BEIJING — Updated teaching materials is important, especially when
learning the language of a country that is changing as fast as China.
How much things have changed is apparent when you have a course that
uses "Elementary Chinese Course: Part 3" as a textbook. The book –
copyright 1993 – runs through a ridiculous series of lessons focusing
on revolutionary spirit, superior Chinese culture and Marxism
philosophy. There's even a couple lessons about colorful minorities
singing and dancing.
My favorite lesson so far has been the story of Zhao Ping's father
being named a Model Worker by his work unit. While I doubt I'll be
using "model worker" or the rest of this lesson's vocabulary on the
streets of Beijing, it might be useful for reading a history book.
Here's a translated version of the text:
This year Zhao Ping's father is a little older than 50 years. He works
in a factory. When he was small, his family was very poor. They
couldn't send him to school. Instead when he was 12 years old his
parents found him a job in a store. After Liberation, he entered
school and learned about machines. He learned very fast in school,
studying hard in each class, and was the best student in his class.
His often said, "Studying machines in class isn't easy, so I must
study very hard, then I will learn."
After graduation, he was assigned a job in a factory. He was
determined to use all of the knowledge he learned in school. He loved
his job, and finished whatever task was assigned to him quickly and
well. He cared for other people, and often helped them finish their
tasks, made sure they weren't afraid. Other people would ask him
questions, and they'd always be satisfied with the answer. Last year
he invented a new production method, which improved the factory's
production quite a bit.
The nearest city held a Model Worker Convention, and Zhao Ping's
father was selected by his colleagues to attend. But he didn't tell
his family members. After the Model Worker Convention ended, Zhao Ping
brought his Model Worker certificate and Model Worker materials home.
His wife was making dinner, but as soon as she discovered he brought
she was very happy.
"Why didn't you tell us earlier? I'm so happy!" she said.
Then Zhao Ping's wife turned to their son. "Son! You must learn from
the good actions of your father!"
