The Diaries

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March 28, 2009

The "English Mindset"

Posted by Kelly

This week has gone by quickly! At work I got participate in some investigating for a fun project! The company (DDA FESCO) wants to introduce a new service to clients and foreigners-“Guided City Tours”. So I was in charge of researching Dalian history and the best sights to see. I had done quite a bit of research prior to coming to China, but this opportunity gave me a chance to explore the city more. Not only did I get to put together some ideas for the company I was able to find all the cool things to see and do for myself! There is so much history here that I feel privileged to have the ability to experience it first hand.

On Friday my coworker, Eric, announced that he is getting married in May. He and his wife signed the marriage license earlier in the week and the official ceremony will take place in May. To celebrate we all got yummy candy. After indulging in the candy I then had to cut a cake and eat 2 big pieces! (Ok-I’ll admit, no one forced me, but I didn’t want it to go to waste!) It was the general manager’s birthday so she sent a cake to our branch office. Way too much sugar for one sitting!

Sunday I had a very fun day with my friend Joanna. We ate a delicious barbeque lunch and then did a little shopping. At lunch I discovered my new favorite Chinese dish. It tastes just like dumplings, but in a soup form! How perfect! Now I just have to find the recipe and try recreating this myself!

During our luncheon date Joanna mentioned that she had read a Chinese thesis about Chinese students learning the English language. She recounted the thesis and mentioned how the author made a great point—to learn English you have to have the “English mindset”. The author gave this example: In China a man was very devoted to a woman and gave her his whole heart. But then the relationship ended. When the man meets a new woman, and the new woman knows that he has given his whole heart before, so she doesn’t believe that he can ever give all his love to another woman. But Westerns believe that the man can give his whole heart to another woman again, and she will believe him. Joanna asked me which one I believed to be correct. I thought about it for awhile, but I answered that I agreed with the second scenario, the man can give his whole heart again. She said she agreed with the first choice, that the man can never give his whole heart again. I told her that some Americans might agree with her also. I’m not sure if this example is cultural or just personal opinion. Regardless I thought it was very interesting thesis!

Tomb Sweeping Day (Qing Ming Jie) is approaching, April 4th to be exact. The festival celebrates the rebirth of nature. From what I’ve read and been told it’s similar to Memorial Day, a chance to visit late family at a cemetery, clean off graves, and afterwards spend time with loved ones. I’m excited to get to celebrate this festival and hopefully see some of the traditions first hand!