Sunday, September 6, 2009
some pictures
There are some pictures I want to share with you. I don't quite sure about the location of these places, definitely not in Taiwan. There should be some light music with soul-settling melodies to go with these picturesque photographies, but there seems to be no this kind of function. That's ok, you can use your great imagination to "image" that.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
better your translation skills!!!
I've wanted to better my translation skills, but didn't know where to start. Now, with the Chinese-English reference free articles provided by www.chinapost.com.tw , I can practice my translation skills every day.
So, How do I use these valuable articles for my self-learning materials?
Copying the newly-released article and saving it as Word form is the first thing.
Then, I translate it firt into Chinese and compare my version to the original Chinese version provided.
What's good about it?
So, How do I use these valuable articles for my self-learning materials?
Copying the newly-released article and saving it as Word form is the first thing.
Then, I translate it firt into Chinese and compare my version to the original Chinese version provided.
Next, I make a list of the well-traslated sentences.
For the next few days, I would go over these sentences lots of time to make sure I keep them in mind.
I've done this several weeks, and really have the feeling that my translation skills are progressing.
***For those unfamiliar to translation skills, you may find it usefull refering to the handouts from assistant proffessor Hung-Chang Ou if you are my classmates, or, if not, you can consult
Chinese-Engligh traslation references.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Sleepless nights, unclear roads.
It is 1:59 in the moring, and I am still awake.
I am thinking about something. Something that might be unimportant for others.
I am thinking about my future. And that always makes me sleepless.
I can't count the times of insomniac nights I've been through, but I know I am awake much of the time.
Sometimes I kind of feel that I was thinking too much. People always said "follow your heart, and do it."
Sounds easier, but for me, it is the hardest thing to do.
Because I have lost my heart for a long time.
Long enough to forget where and why I lost it.
Long enough to wonder how to retrieve it.
I am thinking about something. Something that might be unimportant for others.
I am thinking about my future. And that always makes me sleepless.
I can't count the times of insomniac nights I've been through, but I know I am awake much of the time.
Sometimes I kind of feel that I was thinking too much. People always said "follow your heart, and do it."
Sounds easier, but for me, it is the hardest thing to do.
Because I have lost my heart for a long time.
Long enough to forget where and why I lost it.
Long enough to wonder how to retrieve it.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
ESL Podcast 471 - Trying to Get Off the Phone
ESL Podcast 471 - Trying to Get Off the Phone
Erin: So I told Joey that I had no intention of letting him use my car again. Can you believe the nerve of that guy, after what he did?
Curran: That’s terrible, but I’m going to have to let you go. I have an appointment...
Erin: But I didn’t tell you what else he said. He said that running over my cat was just an accident. That’s bull. He said I should be thankful that he took Fifi to a veterinarian!
Curran: Yeah, I can see why you’re mad. I think I have a call on the other line...
Erin: Well, I’m glad you agree with me. I said to him that Fifi may be as good as new now, but that is no thanks to him! He’s never liked Fifi and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gunning for her when he ran her over. He should count himself lucky he’s getting off scot-free for trying to kill my cat. I said...
Curran: Sorry to have to cut this short, but I really have to get going.
Erin: Oh, sure, but just let me tell you what I plan to do if he asks me again.
Curran: I really want to hear all about it, but...but... nature calls!
Erin: Oh, okay, call me back. I haven’t even told you what Sam told me about Ben yesterday. It’s a real shocker!
Curran: Uh...right. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
Listening notes:
1. intention --- it is a plan to do something/what you plane on doing.
2. the nerve --- your willingness or ability to do something impropriate or disrespectful or something that will make someone else angry.
3. to let you go --- it means, in this case, end a phone call or a personal conversation
4. Bull --- something that is not true/ short form for another expression which is vulgar, a bad expression that begin with a letter “S” and end with a letter “T.”
5. Veterinarian --- is a doctor who takes care of animals.
6. a call on the other line --- you have an another call, phone call you receive while you are talking to someone else.
7. as good as new --- something has been damaged or injured, but now it is just like it were new, just as if nothing had happened to it.
8. no thanks to him --- is informal expression used to emphasize that that person did not do anything to help
9. gunning for her --- to go faster to increase your speed so you can hit someone.
10. count himself lucky ---to realize or recognize that you are lucky, fortunate
11. getting off scot-free --- not to be punished for something you have done wrong.
12. cut this short --- to end something before it is finished.
13. to get going --- have to leave, go away, depart
14. nature calls --- informal one used to meaning that you have to go to bathroom
Comments:
Compared to News English, the podcasts the ESL provides is more suitable for English beginner. Based on that, the ESL takes into consideration the speed, intonation, explanation, pronunciation.
Upon listening to the podcast, the first thing came into my mind is its speed of talking. It is so slow that I almsot fall into sleep. No one really talks like that in real life. However, it did help to make each word understood.
The next thing I noticed is its explicit explanation. Not only is the whole context interpreted in detail, but the key words are also picked up to elaborate on. Most impressively, all the explanation are described in very simple words.
In light of helping learners imitate the way a native speaker talks, the speaker emphysizes the location of intonation on purpose in the hope of letting us to get used to the intonation of English.
Boiled down to this, it is a suitable and ideal websitefor beginners, while for advanced learners it might be a little bit too easy and boring.
Erin: So I told Joey that I had no intention of letting him use my car again. Can you believe the nerve of that guy, after what he did?
Curran: That’s terrible, but I’m going to have to let you go. I have an appointment...
Erin: But I didn’t tell you what else he said. He said that running over my cat was just an accident. That’s bull. He said I should be thankful that he took Fifi to a veterinarian!
Curran: Yeah, I can see why you’re mad. I think I have a call on the other line...
Erin: Well, I’m glad you agree with me. I said to him that Fifi may be as good as new now, but that is no thanks to him! He’s never liked Fifi and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gunning for her when he ran her over. He should count himself lucky he’s getting off scot-free for trying to kill my cat. I said...
Curran: Sorry to have to cut this short, but I really have to get going.
Erin: Oh, sure, but just let me tell you what I plan to do if he asks me again.
Curran: I really want to hear all about it, but...but... nature calls!
Erin: Oh, okay, call me back. I haven’t even told you what Sam told me about Ben yesterday. It’s a real shocker!
Curran: Uh...right. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse
Listening notes:
1. intention --- it is a plan to do something/what you plane on doing.
2. the nerve --- your willingness or ability to do something impropriate or disrespectful or something that will make someone else angry.
3. to let you go --- it means, in this case, end a phone call or a personal conversation
4. Bull --- something that is not true/ short form for another expression which is vulgar, a bad expression that begin with a letter “S” and end with a letter “T.”
5. Veterinarian --- is a doctor who takes care of animals.
6. a call on the other line --- you have an another call, phone call you receive while you are talking to someone else.
7. as good as new --- something has been damaged or injured, but now it is just like it were new, just as if nothing had happened to it.
8. no thanks to him --- is informal expression used to emphasize that that person did not do anything to help
9. gunning for her --- to go faster to increase your speed so you can hit someone.
10. count himself lucky ---to realize or recognize that you are lucky, fortunate
11. getting off scot-free --- not to be punished for something you have done wrong.
12. cut this short --- to end something before it is finished.
13. to get going --- have to leave, go away, depart
14. nature calls --- informal one used to meaning that you have to go to bathroom
Comments:
Compared to News English, the podcasts the ESL provides is more suitable for English beginner. Based on that, the ESL takes into consideration the speed, intonation, explanation, pronunciation.
Upon listening to the podcast, the first thing came into my mind is its speed of talking. It is so slow that I almsot fall into sleep. No one really talks like that in real life. However, it did help to make each word understood.
The next thing I noticed is its explicit explanation. Not only is the whole context interpreted in detail, but the key words are also picked up to elaborate on. Most impressively, all the explanation are described in very simple words.
In light of helping learners imitate the way a native speaker talks, the speaker emphysizes the location of intonation on purpose in the hope of letting us to get used to the intonation of English.
Boiled down to this, it is a suitable and ideal websitefor beginners, while for advanced learners it might be a little bit too easy and boring.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Refleciton of the Seminar
I thought it would be easy to be in the registration, only to find out I was totally wrong.
On the day of seminar,we arrived at school at 7:30 as scheduled. Strange to say that we were informed of what we should do that day. Anyway, about 8:15 a couple of participants started coming. That is the beginging of our nightmare. As we all know, full preparation and continuing rehearsal is a fundamental stone of a successful activity. However, neither of them is in the possession of us. You can image how choatic it was when we tried to check their names on the list, and at the same time, fumble for their name tags, grab complimentary files for them. We didn't even have time to sit down for a rest becasuse a continuous stream of guests and presenters were flowing in with no sign of stop. Before ten, the regirestarion were already packed with horedes of people reaching out for their name tags or files just like hunger wolves voraciously scramble for mauled cadever. Not until the time is almost noon does the crowd show signs of dispersing. Since we hadn't eaten anything, we took the chance to have some snack for our breakfast. While relishing the ambrosial snack, we fixed our eyes upon the entrance in case someone came in and found no one for their registration. We thought we would have time for speech, but the guests came minuties after we left .
On the day of seminar,we arrived at school at 7:30 as scheduled. Strange to say that we were informed of what we should do that day. Anyway, about 8:15 a couple of participants started coming. That is the beginging of our nightmare. As we all know, full preparation and continuing rehearsal is a fundamental stone of a successful activity. However, neither of them is in the possession of us. You can image how choatic it was when we tried to check their names on the list, and at the same time, fumble for their name tags, grab complimentary files for them. We didn't even have time to sit down for a rest becasuse a continuous stream of guests and presenters were flowing in with no sign of stop. Before ten, the regirestarion were already packed with horedes of people reaching out for their name tags or files just like hunger wolves voraciously scramble for mauled cadever. Not until the time is almost noon does the crowd show signs of dispersing. Since we hadn't eaten anything, we took the chance to have some snack for our breakfast. While relishing the ambrosial snack, we fixed our eyes upon the entrance in case someone came in and found no one for their registration. We thought we would have time for speech, but the guests came minuties after we left .
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
what's the difference between "big" and "large"
When I was asked the question about the difference between Big and Large, the first idea coming into my mind is that big is used to describe concrete things, such as company, dog..etc,while large is for abstract concept. However, after doing a little research by virtue of different concordancer, which is something like a large database of vocabulary, I found out that I was totally wrong. Actually, both big and large can be used to describe concrete things or abstract concept. There is no such rule about which goes by which. It is a matter of "habit". Even native speakers can't tell the different. Even so, we can still differentiate these two words by their conventional usage.
here is research results:
Big:
a big controversy(abstract concept)
a big book(concrete thing)
a big amount of money
Large:
a large bird(concrete thing)
a large gap(abstract concept)
a large amount of
a large number of
a large part of
a large proportion of
a large sum of
a large volumn of
The search result above shows that Large is usually used to describe "quantity", while big is not. However, with the rapid development of population of English users, more and more novelty and innovative words are added into English word bank. "Long time no see" has already become popular in the English language, why can't "a big amount of?"
Reference:
NTNU Web Concordancer
VLC Concordancer
here is research results:
Big:
a big controversy(abstract concept)
a big book(concrete thing)
a big amount of money
Large:
a large bird(concrete thing)
a large gap(abstract concept)
a large amount of
a large number of
a large part of
a large proportion of
a large sum of
a large volumn of
The search result above shows that Large is usually used to describe "quantity", while big is not. However, with the rapid development of population of English users, more and more novelty and innovative words are added into English word bank. "Long time no see" has already become popular in the English language, why can't "a big amount of?"
Reference:
NTNU Web Concordancer
VLC Concordancer
Monday, March 9, 2009
What a day!
As I could remember, memorizing vocabulary has been the way I learned English. Till now, even though I got lots of vocabulary packed into my mind, I still could not make a smooth and precise use of English. However, we could have spent less time learning English as long as we find the right way and right tool.
Too often, we just memorized English vocabulary and its Chinese counterpart, but ignored there is no perfect and absolute Chinese meaning for each English word. As a result, Reading an article with no new word but still getting no meaning is constantly recurring. However, English teachers of the past focused too much on the enlargement of the extent of students' English vocabulary, but less touched on how to pick up words in an accurate and effective way.
Luckily enough, our conscientious and scrupulous teacher helped us patch up this basic but vital knowledge. Learned, but neither stuffy nor pedantic, she not just gave us a brief introduction of general and specific dictionaries, but also told us what makes a good dictionary, that is, large amount of vocabulary, clear definition, ample examples, related idioms or phrases. To me, her lecture came as a beacon light of hope to guide me out of the maze of learning. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of my misunderstanding. Through her informative and resourceful class, I realize that a bad dictionary with meager content get you loss in the vast and boundless sea of English Learning, while a good dictionary will lead your way to the paradise of English Learning.
Too often, we just memorized English vocabulary and its Chinese counterpart, but ignored there is no perfect and absolute Chinese meaning for each English word. As a result, Reading an article with no new word but still getting no meaning is constantly recurring. However, English teachers of the past focused too much on the enlargement of the extent of students' English vocabulary, but less touched on how to pick up words in an accurate and effective way.
Luckily enough, our conscientious and scrupulous teacher helped us patch up this basic but vital knowledge. Learned, but neither stuffy nor pedantic, she not just gave us a brief introduction of general and specific dictionaries, but also told us what makes a good dictionary, that is, large amount of vocabulary, clear definition, ample examples, related idioms or phrases. To me, her lecture came as a beacon light of hope to guide me out of the maze of learning. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of my misunderstanding. Through her informative and resourceful class, I realize that a bad dictionary with meager content get you loss in the vast and boundless sea of English Learning, while a good dictionary will lead your way to the paradise of English Learning.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
About me
I just heard that the first post has to be self-introduction, so here it is.
My name is Bava. Lots of people will take the word "Bava" for an English name and think how strange a name is, but it is actually my aboriginal name, which is symbolic of a warrior. My tribal name is called "Bunnun", 布農 in chinese. If you want to know more about my tribe, just feel free to ask. My hometown is located in a small village in Hualian. With rolling mountains and clear lakes, it is veritably a Arcadia. Growing under the environment isolated from outside world, I am more innocent and pure, gullible and trustful. I don't care much about material comforts, but concern more about spiritual abundance. Judge by the outer appearance, you won't see the sweet and breezy personality inside of me, but once you get to know me, you will find that being with me is like basking in the sun, so warmly and cosily.
My name is Bava. Lots of people will take the word "Bava" for an English name and think how strange a name is, but it is actually my aboriginal name, which is symbolic of a warrior. My tribal name is called "Bunnun", 布農 in chinese. If you want to know more about my tribe, just feel free to ask. My hometown is located in a small village in Hualian. With rolling mountains and clear lakes, it is veritably a Arcadia. Growing under the environment isolated from outside world, I am more innocent and pure, gullible and trustful. I don't care much about material comforts, but concern more about spiritual abundance. Judge by the outer appearance, you won't see the sweet and breezy personality inside of me, but once you get to know me, you will find that being with me is like basking in the sun, so warmly and cosily.
hi, there
This blog is not my first blog, but I am sure it will be a longer one (you know why).
well, I acutally don't know what I should put on this blog. I am not the persone who randomly let out the feelings inside, or the person who reverals too much private information. There might be someone who is lurking somewhere trying to hurt you in some way, who knows? but anyway, since this blog is one of our "homework", I guess I'd better work harder on it.
well, I acutally don't know what I should put on this blog. I am not the persone who randomly let out the feelings inside, or the person who reverals too much private information. There might be someone who is lurking somewhere trying to hurt you in some way, who knows? but anyway, since this blog is one of our "homework", I guess I'd better work harder on it.
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