AP Chinese 2024 Cultural Presentation Practice

Martial Arts

• Martial arts generally refer to Kung Fu.

• Chinese Kung Fu is famous worldwide.

• Enjoy watching various Kung Fu movies.

• Practice martial arts as a sport.

• Study Tai Chi sword.

• Practicing Tai Chi sword for twenty minutes daily prevents tiredness.

• Martial arts are a full-body exercise and beneficial for health.

• Martial arts train the mind and willpower, fostering diligence, courage, and perseverance.

• Allows for making many friends.

• In China, many people practice martial arts in parks, including swordplay, Kung Fu fan, and Tai Chi.

• Kung Fu is popular in the United States with many learning centers.

• Martial arts spread Chinese culture, fostering friendship and peace.

• Aspire to visit the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chinese martial arts.

• Interacting with other martial arts enthusiasts is valuable.

Li Bai

• Born in 701.

• Family had high status, but wasn't wealthy in youth.

• Father was an official; Li Bai received a good education.

• Interested in literature from a young age.

• Bought many ancient books to enhance writing skills.

• Traveled in his twenties to find inspiration for his creations.

• Travel experiences influenced his poetry.

• Poems are famous for being free-spirited and imaginative.

• Enjoyed a free life and nature.

• Poems cover themes like landscapes, friendship, love, and principles of life.

• Evoke romance and provide historical information about ancient China.

• Known as the "Immortal Poet" and influential globally.

• Poems translated into many languages, inspiring poets worldwide.

Movie "Grandson from America"

• Chinese film about Old Yang, a shadow puppet master.

• Old Yang's son arrives with his American fiancée and her child.

• Son and fiancée leave, leaving the child with Old Yang.

• Film depicts overcoming cultural and language differences.

• Themes include family relationships, different cultures, and rural-urban contrasts.

• Examines generational differences and globalization's impact on traditional culture.

• Includes shadow puppetry, adding cultural flavor.

• Conveys the importance of family and cultural connections through gentle humor.

Gaokao (China's University Entrance Examination)

• Held every June for high school students nationwide.

• Results determine university admissions.

• Extremely important for students' futures.

• Includes subjects like mathematics, Chinese, English, and electives.

• Students need high scores to enter desired universities.

• Preparation involves significant studying and reviewing.

• Students experience high pressure due to exam's importance.

• Gaokao affects individual futures and has societal impact.

• Considered a fair competition for university admissions.

• Remains a vital part of the Chinese education system despite some issues.

Chinese Characters and Radicals

• Radicals are parts of characters, usually on the left or top.

• Help understand meaning and pronunciation of characters.

• Make learning Chinese characters easier.

• Example: "木" (wood) radical in characters like "林" (forest) and "森" (forest).

• Radicals hold cultural significance and represent Chinese history and culture.

• Each character has its own story, such as "安" (peace) consisting of "宀" (roof) and "女" (woman).

Emperor Wen and Filial Piety

• Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty was filial to his mother, Empress Dowager Bo.

• Personally cared for her when she fell ill.

• Tasted medicine before giving it to ensure it wasn't too hot or bitter.

• Story signifies deep care and attention towards parents, symbolizing filial piety.

• Teaches care and respect for parents.

• Idiom "亲尝汤药" (personally tasting the medicine) used to praise filial individuals and encourage valuing family relationships.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

• Located in Anhui Province, China.

• Renowned for strange landscapes, unique pines, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs.

• Famous spots: Lotus Peak, Bright Summit, and the Greeting Pine.

• Lotus Peak offers a view of the entire mountain range.

• Bright Summit is ideal for watching the sunrise.

• Greeting Pine is an 800-year-old tree welcoming visitors.

• Huangshan has rich cultural significance, inspiring poets and painters.

• Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Pingyao Ancient City

• Located in Shanxi Province, China.

• Significant role in China's economy; important ancient city.

• Built during the Western Zhou period; thousands of years old.

• Designed according to the "Eight Trigrams" of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Represents heaven, earth, and humans, reflecting ancient Chinese worldview.

• City wall reconstructed by Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty in 1370.

• City wall features six unique gates and four corner towers.

• A World Cultural Heritage site.

• Showcases ancient Chinese city planning and architecture.

• Attracts many tourists, encouraging cultural exchange.
  

Materials for Recording Before Paper

• Ancient Indians used leaves.

• Ancient Babylonians used clay tablets.

• Ancient Romans used wax tablets.

• Shang Dynasty China: characters carved on oracle bones and bamboo slips.

• Eastern Han Dynasty: Cai Lun invented papermaking.

• Made paper from tree bark, hemp, rags, and old fishing nets.

• Cai Lun's paper was cheaper, high quality, and lightweight.

• Paper's invention crucial for recording history, preserving culture, and spreading ideas.

• Greatly benefited human civilization.

Unlucky Numbers in Chinese Culture

• Pronunciations resembling negative meanings:

  • "Four" sounds like "death."

  • "250" is a derogatory term for foolishness or stupidity.

• Odd numbers sometimes considered unlucky due to lack of pairing.

• Influences daily life: avoiding these numbers in phone numbers, license plates, floor numbers.

• Important days (e.g., weddings, openings) avoid unlucky numbers for good luck.

• Red envelopes never contain unlucky numbers or odd amounts.

The Nian Beast Legend

• Mythical creature descending yearly on the last day of the lunar year.

• Attacks people and animals; villagers hide or flee.

• An old man advised using loud noises, bright lights, and red decorations to scare the beast.

• Villagers used firecrackers, lanterns, and red decorations to drive it away.

• Celebrated annually with spring couplets, dragon dances, and fireworks.

• Symbolizes bravery in facing fears and challenges.

• Integral part of Chinese New Year traditions.

Cantonese Cuisine

• Originates from Guangdong Province; one of China's Eight Great Cuisines.

• Flavors are mild, fresh, and natural, with careful seasoning.

• Famous dishes: White Cut Chicken, Cantonese Roast Goose, Stir-Fried Beef Noodles.

• Famous dim sum dishes: rice noodle rolls, shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, siu mai.

• History traces back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty.

• Development boosted when the capital moved south and chefs gathered in Guangzhou.

• Popular by the Ming and Qing dynasties with numerous teahouses, hotels, and restaurants.

The Dragon in Chinese Culture

• Symbol of power, good luck, and nobility.

• Legend: Dragon became a zodiac animal by finishing fifth in a race initiated by the Jade Emperor.

• Emperors considered "true dragon sons of heaven" with power from dragons.

• Symbolizes China; people call themselves "descendants of the dragon."

• Dragon image prevalent in traditional art, architecture, and festivals.

• Dragon dance performances are a key Chinese New Year tradition symbolizing peace and prosperity.

Bike Sharing

• Originated in the Netherlands in the 1960s with free bikes by environmentalists.

• Became more common in the early 21st century with technological advancements.

• Allows efficient and environmentally friendly travel using mobile apps.

• Reduces air pollution as cycling emits no harmful gases.

• Reduces traffic congestion, making city roads smoother.

• Promotes health, as cycling is excellent exercise.