Elementary | A New Jug for the Water Cooler

Bosses amongst us, sit up and take note. Though you may not have had time to see it (due to being occupied with your "boss" things), you must take measures to ensure that your employees aren't comparing you to the annoying boss on "The Office." You may not have time for pseudo-reality TV shows, but you certainly don't want to become the next character in one. So pull out that fat wallet, buy a round, and listen to this podcast on how not to be the loathed "stingy boss." Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0599

31 Mars 202313min

"TIGER, tiger, burning bright, in the forests of the night, what immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?" In the distant post-apocalyptic future, cultural disputes will be resolved through Thunderdome/Survivor showdowns. And when that happens William Blake is in big trouble. Because no matter how good his scansion, roughly a fifth of the world's population knows the little tiger ditty in our podcast by heart. Why it sounds like Frère Jacques is beyond us, but here it is: ChinesePod presents the tiger song, in Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0540

29 Mars 202313min

Though being the only one at the intersection NOT jaywalking may make you feel like you're not one of the 'cool' kids, we'd hate for you to have to endure the humiliation of having the ear-shattering whistle of the traffic warden blown in your noise-pollution assaulted ears. Listen to this podcast, and use your Chinese to stay out of trouble--or at least to come up with some lame excuses! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0595

27 Mars 202316min

If you've given up on using chopsticks and haven't studied our lesson on requesting a fork yet, you may just have to pretend that where you come from, eating with your hands is a sign of respect for the chef. No problem! In some places it probably is. But when you're done, don't forget this important Mandarin Chinese lesson on requesting a napkin. Of course, upon visualizing this debacle, really, learning the art of chopstick use might be a tad classier. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0536

24 Mars 202311min

Think of track and field as a profound metaphor for Chinese learning: Jumping over grammar hurdles, throwing out words like shotputs, the high-jump of the leap from elementary to intermediate level... hey, when you have a good enough imagination, anything can be a metaphor for learning Chinese. Listen to this latest addition to our Olympics family of lessons, and start your training for the Chinese marathon! Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0590

22 Mars 202313min

When learning a language there are a profusion of ways to acquire new language. One method many have found helpful has been dubbed "pictionary." However, when your partner in language, pen in hand, attempts to illustrate a concept to you by drawing a likeness that looks like a game of pick-up-sticks gone bad... it's time for this lesson. In this podcast, learn how to ask for someone to illustrate by example, rather than creative genius, using Mandarin Chinese. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0532

20 Mars 202310min

When your mouth is on fire and the only thing within reach with which to douse the flames is a tiny cup of hot tea, you had better be wise enough to take precautionary measures. In this lesson, learn how to avoid the potentially high cost of mouth skin grafts, and take control of your oral inferno, in Mandarin Chinese. (Recommended follow up lesson: "Thirsty for Water"...) Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0586

17 Mars 202319min

Though you may find having your face pressed up against someone else's cheek a little unpleasant, think of the intimacy it affords. Once you have listened to this podcast, you will handily be able use your Mandarin Chinese on a crowded subway or bus to enquire of your newly proximate acquaintance what stop you are at. Extracting yourself from the cozy throngs-- now, that is not a Chinese lesson, that is an art. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.com/0527

15 Mars 20239min