Hi, my name is Niel, otherwise known as Confused Laowai. I blog about my exciting, yet often confusing adventure learning Chinese.
On Being A Laowai
I’ve recently received some harsh comments on my blog from an anonymous person. I’ve decided not to publish them in the comments, because it is not constructive. However, I would just like respond here. This, by no means is a post to insult you Mr. Anonymous, but I would just like to address your concerns. You did make me think a bit. The Original Comments I will quote what Mr. Anonymous sent me. Yes, it [...]
The Weirdest (and most beautiful) Chinese Idiom I’ve Seen
Recently for my Mandarin homework I came across an idiom that baffled me on its origin. The idiom is: 心有灵犀一点通 It means, according to MDBG.net: hearts linked as one, just as the proverbial rhinoceros communicates emotion telepathically through his single horn. Figuratively, it means to have a close rapport or two minds who think alike. Two hearts beating as one. However, going back over the idiomatic expression it just baffled me. Almost as if someone [...]
My Future in Mandarin
I’m finishing my University degree at the end of this year. It will probably conclude my formal Mandarin studies. I first wanted to go the China (specifically back to Beijing) to just mission around for a year or two. However, due to some change in plans within my family and friends, I’ve decided to remain in South Africa for at least one year, maybe two years. The reasons for this are because of the fact [...]
