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Urban Irving

A very large Ferris Wheel at the southern end of Shanghai. Dusty Venus — most of the dust is a result of construction/demolition. This little boy was making so much noise that at first I thought his life was in danger, but he was simply one of those kids who is very loud while having a [...]

Sexist nature of the Chinese language?

It’s not surprising to me that the Chinese language exhibits sexist attitudes towards women, given the historically dominant patriarchal family structure in China. http://www.chinasmack.com/stories/sexist-chinese-characters-discriminate-against-women/

To A Small Town In Eastern Gansu

The typhoon that tried to dissolve Taiwan is now in Nanjing, washing the city in a manner that is downright obsessive/compulsive. Even this far inland, the wind is strong enough to overturn a baby carriage. I care enough about you to hope that you are not out there tonight pushing a baby around Nanjing. Escape from [...]

User-generated translations making world’s news available in Chinese

This interview at Danwei with Jiamin, the founder of Yeeyan, on his work with The Guardian, publishing books and the facts of translation provides some insight into how Chinese readers learn of world news and events. Doing our best to choose articles and reports based on facts: Yeeyan and translation

Translation Hall of Shame: Prohibited items according to customs bureau (thanks Doug Weinstein)

“In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Taiwan prohibits: Antiques Asparagus Beverages, non-alcoholic Camphor Coin collectors items Firearms Gambling items Jewellery Lottery tickets and advertising Molasses Ornamentals, made of glass or mother-of-pearl Saccharine and similar substances Sugar”

Asides

• Although Lohas is the consumer-friendly soft-sell version of social and environmental responsible living, the Chinese 樂活 often completely ditches the pesky environmental consciousness usually attached to the Lohas mindset. Although dedicated Chinese Lohas/樂活 sites still attach some importance to green consumption and living, when referred to by more mainstream media, especially lifestyle product advertisers, the term 樂活 more often than not just connotes "good living" without any of the socially progressive baggage. With slow living having established the similar conceptual construct of 慢活, 樂活 was ripe for the 'if it feels good do it" kind of marketing. Come to think of it, that's kind of happened with Lohas as well... #