, I talk about how China celebrated its National Day historically and the National Day in general, for both China and the rest of the world.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 49(b): [English] Mid-Autumn Festival Sep 27, 2020

In this episode, I share and talk about a poem from the Song dynasty that I really like and is aptly related to the mid-autumn festival that's coming up. I also talk about how some of the ethnic minorities in China may celebrate mid-autumn festival.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 49: 中秋节 (Mid-Autumn Festival) Sep 26, 2020

In this episode, I share and talk about a poem that I really like from the Song dynasty and is aptly related to the mid-autumn festival that's coming up. I also talk about how some of the ethnic minorities in China may celebrate mid-autumn festival.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 48: 自我介绍 II (Introduction II - Life Update) Sep 19, 2020

In this episode, I talk about a recent, major turning point in my life. This could be the beginning of something beautiful or beautifully sad. But how do you know if you don't try?! Here's to having the courage to try something new 🍻.
YouTube video mentioned in the podcast: https://youtu.be/6E_0xx-V0NU
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com.

Episode 47(b): [English] Jane Eyre and Lin Daiyu Sep 13, 2020

In this episode, I compare Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" with Lin Daiyu from "The Dream of the Red Chamber" to illustrate some differences between Chinese and Western culture as presented by these two characters.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 47: 简·爱与林黛玉 (Jane Eyre and Lin Daiyu) Sep 12, 2020

In this episode, I compare Jane Eyre from "Jane Eyre" with Lin Daiyu from "The Dream of the Red Chamber" to illustrate some differences between Chinese and Western culture as presented by these two characters.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 46(b): [English] The Architect of Modern China Sep 06, 2020

Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician who has the reputation of being the "Architect of Modern China". In this episode, I briefly go over why he changed his name three time, the three falls and rises of his political career and a couple of his major contributions to modern China.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 46: 现代中国的建筑师 (The Architect of Modern China) Sep 05, 2020

Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician who has the reputation of being the "Architect of Modern China". In this episode, I briefly go over why he changed his name three time, the three falls and rises of his political career and a couple of his major contributions to modern China.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 45(b): [English] Chinese Steamed Buns Culture Aug 30, 2020

In this episode, I talk about steamed buns. What is such an ordinary food today is actually quite sophisticated. What do I mean? Listen to this week's episode and find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 45: 馒头文化 (Chinese Steamed Buns Culture) Aug 29, 2020

In this episode, I talk about steamed buns. What is such an ordinary food today is actually quite sophisticated. What do I mean? Listen to this week's episode and find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 44(b): [English] The Qixi Festival Aug 23, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the Qixi Festival coming up in 2 days’ time. Many people have heard of the folktale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl but did you know the story originated from the ancient constellation system? Let’s have a look.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 44: 七夕节 (The Qixi Festival) Aug 22, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the Qixi Festival coming up in 2 days’ time. Many people have heard of the folktale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl but did you know the story originated from the ancient constellation system? Let’s have a look.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 43(b): [English] "Mr Donkey" Aug 16, 2020

In this episode, I talk about how a donkey gets water in China... Just kidding. 《驴得水》("Mr Donkey") is a film that I’ve been wanting to recommend for a while now. I’d say it’s one of the best Chinese films produced in the last decade or so. You should definitely watch it and let me know what you think!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 43: 《驴得水》("Mr. Donkey") Aug 15, 2020

In this episode, I talk about how a donkey gets water in China... Just kidding. 《驴得水》("Mr Donkey") is a film that I’ve been wanting to recommend for a while now. I’d say it’s one of the best Chinese films produced in the last decade or so. You should definitely watch it and let me know what you think!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 42(b): [English] The forbidden... plum of China? Aug 08, 2020

In this episode, I talk about a plum that’s been banned in China. What kind of plum? The kind that’s in a golden vase! If you know what I’m talking about, you’re probably already secretly smirking along. If not, it’s about time that you find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 42: 被中国封禁的。。。梅？ (The forbidden... plum of China?) Aug 08, 2020

In this episode, I talk about a plum that’s been banned in China. What kind of plum? The kind that’s in a golden vase! If you know what I’m talking about, you’re probably already secretly smirking along. If not, it’s about time that you find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 41(b): [English] Why Is Baidu Called "Baidu"? Aug 01, 2020

In this episode, I talk about “Baidu”, the Chinese equivalent of “Google”. You may or may not know, the name “Baidu” was actually inspired by a Chinese poem from the 12th century. Which poem? Let’s have a look!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 41: 百度为什么叫”百度" (Why is Baidu called “Baidu”?) Aug 01, 2020

In this episode, I talk about “Baidu”, the Chinese equivalent of “Google”. You may or may not know, the name “Baidu” was actually inspired by a Chinese poem from the 12th century. Which poem? Let’s have a look!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 40: 重庆四大特色美食 (Four of Chongqing’s Most Iconic Dishes) Jul 25, 2020

In this episode, I explore four of Chongqing’s most popular, most iconic dishes.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 39: "教育工厂" （"An Education Factory") Jul 18, 2020

In this episode, I talk about what’s known as an “education factory” in China. This “education factory” is held in a rural area in the Anhui province and holds roughly 20,000 students, which is 4 times the reported local population. Why is it called an “education factory”? Let’s find out!
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 38: 《乘风破浪的姐姐》（“Sisters Who Make Waves”） Jul 11, 2020

In this episode, I talk about a Chinese reality TV show that’s taken China by storm. I explore the theme of the TV show and pick apart the title to bring out some cultural differences between China and the West.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 37: 火锅文化（Hotpot Culture） Jul 04, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the many and various types of hotpot and how hotpot from other countries may differ to China’s hotpot.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 36: 2020同志骄傲月(II) (2020 Pride Month (II)) Jun 27, 2020

This is the second and last episode relating to the LGBTQ+ community in honour of pride month. In this episode, I read through the coming out stories of a gay man in China.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 35: 北京烤鸭（Crispy Peking Duck） Jun 20, 2020

We've all seen the 'crispy Peking duck' on a Chinese restaurant menu but do we understand the history, culture and art behind how it's made? Let's find out. In this episode, I talk about how the roast duck dish came about, the two main ways of how it's cooked, the three ways of how it's eaten and the restaurants you should go to in Beijing if you want to taste the true beauty of this dish.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 34: 2020同志骄傲月 (I) (2020 Pride Month (I)) Jun 13, 2020

In honour of pride month, in this episode I briefly talk about what life is like for someone in the LGBTQ+ community in China. Lots of people automatically think it's illegal to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in China. It's not. There are LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, dating apps, etc. Is life harder for a LGBTQ+ person? Yes, although to different degrees depending on each individual's circumstance.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
Original post mentioned in the podcast: https://www.douban.com/group/topic/68869105/

Episode 33: 关于种族与种族主义 (About Race and Racism) Jun 06, 2020

In light of the George Floyd incident, in this episode I talk about race and racism, which includes the reading of a Chinese translation version of Reni Eddo-Lodge’s 2014 article named “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race”.
As I was researching, what surprised me was that whilst Reni’s work is praised and celebrated in the West and is widely circulated by western media, there is hardly any mention of her work in Chinese media. So I took the liberty of translating Reni’s 2014 article into Chinese to help expand the conversation about race so that it's available to a wider audience.
Reni Eddo-Lodge's 2014 article: http://renieddolodge.co.uk/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race/
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 32: 中国变成今天的中国都经历了什么？(What Did China Have To Go Through To Become Today's China?) May 31, 2020

In past episodes, we have spoken about the two opium wars, the Sikkim expedition and the end of the Qing dynasty. In this episode, I read an excerpt from a book that illustrates very well what China was like during that period of time and how hard China had to fight to become today’s China. Today’s China should not be taken for granted.
The book is called 《为什么是毛泽东》(“Why Was It Mao Zedong”). As the title suggests, that period of time played an important role in how Chairman Mao came to power.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 31: 中英第三次战争 (The Third Time China And Great Britain Went To War) May 24, 2020

Also available on most major podcast platforms (e.g. Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Stitcher / etc.).
In this episode, I talk about the third time China and the UK went into battle. Could it be as a result of opium again?! Let’s find out.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 30: 中国人为什么用筷子? (Why Do Chinese People Use Chopsticks?) May 17, 2020

In this episode, I explore why Chinese people use chopsticks and briefly touch upon the history of chopsticks.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 29: 提笔忘字 (Forgetting How To Write A Chinese Character) May 10, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the growing tendency of young people in China who are increasing forgetting how to write certain Chinese characters. I also talk about the 6 different ways in which Chinese characters are structured and used; knowing the formation of Chinese characters may help us to better remember the characters.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 28: 中国桃文化（China's Culture Re. Peaches） May 03, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the importance of peaches in Chinese culture.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 27: 中国人为什么喜欢喝温水？（Why Do Chinese People Like Drinking Warm Water So Much?) Apr 26, 2020

In this episode, I talk about why Chinese people like drinking warm water so much. I’ve had enough funny looks so I think it’s time to talk about it.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 26: 留守儿童 (China's 'Left-Behind' Children) Apr 19, 2020

There is a group of people in China known as the ‘left-behind’ children. In the rural, poorest areas of China, the parents of these children tend to leave home to work in the bigger cities. They may not return home much (measured in months and years) but they will usually send money home on a frequent basis. This is their way of offering better support to their families but it inevitably leaves a lasting impact on the children who are growing up without the love and care of their parents.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 25: King Henry VIII VS 汉武帝（King Henry VIII VS Emperor Han Wu) Apr 12, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the similarities between King Henry VIII and the seventh emperor of the Han dynasty of China.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LFNytJ1MRE8

Episode 24: 抑郁（Depression） Apr 05, 2020

In this episode, I talk about depression. Most of the world is now in lockdown mode, with the reduced level of social interaction, depressive symptoms may appear. I hope we can all look after our own mental wellbeing as well as look out for our family and friends.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
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YouTube Channel：https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEmG0GY2iFt5z6xuwtQV2AQ/
提到的微信文章：
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/lEo3znXNTeDB57hHOAfKPA https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/PdPlg13YFvL4GiGhl6eJBQ

Episode 23: 长生不老药 (The Elixir Of Life) Mar 29, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the pursuit by many Chinese emperors of the magical pill of immortality.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com
I've also been trying to think of more creative and fun ways that might help you to build vocabulary, YouTube link below.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/NTNYQjHYA9o

Episode 22: 中国式相亲 (The Chinese Way Of Dating) Mar 22, 2020

In this episode, I talk about China’s unique dating culture.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 21: 中国为什么叫“中国”？（Why Is China Called "China"?） Mar 15, 2020

In this episode, I explore the story behind China’s name. Why is China called China?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 20: 中国女权主义（Feminism in China） Mar 08, 2020

In this episode, since it’s International Women’s Day, I thought I'd interview my mum about the feminist movement in China and what it meant for her.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 19: 冠状病毒之亲身体验（A First Hand Experience Of The Coronavirus） Mar 01, 2020

In this episode, my mum talks about her first hand experience of coronavirus when she was in China - the good, the bad and the ugly.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 18: 清朝灭亡之后呢？(Collapse of the Qing dynasty, and then what?) Feb 23, 2020

In this episode, I talk about what happened after the First Opium War. Of course there was the Second Opium War, which paved the way for the collapse of the Qing dynasty. And then what?
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 17: 空城计 VS 木马计（The Empty City VS The Trojan Horse） Feb 16, 2020

In this episode, I analyse the difference between China's "Empty City" strategy and the Greek's "Trojan Horse" strategy. Both were supposedly used during a war and both use 'hiding' to gain a strategical advantage. However, the tactics were used for different reasons and in different approaches. The comparison highlights the cultural differences between China and the West and the different ways of thinking.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 16: 鸦片战争 (The First Opium War) Feb 09, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the First Opium War, which is the first war between China and the UK.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 15: 新型冠状病毒（Novel Coronavirus) Feb 02, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the newly discovered coronavirus and its impact across China.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 14: 红包（Red Packets） Jan 25, 2020

Whilst we all know that Chinese people like to give red packets at celebratory events, especially Chinese New Year, I dig a little deeper and explain how the tradition came about, what are the practices now and what are some of the interesting values that we can put in the red packets.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 13: 小年（Kitchen God Festival) Jan 19, 2020

In this episode, I talk about the Kitchen God Festival or what I'd like to call "Little New Year". This is when you start tidying the house and start stocking up for the new year so that you can be ready to welcome the Chinese New Year in a week's time.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

(Chinese) Episode 12: 中医 VS. 西医（Traditional Chinese Medicine VS. Western Medicine） Jan 12, 2020

For this episode, my friend Alex (a full-time doctor) kindly joined me to compare and discuss the basics of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, primarily by analysing two common sayings in China and the west respectively.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

(English) Episode 12: 中医 VS. 西医（Traditional Chinese Medicine VS. Western Medicine） Jan 12, 2020

For this episode, my friend Alex (a full-time doctor) kindly joined me to compare and discuss the basics of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, primarily by analysing two common sayings in China and the west respectively.
To see the transcript, visit: https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 11: 中国独生子女政策（China's One-Child Policy) Jan 05, 2020

In this episode, I explore China's one-child policy, which is often seen by the West as the government abusing its people's birth right, freedom of expression and human rights. I look at why the policy was adopted in the first place and the impact it subsequently had on the country.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 10: 华为（Huawei) Dec 29, 2019

In this episode, I explore the history of Huawei. Interestingly, Huawei never even intended to enter into the mobile phone industry!

Episode 9: 中国人过圣诞节吗（Do Chinese People Celebrate Christmas?) Dec 22, 2019

In this episode, I explore whether people in China celebrate Christmas and ask the question 'should people in China celebrate Christmas'?
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 8: 中国美食之为什么春节时吃饺子（Chinese Cuisine - Why We Eat Dumplings On Chinese New Year) Dec 14, 2019

In this episode, I talk about the history of dumplings and why Chinese people like to eat dumplings on Chinese New Year.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 7: 中国送礼习俗（Gift-Giving Traditions in China) Dec 07, 2019

In this episode, we talk about the culture and traditions behind gift-giving.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 6: 中国网语 III（Chinese Internet Slang III) Dec 01, 2019

The episode where we explore Chinese Internet Slangs even more (last one of the three, promise).
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 5: 中国网语 II（Chinese Internet Slang II) Nov 24, 2019

The episode where we continue to explore modern Chinese Internet Slang.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 4: 中国网语 I（Chinese Internet Slang I) Sep 29, 2019

In this episode, I explore the world of Chinese internet slang with some of my friends. https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 3: 斯洛文尼亚(Slovenia) Sep 21, 2019

In this episode, I talk about my trip to Slovenia earlier this year. http://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 2：中国父母如何给孩子起名字（How Chinese Parents Name Their Children） Sep 14, 2019

How Chinese parents name their children.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

Episode 1: 自我介绍 (Introduction) Sep 08, 2019

An introduction to the Chinese Colloquialised podcast series, where I hope to help Mandarin learners to sail through the intermediate stage into full fluency.
https://chinesecolloquialised.com

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