DISCUSSION OF THE WEEK:WHAT IS CULTURE?CHOOSE THE 4 FACTORS WHICH YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT...

[claire]

Dear all,

I remember our fellow member Sonya asked this same question long time
ago.
I'd like to explore this issue deeper with the following questions:

Q1What is culture?Choose the 4 factors which you think are the most
important IN CREATING A CULTURE.
PLEASE GIVE YOUR REASONS.
#1 climate #7 social
customs and traditions
#2 language #8 ideas and
beliefs
#3 historical events #9 religion
#4 institutions #10
ceremonies and festivals
#5 arts #11
geography
#6 cuisine #12
architecture

Q2How important are the following things when doing business in your
country?
Are they:a)IMPORTANT
b)NOT IMPORTANT
c)BEST AVOIDED?

#1 exchanging business cards #7 being formal or
informal
#2 shaking hands #8
punctuality
#3 kissing #9
humour
#4 socialising with contacts #10 giving
presents
#5 small talk before meetings #11 being direct
(saying exactly what you think)
#6accepting interruptions #12 using
first names

To save you time on replying to this thread,you may just choose one
question to answer.;)

Take it easy,everyone!;)
It's for us all to get to know one another by expressing ourselves in
simple English like Pln just said!

Thank you in advance and good night!
Claire

[Eduardo Costa]

Hello Claire,

I´m very happy to read your message.
Discussion of the week was an old idea of this group called Q.Week (Question of the week)
every week I sent a question to discuss. Unfortunately I cant support this idea alone :-(.

Q1. In my view point all of those itens are influenced by cultural issues.
To me, culture is a group of strongly held belief pass on by generations and in constant
transformation day after day. We cant say that culture from a country today is the same
that hundreds years ago same keeping some costumes.
Maybe the option nearest my view point is number eight.

Take care Claire

Ed

[claire]

Hi Ed Pablo and all other silent members,;)

No worries,Ed!

I know it's been hard for you to be multi-tasking...teaching,working
and being a father of a small girl,right?;)

That's why I tried posting those 2 questions myself for the very first
time...

I agree with you that a culture is an ever-changing proccess which is
based on strong ideas and beliefs.

The other 3 most important factors for me are
#7social customs and traditions
#6 cuisine
#2 language

If I may choose another major factor,it should be #9 religion.

In my opinion,a culture is created by people who prepare and eat the
same kind of food,speak the same language,share the same ideas and
beliefs and follow the same social customs and traditions.

All these can be demonstrated or witnessed while attending a region's
ceremonies and festivals! Any outsiders or tourists can feel a strong
connection when they see or are among such huge crowds performing the
same activities at the same time!

A strong sense of bonds with their ancestors or generations(where past
meets the present and the future)thus can be experienced through
repeated rituals!
That's why historical and cultural events in some ancient countries
are so fascinating and draw millions of visitors!

Again,my own 2 cents only!
Please do share with us your own 2 cents,everyone new or old!

Thanks and regards,
Claire

[Elham Moazzen]

In the name of God, the Merciful, the compassionate

Hello friends,

On cultures, I think all these factors are to some extent influential. In my opinion, the four most important ones are religion, language, historical events and climate !!

Each religion has some obligations for its followers and if a society support a special kind of religion, those obligations influence the morale of that society. For example, in my religion, Islam, helping poor people are very important and many people in my country save assign some money each day to help poor people.

The other important factor I think is language. Each language has a history behind it, people who spoke it in the past had some traditions and I think a language convey all it carries to people who speak it.

There may be some historical events in a society except from those related to language or religion for example a special revolution in their past times or something like that which also make their culture.

And the last one is climate to my opinion. People who live in different areas in the world or even in different weather conditions really behave differently. I have seen it in my country which has mountain areas, deserts, rainy areas and mild areas. I have seen people who live in these areas have different cultures. For example people who live in desert spend their money very carefully because they have been used to saving everything since the nature is not too generous to them.

Regards
Elham

--

"When you know what you want,and you want it badly enough,you'll find a way to get it."

"Successful leaders have the courage to take action while others hesitate."

[Charles]

Hello all,

What is culture?I think it's a group behaves of human.

1,Culture is human intellectual achievement.In another words,it's created by human,so it relate to human

2,Culture is human behaves.Some people acted this way.

3,Culture is a group action.We don't always call a behalf acted by single person "culture".

In conclusion , we call it culture that a bunch of people do something in a particular way.

[Edward]

Hello, everybody.

Thank you for your passion and love about english.
My name is Edward Park(english name). I live in Seoul Korea.
and I was one of the silent members.
I traveled Greece(Athens and Santorini island) and Dubai(airport),
Hong Kong and Macau.

If I may choose factor about Q2, it should be the same next.

a) IMPORTANT

#9 humour
#4 socialising with contacts

#2 shaking hands
#1 exchanging business cards
#6 accepting interruptions
#8 punctuality

==> Confidence is the best way and we can win in the business.
In addition, If they have honesty and morality, that will be great.

b) NOT IMPORTANT

#7 being formal or informal

#12 using first names

#5 small talk before meetings

#10 giving presents

#11 being direct (saying exactly what you think)

c) BEST AVOIDED
#3 kissing

=> We are not like kissing at business meeting,
because we had Confucian ideas of the Orientalism in history.
(until 19th century about 500 years)
but now globalization many changed Korean culture.
Kissing is a good way between love ones.

I will be back next week. I'm going to picnic to island with my family
on saturday.
Have a nice weekend.

Thank you.

[Charles]

Hello everybody,

I am Charles,a English speaker.I don't know why we should think about this kind of questions,but my answers are below

The most important IN CREATING A CULTURE are #1,social customs and traditions;#2,arts(include language);#3,ideas and beliefs;#4,ceremonies and festivals.

The second question is great.EVERYTHING IS BUSINESS.

The most important thing in BUSINESS is profile,then we consider about socializing with contacts and reliable.

[claire]

Hello Elham Charles Edward John and all other shy members,;)

It's always nice to see new or silent members finally speak up!LOL
They always make me day,and I'm sure Pln,Pablo and Ed will share my
feelings,as well!;)

Charles,it's very nice of you to have brought this question up:
Why should we think about this kind of questions?;)

When you realize and witness the world is very much influenced by
American or Japanese culture(in Asia),is it a good sign?

Is there anything we can do to stop it or the GLOBALIZATION?

Every nation has its own identity which is their own culture,sometimes
they may fear that their culture is under threat of a more powerful
nation...
And they may consider it as a cultural crisis!
Then at a time like this,you will find Q1 is quite important as how a
culture is created or cultivated...

As for Q2,it's all about business or social protocol.
I asked the question because I thought this group is the ideal place
for me to gather the 1st hand information from members from all over
the world!!!
It's much more fun than to get it from some site called executive
planet for me!

Last week,I was asked by an European businessman who was about to go
on a business trip to China:
a) What presents to buy for my Chinese suppliers or contacts?
b) Should I give the gift to them before or after the deal?
c) If they organise some sightseeing tours for me on the
weekend,should I accept it,even though I have a terrible jet lag?
d) If they offer me drinks more than I can afford,can I refuse them
but won't offend them?

It's not only important for business people but also for overseas-
study students to know more about the country where they're about to
stay and the people who they are about to live with...

These are called GROUNDWORK.
The better prepared you are,the more likely you'll have a pleasant
stay or a successful deal!;)

Good night and nice weekend to us all!
Claire

[Edward]

Hello everybody.
Hello Charles and Claire..

Thank you for your question and an opinion.

I think that culture is very important to learn english,
Because English and others(Korean) are different from language family
and culture.

It was for the last several years that Foreigners increased rapidly
into Korea.
Our World is small But I'm not speak english well. so I try to learn
english.

I like this ESL Podcast groups.

Have a good time.

Edward Park.

> > contacts and reliable.- 원본 텍스트 숨기기 -
>
> - 원본 텍스트 보기 -

[Charles]

Hi Claire,

I guess you are a professor because of your writing skill and thinking.Nice to meet you.

About the culture things,I don't have too much to say.You know,this is not my field.I am still in trouble with the presents,gifts and drinks things in China,even though I have already lived here for many years.

The culture here is little confusing.With same age educated friends,we have fun together and don't care culture too much.With people who is older than us,showing some respects will be OK.Certainly,having some presents is better. Also,there is a  huge difference between in city and in rural.

As the globalization going,People adore high-tech and business.We get worths in business and better live in high-tech.

2009/6/6 Edward <edwd...@gmail.com>

[pln471]

Hi Claire Edward Charles John Ed Elham Pablo Briana and all other
quiet members,;)

So nice to meet you,our newest or most active faces and
voices,Edward,Charles and John recently!!!

I have been watching TED(idea worth spreading),an inspirational site
provided by Pablo recently.

Here's one talk on endangered culture by Wade Davis,National
Geographic explorer.
I'd like to share the talk with all of you because it relates to this
thread started by Claire.

Don't worry too much about not understanding him because he does talk
very fast!LOL
There are 23 languages' translations as Pablo mentioned were provided
by volunteer translators.
So you can check their quality of translation while watching it!;)

Here you go:
http://www.ted.com/talks/wade_davis_on_endangered_cultures.html

I hope it will enlighten you one way or another as to raise our
awareness of how important minority languages and cultures are!!!

Great weekend,everyone!
Pln

On Jun 6, 10:45 am, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Claire,
>
> I guess you are a professor because of your writing skill and thinking.Nice
> to meet you.
>
> About the culture things,I don't have too much to say.You know,this is not
> my field.I am still in trouble with the presents,gifts and drinks things in
> China,even though I have already lived here for many years.
>
> The culture here is little confusing.With same age educated friends,we have
> fun together and don't care culture too much.With people who is older than
> us,showing some respects will be OK.Certainly,having some presents is
> better. Also,there is a huge difference between in city and in rural.
>
> As the globalization going,People adore high-tech and business.We get worths
> in business and better live in high-tech.
>

> 2009/6/6 Edward <edwd.p...@gmail.com>

>
>
>
>
>
> > Hello everybody.
> > Hello Charles and Claire..
>
> > Thank you for your question and an opinion.
>
> > I think that culture is very important to learn english,
> > Because English and others(Korean) are different from language family
> > and culture.
>
> > It was for the last several years that Foreigners increased rapidly
> > into Korea.
> > Our World is small But I'm not speak english well. so I try to learn
> > english.
>
> > I like this ESL Podcast groups.
>
> > Have a good time.
>
> > Edward Park.
>

> > > - 원본 텍스트 보기 -- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[claire]

Hi Edward Charles Pln John and all members new and old,;)

Edward,how coincidental that during our last group chat this
Wednesday,Briana and I were talking about how difficult it is to read
Arabic,Sanskrit,Chinese and Korean!
I told her once,much to my disappointment,my letter to a Korean couple
was sent back to me.
Perhaps it was because I didn't copy their address well in Korean...:(

You're absolutely right that English is very different from Korean,and
that's why it's so much more difficult for orientals like
Koreans,Japanese,Chinese or Taiwanese to be good at English!

However,in spite of their disadvantages,they've managed to dominate
the world high-tech markets of computer,mobile phone or home
entertainment adjacencies,let alone the car market,haven't they?

So allow me to use a mission statement of Nike(or maybe some other
brand?):
Impossible is nothing!;)

And Charles,
I wish I was a professor!
I think I understand what you try to say here as China is a big
country consist of 36 provinces,(am I correct with this number?)it's
not possible to generalize their customs or public behaviours,is it?
Besides,people in big cities like Beijing,Shanghai or Shengen(did I
spell it right?) have to be much more modernized than people in other
rural or remote areas,haven't they?

Yes,Globalization brings wealth to quite a few developing
countries,but on the other hand,it also exploits them with worse wages
and poorer working conditions...

Good night,
Claire

On Jun 6, 10:45 am, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Claire,
>
> I guess you are a professor because of your writing skill and thinking.Nice
> to meet you.
>
> About the culture things,I don't have too much to say.You know,this is not
> my field.I am still in trouble with the presents,gifts and drinks things in
> China,even though I have already lived here for many years.
>
> The culture here is little confusing.With same age educated friends,we have
> fun together and don't care culture too much.With people who is older than
> us,showing some respects will be OK.Certainly,having some presents is
> better. Also,there is a huge difference between in city and in rural.
>
> As the globalization going,People adore high-tech and business.We get worths
> in business and better live in high-tech.
>

> 2009/6/6 Edward <edwd.p...@gmail.com>

>
>
>
>
>
> > Hello everybody.
> > Hello Charles and Claire..
>
> > Thank you for your question and an opinion.
>
> > I think that culture is very important to learn english,
> > Because English and others(Korean) are different from language family
> > and culture.
>
> > It was for the last several years that Foreigners increased rapidly
> > into Korea.
> > Our World is small But I'm not speak english well. so I try to learn
> > english.
>
> > I like this ESL Podcast groups.
>
> > Have a good time.
>
> > Edward Park.
>

[John Awesome]

since I am a chinese, I'd like to say something, in the large country, we have different customs and culture in different provinces, and even different languages. In canton, they speak cantonese,  which can not be understand by us, the difference in speaking as large as those between english and german. 

and i argee with claire, i dont think we dont have the same customs, which can be found and described easily. we have over 1 billion people, u can not use few words to describe such a large group of people

2009/6/7 claire <clairel...@gmail.com>

[Edward]

Hi Pln, Claire, Charles, John and all members.

Pln, I know TED conference, too. It is very fast speaking english. but
Subject is good.
I have got variety information about presentation skill or it's
subject.
I can't see like TED in Korea. It can view only by ipod.

Claire, Did you meet Korean couple?
Chinese alphabet are semantic symbols, and Korean alphabet is a
phonetic symbol.
Korean language is one of the particular language.
But when I see the foreigner who speak Korean well,
I think that my learning method is not proper.

Charles, Do you live in China? China is one of the very large nation.
I traveled Hong Kong and Macau, but did not traveled the mainland.
All things have big scale in China.

John, Do you live in China, too?
I heard it as you explained about kind of Chinese languages.

Good night.

On 6월7일, 오전10시24분, John Awesome <johnawesom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> since I am a chinese, I'd like to say something, in the large country, we
> have different customs and culture in different provinces, and even
> different languages. In canton, they speak cantonese, which can not be
> understand by us, the difference in speaking as large as those between
> english and german. and i argee with claire, i dont think we dont have the
> same customs, which can be found and described easily. we have over 1
> billion people, u can not use few words to describe such a large group of
> people
>

> 2009/6/7 claire <claireletour...@gmail.com>

[claire]

Hi John Edward Charles Josney Oshiro Pablo and all,

Yes,Edward,I met the kind and helpful Korean couple in Seoul in 1991!
The Korean man was a painter/artist and his wife was a Taiwanese.

After we met,they kindly invited us to go by train with them to their
city,Tachung(did I spell it right?).
They helped us check in a yuokuan(?)because we couldn't speak any
Korean and most Koreans then didn't speak any English at all...:(
So with their advice and help,we could set out on an excursion nearby
on our own every morning and went back to their house every evening to
share our exotic experiences with them over dinner table!

I wish we could revisit Korea with our children! But it was a pity we
lost touch with that unforgetable couple!:(

Seoul must have changed a lot since our last visit.I was very
impressed by the modern,neat and well-organised city landscape.
The most amazing part for me was the underground
bars,restaurants,boutiques,CD shops,bookstores and etc which lasted
for kilometres in Seoul!
How nice it is to spend time there in winter when the oudoor
temperature is at least minus 10!;)

Hi John,
I also think it's fair to say that every province in China is like a
different country.
I am saying it because for example,in USA or France,it's much the same
thing that people and food vary from north to south and east to west.
Foreigners who learned Chinese told me that they had a hard time
understanding Chinese people's Chinese because they spoke with a
strong accent from their own dialect!:(

Hi Charles,
'Mischievious' isn't necessarily a bad word.
It means 'fond of having fun in a rather naughty way.';)

Pln likes to pull our leg sometimes,and it's no harm done,isn't it?
You just ask Pablo,Anu,Andre Barbosa or Oshiro.
Am I right,guys?LOL

Take care and great week ahead of us all!
Claire

> > > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Charles]

Hi Claire,

"Mischievious" is from "chief",isn't it? Then I understand the meaning of it.

Pln,she is funny,but I think I will being familiar with Pablo,Anu,Andre,Barbosa and Oshiro,later.^_^

Best regards

2009/6/8 claire <clairel...@gmail.com>

[John Awesome]

yeah, to be exact, I live in hangzhou

2009/6/8 Edward <edwd...@gmail.com>

[pln471]

Hi Pablo Josney Charles John Edward Oshiro and all,

I was so stunned by the spectacle of thousands of Chinese students
repeating after the host or hostess of a ceremony in English that I
became speechless!!!

I'm curious about what Charles,John or Edward think of it
themselves!;)

As what I have observed myself since childhood,Orientals are either
fond of or used to group activities.
They tend to feel more secure or braver when among groups and this
power as one gives them a sense of belonging or something like that...

I recall there was a famous slogan of one of the biggest language
centres in Taiwan:
Conquer English,come to Gram(Language Centre)!

Did you get the picture(of what I tried to get across to you)?
Many orientals have to learn English whether they like it or not as it
represents better grades and better lives,but they regard it as their
enemy!LOL

They also believe in repetitions and memorizations instead of
independent thinking which is a fundamental difference between Western
education and Oriental one!!!

I've been trying to figure out the many reasons why Orientals can't
seem to master languages as fast as other non-English speakers.
Edward was very right the other day!
Once they adapt the wrong methods,they waste too much time,money and
energy going nowhere without significant progress...which is very sad.
to me..:(

And Charles,haha!:D
I'm funny as to make you laugh or as a weird person?
Please elaborate on your findings,will you?LOL

And Edward,what's the reason why you can't log on TED in Korea?

And John,about the quote form Josney's ending message,
I had a hard time recalling where it was from,too!LOL
I suppose it's Confusius' words...(now and today because maybe
tomorrow I'll recall the exact words in Chinese.LOL)

Nice day to us all!
Pln
On Jun 6, 7:46 pm, Pablo <pchamorro2...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Pln and all!
>
> I already watched the video. I didn't know or had forgotten very long
> ago, about The Tayronas (The Lost City), an indigenous people who
> weren't touched for the Spaniards during conquest times. It's a shame
> a don't know enough even about my own country! Well, here a link for
> some other interested from my country:http://www.sacredland.org/index.php/sierra-nevada-de-santa-marta/.
>
> Well, tonight I watched this video:
>
> http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jay_walker_on_the_world_s_english_...
>
> Could somebody please tell us if in oriental countries like China,
> English is taught like we see at the end of that video? I mean, in
> public parks or scenarios in front of crowds of students repeating
> phrases in unison?
>
> I wonder if that kind of strategy could work for numerous classes like
> the ones we usually have? (around 40 students per a single (poor)
> teacher).
>
> Thank you,
>
> Pablo
>
> On Jun 6, 4:50 am, pln471 <pln...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: pln471 <pln...@gmail.com>
> > Date: Jun 6, 11:10 am
> > Subject: DISCUSSION OF THE WEEK:WHAT IS CULTURE?CHOOSE THE 4 FACTORS
>
> > WHICH YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT...
> > To: ESL Podcast

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Edward]

Hi Claire and all members.

You had traveled Seoul. Those couple was very kind person.
You are a welcome guest.
As you speaking, Korea is growing continue.
We have many fame spot.
For example, JeJu Island, WhanSeon lime cave, Seoul city, etc.

Korean people try for the speaking english well,
but many Koreans does not speak english well.
because They have been STUDYING english like TOEIC/TOEFL TEST since
they were student.
This is conflict situation.

I would like to guide for foreigner at least one time.
But I am not accustomed to speaking in english yet.

I guess you live in China, isn't it?
Thank you for your answer.

Have a good time.

> ...
>
> 추가 정보 >>

[Edward]

Hi John and all members.

Do you live in Hangzhou?
It is near here(Korea). A time difference is only 1 hour between
Hangzhou and Seoul.
Nice to meet you.

Have a good time.

On 6월9일, 오후5시50분, John Awesome <johnawesom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> yeah, to be exact, I live in hangzhou
>

> 2009/6/8 Edward <edwd.p...@gmail.com>

[Charles]

Hi all,

As the topic change to English studying,I think I have some unique experience to share.

I am a smart/thinking quickly guy who is good at mathematic&computer but don't talk too much and write too  much.In my college time,I worked so hard to pass the CET4,but I still cann't communicate with others very well in English.

Forturenately,I think I can now,after studying English on my own way which is easy.

First,English environment is necessary.I have learned English with books writed by Chinese for many years.so I decided use the English material including English windows XP system,English dictionary,English book,English TV show etc.

Second,yes I can,yes I can,yes I can.No matter how bad the feeling is when I don't understand those words,I didn't give up.There was many difficult in studying.I Conquered it with the words "yes,I can."

Third but not finally,let others point out the mistakes of the speech which I think I need do it...I studied English on my own.so,now,I can understand english news on google news,and learn english software very quickly with no language problem but I cann't write a letter satisfied by English teacher.There are so many grammar things I don't know...

So,the point is practicing with real world English mater on your hand.

And Pln, haha :D

You are funny but not weird.It's just ... how to say.You know,It's bad days for me now.For english studying,I quited my job as a junior engineer 1 year before.So I have to do the job hunting things now LOL. 

And during the economic financial crisis time,nothing is working on the convention way LOL...

I opened my Gmail that day and saw a letter with so many "LOL". haha,So ...

Best Regards

2009/6/10 Edward <edwd...@gmail.com>

[pln471]

Hi Edward John Charles Elham Oshiro Ed(our moderator) and all silent
members,

Hi Charles,
After reading your explanation,I felt much more relieved...on my part!
LOL
But I felt sad later for your current status of life...being
unemployed during the economical downturn in China!:(
I have been helping students here in Poland to pass FCE,CAE,BEC
Vantage and BEC Higher successfully mostly with their speaking and
writing skills...

If there's anything I can do to help you or anyone else here in
English acqusition,please don't hesitate to ask,will you?
Let me specify again that I'm an ESL/EFL teacher in Poland who's
originally from Taiwan.
I am pleased to be here to act as a volunteer teacher while other
teachers can't.;)

Yesterday I was told again by a silent member who's still too shy to
show up here...;)that I sounded like an American!
This member didn't believe that I wasn't American!LOL
To clear it up,I've never been to the States!Maybe someday I will!LOL

Nice day to us all!
Pln

> 2009/6/10 Edward <edwd.p...@gmail.com>

> ...
>
> read more >>- Hide quoted text -

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

So happy having your reply so quickly.:)You know,I am not sure about what time is it in Poland now because I am too lazy to check it on internet.:D

My current status life being unemployed is bad... I know it LOL... and this is not the most terrible part driving me crazy.What make me sad is my value system now. LOL After studying English alone for almost a year,I believe myself so much.You know,I have suspected the meaning of words in merriam-webster.That's bad... it wasted so much time of mine LOL.And,I get used to poor substance life,which means I don't want to spend time and energy on doing something I don't want to do to get the money.That's bad...again LOL.Also,after knowing the English language world,I think I should learn more but I don't know what to learn now LOL.

The point is that I conquered English but I don't have my life goal LOL.

Oh... problem guy...

Cool,you are a teacher who is teaching BEC.That's great.I think I should study the BEC course.There are my reasons

First,I need take a formal English course to fix the problems I have in my self-study

Second,I like business.

Also, BEC took by many people then we have the same kind of vocabulary.

Could you help me to do it? I need a teacher now LOL...the pity guy...

About the United status.The country is a great country.I hope I can have the opportunity to travel around it too LOL.

[Edward]

Hi Charles and all members.

Yes, I think You are right exactly.
It is important that practicing with real world English on my hand.
Thank you for listening your valuable experience.
I'am going to learn english like you.

Have a good time.

> 2009/6/10 Edward <edwd.p...@gmail.com>

> ...
>
> 추가 정보 >>

[Charles]

Hi Edward,

I think there are some thing you should pay attention.

First,choose the material rightly.ask a teach knowing you well,don't like me,waste so much time.

Second,reading and writing first,it's easy to check if you are doing right.

third,speaking skill is relative to personality,I don't speak too much before,but I am a chat box now....

2009/6/11 Edward <edwd...@gmail.com>

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I've been missing those few more active members here including
you,Charles since my absence due to our move to the new flat and my
untimingly illness!

I've read your most recent message today and I think this is the
precise one I was meaning to reply to after my return to the
groups,isn't it?;)

You're surely in a predicament not knowing the goal of your life.
But guess what? You're not the only one.
There are millions and millions of people out there who are in search
of the meaning of their lives as well.
Some lucky ones may have found,and some unluckier ones may not...
Whichever happens,life goes on.

A lot of people believe success or happiness means owning a lot of
money.I have been there,and I can tell you it didn't bring me much
happiness.Happiness has to be doing what you enjoy doing!

Bec is not that big deal as everybody thinks!LOL
You are right that it uses the same range of vocabulary.
If you are serious about passing BEC Vantage(upper-intermediate
level),'Market Leader' intermediate and upper-intermediate edition
should be the best to start from.

I'm just a traditional ESL/EFL teacher who don't give online courses.
I wonder how I may help you...
Do you have any ideas yourself?

As you mentioned in the message today,how to find a job that requires
English is really a big problem for you now,isn't it?
The first thing I can think of is to move to a bigger city where there
are import and export companies or multi-national ones.
Otherwise,try working for a publisher translating books or something.
You used to work as a junior engineer,I know,but what kind of
engineer?
Can you tell me?I'm afraid I can't recall...:(

I see.You're old enough to have a girlfriend.You must be 7 years old!
LOL
How old are you?John asked you before,but you didn't answer him
earlier.

My present flat is surrounded by two huge trees.When sitting in the
kitchen or the living room,we can see doves,sparrows,or other kinds of
birds perching and singing right outside our windows.
The playground with green grass and a huge sandbox for my children to
play on is right downstairs within a minute.;)
I guess I'm quite lucky finding this new flat so close to my kids'
primary school and kindergarten.
Guess who found it for me?One old Polish student of mine!
She's due to have a babygirl at the end of September!;)

Nice week ahead of us all!
Pln

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

Very grade to receive your letter.

I didn't know the letter is here.I have tried to check the letter in
another mail.There are so many letters in Gmail.

I haven't thought about my life goal until my last year in
university.From my high school to my college,I just won the games all
the time,the basketball game,the chess,the testes etc.I am smart.So,I
always win the game.However,I don't know what's next if there isn't a
game for me to play.

the logic thing is good,the emotion thing is hard to handle.

About the BEC,I am so sorry about my hand writing.I just feel that I
should fix the problems of my english,then the BEC is a good choice.I
don't have a good idea yet.Let me think about it again.

How old I am? Oh!forgot to mention.I am 23 now, graduated form
Chongqing university in 2007 and worked as a junior engineer in Midea
factory.A years latter,I quieted my job and followed my passion on
English studying.After studying english by myself with english
materials I can get on internet for almost a year,I am here.

Oh...Girl.They won't like a boy like this.I have to find a job
first.Um... the problem is, corporation don't need a employee like
this too...LOL bad...

Moving to a bigger city is a good idea.I thought about moving to
Beijing or Hangzhou.It's just that I don't have a good plan yet.LOL.

The life in Europe is comfortable.I try to imagine the picture of your
new house following your words.I hope I can have a chance to be
here.Um... My roommate will have a business travel to Brussel in
Belgium in Nov.Great!

Nice days is coming.
Best Regards

[John Awesome]

hi pln

I just find you r a english teacher, and i think u should have much better command of english than others, then they hire u as a english teacher, because they european can save much hard work in english studying, these languages have much in common. btw, It is really terrible to pass my IELTS test, i'v tried few times.

and what's more, hangzhou, the city is suit for visit and being stay, but not for start ur carrer, sometime you cannot afford renting a house or buying a house by ur monthly paid salary, and it happens. as to our locals, we can live with our parents and save money to afford a dreamed house or accomdation, but it is not possible for others, i think shanghai is suit for people start their own carrer.

[pln471]

Hi Charles John and all,

Charles,you remind me of Anu in so many ways.
Both as clever as you can be,and both at the same time as aimless as
you don't want to be...

Sometimes I think it's a curse when success comes too quick and easy
for us.
If I may add something,being too intelligent is another curse.:(

When I was your age,Charles,people around me used to say,'You think
way too much!'LOL
Sometimes it's true because the more I try to sort things out,the
worse or the more confused I feel...

Life is an ongoing process which waits for no one!
Are there more or higher mountains to climb?
You bet there are plenty!
It is as true as Claire quoted today what John Lennon said,'Life is
what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.'

There are as many pros and cons when working and living in a bigger
city.
It all depends on what you want to get from it.
Since I have never been to China,I have no clue how tough it is to
survive in bigger cities there.
But at times like this,you need to count on your
friends,acquaintances,relatives or maybe even strangers more than
ever!

What you need right now is something or someone to motivate you to
find a mediocre job,then save enough money to come to Europe!
How do you like this crazy idea?!LOL


And John,I hope my English hasn't disappointed you so far!LOL
It's far from perfect!!!That's why I am here to sharpen my writing
skills as you all try to do.;)
If any of you would like to know more abpout me,simply click on
styc...@yahoo.com on the home page here,go to the very first message
I posted last March.;)

I have no idea how difficult IELTS test is.
I've never helped anyone on it.
If you don't mind,please tell me more in which areas you find
frustrating.
Let's see how to improve your grades...

Good night,everyone!
Pln

> > >> opportunity to travel around it too LOL.- Hide quoted text -

[Charles]

Hi Pln,John,

Thanks for your advice.That's very kind.

John,yeah,Hangzhou is not right for me now.I thought about going to
shanghai.It's just not easy to survive in Shanghai.because,First,It's
just I am not sure I can find a job here now.My university is in
Chongqing and my education background is bachelor of mechanical
engineer,I think that's not good enough.Second,The life in shanghai is
expensive for me now.I cann't afford the rent,the bus,and the food
here.Also,People in shanghai is busy and don't help others very
often.I have been in shanghai before.It's a "high
standard","economic"city.

I prefer Beijing,Even though I haven't been here yet.It's just that I
think I should be here.

Pln,I know I have thought too much.It's just I don't like my life now
and I don't know how to make it better.I didn't have a older people
motivating me yet.My father cann't help me now,who is running his
small business in a small town.Also,I don't have some relatives who is
speaking English.So,I have to find the answers by myself.

About the idea saving money to go Europe,it's not crazy.It's
practical.Some people do it this way.However,I am still young.I can
take some adventure.

Is there any friends who like cars ? I am so interesting on it now.The
BMW,The hammer,The Porsche etc

Good day.Good people.
Best regards

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I thought I might be the one who motivate you to come to Europe!LOL

How interesting!
My husband prefers people in Shanghai to those in Beijing.
He said they are more business-minded,and don't make a fuss about what
needs to be done.;)

I'm afraid it's beyond my power to help you cope with your current
problems...:(
All I can do is to be here for you whenever you would like to talk to
someone in English.
I will keep listening to you,and if there's any advice I can give,I
won't hesitate to do so.;)

How's that to you?
When's your birthday?

Good day to you and us all,
Pln

> > stycz...@yahoo.com on the home page here,go to the very first message

> ...
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

You are really very kind.It makes me feel better while writing to you.

Shanghai is better than Beijing.I know that.It's just that I cann't
survive here now.what a pity!LOL LOL LOL.I am trying to improve myself
to have the capacity to go anywhere.

It's okay.Trying to help me does already make me heart-warming.I
really enjoy writing to you.You know,my status is better than few days
ago.I went out travel some visiting place in Chongqing yesterday.They
are Three Gorges Museum and MeiXin Changjiang.In Chongqing,go
Museum,if you want to know this city;go Meixin changjiang,if you want
to meet foreigners.GOOD PLACE.

That's great! I plan to trouble you for a long time.^_^
My birthday is Sep,28.Two days before the birthday of my country.Will
I get a present?^_^

The young in China like me is confusing now.We have many knowledges
and great ideas.We have seen many amazing things in big
city.However,We have to work with older people whose age is 30-40.When
they are young,china is so different,which is bigger than any other
countries.So We have a huge conflict too.LOL

I am trying to focus on what I can control and do my best.

What should I do,if I plan to go Europe to visit you when I have enough money?

Good day to you.
Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

Didn't you know you were born on the same day as Confusius was?
(well,according to the historian,anyway;))
My eldest sister was born exactly on the same day,too.

I don't know if you will get a gift from me yet,but an e-birthday card
is guaranteed!LOL

So as you said,there's a huge generation gap between older and younger
people in China,isn't there?
In Poland,they share the same problems because the social and economic
changes are so fast for the older ones to adapt to.
They seem to have problems understanding the younger
generations,too...:(

It takes patience for the young and tolerance for the old,I suppose if
we want to benefit from each side and live in harmony.;)
For your information,I am 43 years 'young'!LOL

Let's see what you should do when you come to Europe to visit me!
Prepare yourself for challenges both spiritual and physical!
There are bound to be plenty of cultural shocks,and I am fond of
exploring places on foot!LOL

Great weekend to you and others,
Pln

On Jul 3, 12:44 pm, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Pln,
>

[John Awesome]

pln, Never thought about you are 43 years old, I do not think the style you talk like a middle-aged woman. and the life always bring me surprise, my mum collected all the works of Mr.Gulong? or Xiongyaohua, and my grand mun just learned to send me SMS through cellphone.
The different between generations are natural problems, it is a little difficult to understand what 90's have done. I want to ask you about how to understand other people.  

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

Ha...spiritual and physical.LOL.No others?? OH~OH~OH~ it's not
difficult.I can be here few years latter.Maybe,I should buy a ticket
and come now.LOL

Really?! I was born on the same day as Confucius was.That's geat!Are
you sure??Also it's exactly the same as your elder
sister.OH~DESTINY.It's my destiny to be a great person and a friend of
you.

Yeah.There is a huge generation between older and younger.The
environment is so different.In 1990,when the older people is 20.The
people in mainland is poor.They are struggle for survival.There are
few sky-line and cars in mainland in China.and in 2010,when we are
20.There are no big difference between other modernization cities
being in big city in china.

However,The problem is they build the city under the ideas from
oversee.Most of them don't even know where those things original
from,such as sky-line,car,computer,elevator etc.So,they get used to
copying a thing from developed countries and getting benefit.They
don't need our fresh ideas but need execute their orders.That's a
tragic for educated young.LOL

Anyway,I think the situation is better when the world economy is
down.The economy developed too quickly to digest.People is doing
self-improving more when economic downturn.

Um... you are young.and you are educated, intelligent and funny.There
must be many people telling you that.I always hope that I can have a
person like you to discuss things.LOL

Lucky days to you and all
Best Regards
Charles

[pln471]

Hi John Charles and all,

Thank you two for your compliments!
So nice to be sweet talked every now and then!LOL

Another surprise,Charles!
September 28th(Confucius' birthday) is also Teacher's Day in Taiwan!;)
You are the very first young man who believe in destiny.

I suppose it's time to ask this question now.
Why did you change your English name from Bill to Charles?

I think I understand the serious communication breakdown between the
senior and the new comer at the workplaces...as you both described.
Not every senior member on the team is worth new comers' respect
whereas not every new comer is qualified enough to fit in the position
when hired after graduation.:(

Like John asked,how to understand other people?
It's a big question,isn't it?

Misunderstandings come from so many different shortcomings of us
human:
Take a pick!
Pride?Prejudice?Indifference?Jealousy?Ignorance?Greed?
Arrogance?Sense of inferiority?
What else have you found so far?:(

This is a hugely dark area to discover for us.
I guess the easiest place to start is from ourselves.
Sometimes if we know ourselves better,it's easier for others to come
closer to us.;)

Another simple rule when it comes to understand other people:
You need to be interested in them,at least in knowing their likes and
dislikes!
In doing so,you will find something in common sooner or later,then
everything else becomes easier and faster after that!;)

I hope you have got a somewhat satisfactory answer from me...

Great week ahead of us all,
Pln

[Charles]

Hi Pln and John and all,

Glade to see you in a new week!
Tomorrow is another day!SO,Next week is another week!

Pln,so many surprises from you.LOL
And,I really like those them!LOL.Why didn't I met you earlier?!LOL
Then,my life must be better now.

About the name "Bill",people always guess I am an old man calling me
this name.I hate it!!So,I changed my English name.How do you think
about it?Tell me your first impression of mine when you see those
names.

The truth is I am young.LOLI am younger than most of people aging
23.Every time I come out,People on the street always call me "little
brother" meaning I am 18-20,even during the time when I work as a
junior mechanical engineer in Midea factory.LOL That's far from the
fact.The reason is I have a baby-face.People suppose it's a boy in
front of them before talking with me.MISUNDERSTANDING~LOL

People suppose baby-face is not reliable which is not always true.So
it's a prejudice.
They expect fresh idea from younger more.

Hi,John.I agree with Pln.Misunderstanding come from shortcomings of
human being.What I think of "understand" is related to feeling of
human being,which is emotion things.Sad,Happy,Exciting and angry are
basic feelings.It's difficult to "understand" another people due to
the enormous feeling of human beings.

What I try to do now is figure out what another want and need.
Also,What kind of the purpose is when other people is doing a thing.
So,it make me "understand" other more easily.
Even through,It's still not easy.We need do many communications and
honest talks.

How do you think of my measures?I think you have your own experience too.

By the way,Pln,I still wonder if there are grammar mistakes when I am
writing.I don't know if I am writing a letter as English Email way.


Best Regards
Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

It's always very nice for me to hear some new friends like you saying,
'Why didn't I meet you earlier?!;)

But I'm not that certain if your life would be better having me around
as I'm quite challenging!LOL

You are right about a good way to get to know someone better is by
observing his/her actions or behaviours while figuring out his/her
motives.
Once you know the reasons why he/she does or doesn't do something,it's
easier for you to cope with the problems or troubles he/she gives
you.

As for my first impressions of you,it has nothing to do with the names
because quite a lot of Taiwanese like to change their English names
way too often.
So I learned to not take them seriously...
For your information again,'P' in my Id stands for Pauline.;)

I recalled reading your messages since last November,and you seemed to
be always quick at responding to questions in short sentences without
hesitation.
So my first impression of you was that you were not patient enough!LOL
Was I right ?;)

Bill is a nick name of William,Willy,Will,Bill or Billy as Charles is
the official name of Charlie,Chuck or some other names which American
are good at naming their names in short forms.
I don't know why but,I just don't like to be called Paula or Polly!:(

If it's the fluency you concern about,try read more articles written
by native speakers online.
The more you read,the less you'll be worried about your mistakes
because they'll be automatically corrected through time...

There's one I often use as teaching materials:

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com

And if you are still interested in BEC,here's a very good one to log
on to:

http://www.businessenglishpod.com

However,if you want me to correct any of your writing,there's no
problem,either...;)
But I'd suggest you to read 4 articles Warren wrote for us here first.
Just go to the homepage,and you'll see them collected by Ed,our
moderator there,will you?

Good luck and good day to us all!
Pln

[pln471]

To make it easier for you to find Warren's 5 articles:

http://groups.google.com/group/eslpodcast/web/pages?hl=en

Happy reading!;)
Pln

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

I have read Warren's 5 articles,which make me more confidence.:)I have
studied English as exactly the way he introduced to us for a
year.Great!

Certainly,my life is better having you around.I can feel the changes
of my life after writing to you.Have you helped a lot of young like
me?I guess it must be a bunch of.

Even through I am good at figuring out the purpose of others,I am not
a proactive person yet.I don't know how to influence others.There are
always some problems when I am trying to influence others to do
something.
From the experience done by ours to me,I figure out some
skills.First,making others believe what he do can get
repay.Second,attracting others with something he desire and then
implying he can get it if you do something.Third,they have to do
it.etc

What I am doing for connections is lowing my need and asking few help
from others and give them more(I am good at computer things,which can
help people surrounding me).But,I don't think I can still develop
connections like this in work place.LOL

About the responding earlier time,let me recall,I read dictionaries
and professional essays only during those time,which is difficult for
me.LOLSo I make myself bad mood and waste many time.LOL During those
time,I read and listen english material without tutor because I
believed myself too much and I didn't go out to find
one.Bad!!LOLLOLLOL

Thank you very much for the materials.They are great.

Best Regards
Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I have no idea how many young people I have helped so far...;)
My motto is to live and help live.
It doesn't really matter to me how many there are,as long as one like
you finds me helpful and expresses your happiness to me straight!;)

People are generally selfish unfortunately.
I don't suggest you to come out of your way to meet with their
requests or demands unless you feel OK with it and are willing to do
it despite their taking you for granted...
What I'm trying to warn you is that once you feel you're used,stop
what you do.
Friends are difficult to find,but you can't feel used to gain
friendship because it isn't...:(

To successfully motivate people,you need to know precisely what they
want from you or to win their trust and respect,that is their heart.;)
People like to feel valued and that you are in the same boat with
them.

Well,that's my 2 cents only!
I hope other members here can share with us their own findings!!!

Great day to us all!
Pln

On Jul 7, 4:21 pm, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Pln,
>

[Charles]

Hi Pln ,

Um... I am just one of hundreds.Sad!!LOL
I thought the reason you help me is I am special.LOL

Most of people consider their own profit more.We have to admit it.
Um...Okay,I'll protect myself more well.
Fortunately,I always meet good people.They took advantages from me but
helping me latter.Lucky!

I am trying to learn how to motive or inspire others.I think it's very
important.
um...First,know precisely what they want or need.I think it need
observation and communication.For example,meeting a person.We figure
out why are they here first,then ask what can I do for you?Does it
like this?

About trust,the key point in my opinion is keeping your words,isn't it?

Simple!

What does a Great person,a Rich person or a powerful person think
about it? Curious.

Good days are coming to us!!
Best Regards
Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I try not to be partial as a fair teacher,but do you really think it's
possible ?LOL

OK.Now you have got a task to help me out here!
I received a phonecall last week to teach martial arts' students in
this town Chinese...anytime soon!

I have been teaching my sons and their classmates aged 5 to 8 and a 15
year-old boy basic Chinese,and that was all!
How am I going to teach those adults?
With which textbook?
And where to begin with?

It is somewhat peculiar to me if you come to think of it that it's
more difficult to teach your own mother tongue than to learn a foreign
language...
That's my problem to solve now...:(
Any ideas?
It's your turn to help me!LOL

Good night,oh no,good morning to you!
Pln

[Charles]

Hi Pln,

Um...I know it's your work to help young.But I still feel sad.LOL
I want to be unique and special.LOL

It's my pleasure to help you.

About Chinese,My experience is reading and writing as much as you can too.
It's no different with English.

The pronunciation of mandarin(official Chinese language)could be a
problem in teaching,which was created based on Beijing dialect and it
didn't learn well by most of adult in china(often live in southwest of
china being far from Beijing).

I am lived in Chongqing,so I can't help you this part.

Also,the young and old in china don't speak the same kind of words.
I don't communicate with them very well yet.Many of them always talk
about communism, wrote by words we young difficult to read.
I love my country and also I worry about it.

As the process of acquiring English,I think the Chinese TV show like
"春节联欢晚会"and"郭德刚相声"are very good.Also,there are some Chinese movies
produced in USA.

About the reading,I don't have a good idea to teach a adult, I am
still young and don't have experience of teaching adult.

There is a website,which is the biggest Chinese news site.
http://www.sina.com/

The biggest SNS.
http://www.xiaonei.com

I hope it's helpful.

Good days to you and all
Best Regards
Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I want to thank you for the links you found for me first though I
haven't found time to browse them yet!

I feel sad,too knowing that I made you feel sad...:(

Please don't be!
'Unique' or 'special' aren't exactly the words I usually use to
describe people I meet.
For your information once more,I seldom give compliments to others as
I am actually quite strict and stingy when it comes to praising...
Let's just say it's a fatal weakness of most Capricorns!LOL

BTW,Serdar,a promise is a promise!;)
I'm still waiting!LOL

Anyway,nice weekend to you all!
Pln

On Jul 9, 3:58 am, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Pln,
>
> Um...I know it's your work to help young.But I still feel sad.LOL
> I want to be unique and special.LOL
>
> It's my pleasure to help you.
>
> About Chinese,My experience is reading and writing as much as you can too.
> It's no different with English.
>
> The pronunciation of mandarin(official Chinese language)could be a
> problem in teaching,which was created based on Beijing dialect and it
> didn't learn well by most of adult in china(often live in southwest of
> china being far from Beijing).
>
> I am lived in Chongqing,so I can't help you this part.
>
> Also,the young and old in china don't speak the same kind of words.
> I don't communicate with them very well yet.Many of them always talk
> about communism, wrote by words we young difficult to read.
> I love my country and also I worry about it.
>
> As the process of acquiring English,I think the Chinese TV show like
> "春节联欢晚会"and"郭德刚相声"are very good.Also,there are some Chinese movies
> produced in USA.
>
> About the reading,I don't have a good idea to teach a adult, I am
> still young and don't have experience of teaching adult.
>
> There is a website,which is the biggest Chinese news site.http://www.sina.com/
>

> The biggest SNS.http://www.xiaonei.com

[Charles]

Hi pln,

I feel so sad,because that I am in trouble but I don't want to be normal.
I need support.LOL

It's Hard to imagine that you are strict.I don't believe it.LOL

Oh,about teaching language to adult.
I think Liyang,who is created CrazyEnglish in china,is doing great
now.He has tricks.

If there are any problems of understanding Mandarin,I'll do my best to
explain it in English.

BTW,Serdar,a promise is a promise!

I don't understandLOL
What is it?
It's Not to me?

Good days to you and all

Charles

2009/7/10 pln471 <pln...@gmail.com>:

[pln471]

Hi Charles Elham and all,

Oh,no,I'm neither a strict mother(my husband is)nor a strict teacher(I
used to be very strict to my children students),but unfortunately a
difficult person to be friends with who's got a lot of unreasonable
rules...LOL
Consider it as a warning,and don't ask me later why I didn't warn you !
LOL

My 21-year-old niece who's a Chinese language & literature graduate
this June has been 'ordered' to help me.;)
She's a Libra who was born by a Libra,my eldest sister,who shares your
birthday!;)

Sorry to confuse you!
It's just a reminder to a new member,Sedar,who's flying home to Turkey
from Sydney today...
He's been a silent member reading everything about me without any
feedbacks,so I figure it's time for him to start writing something
back!LOL

Nice Sunday to you and everyone else!
And Happy Belated 25th Birthday,Elham!!!
Pln

[Charles]

Hi pln and all,

Ha,as I imagined,you are not a strict teacher.
Also,I think you are always a good friend(with people in any age).
The unreasonable rules,which you warned me,must be some rules good for others.
You are very kind.
I know it.

Oh,you have "ordered" a professional helper.Great!
Your niece know more Chinese language than me,even through I am in china.
What should I call her?

Libra
LIBRA, The Croatian People's Party - Liberal Democrats, a political
party in Croatia.
Is this LIBRA?LOL

My birthday isn't far away.
I am looking forward it.
Present!Present!!LOL

Oh,great!!I like Turkey and Sydney.
Look forward the writing of him about this traveling.
Must be interesting!!!

Nice days in coming!
Best regards
Charles

2009/7/12 pln471 <pln...@gmail.com>:

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

I must be addicted to writing to you everyday!LOL
You know I hate to see my Id shown as the top poster on the home
page...:(

The English name of my niece is Carol.
It's a very similar pronunciation to Chinese which word by word means
lovable and tender.
I used to make fun of my sister that by naming her daughter that
way,she turned out to be quite the opposite strangely!

Charles,I underestimated your EQ!LOL
Thank you for your perception of the real me...

But I didn't promise you a present yet!:)

Serdar spent his last 7 months in Sydney attending some language
course,so that he can pass ILETS Exam.
He was another one who said,'Why didn't I meet you earlier?' before
you recently...:)
It wasn't some effective course for him unfortunately.:(

Well,I'm looking forward to his messages,too,but let's just let him
get rid of his jet lag first!
It has to be a very tiring and long journey!

Nice day to you and all!
Pln

[Charles]

Hi pln and all,

I'd like to write to you too,every time I open Gmail.LOL
But,I don't mind my writing on the frontage of Group.ha

Carol,pronunciating as "ke ai",is such a good name.
Ha,I try to imagine what kind of girl her is in real world.She must be
intelligent and funny as you.
What does it mean,"she turned out to be quite the opposite strangely!"?
I didn't get it!

About My EQ,What do you think about it? I don't know if my EQ is good
enough.Nobody measure it for me before.
I feel that you are a kind elder friend of mine.And I told you what
kind of feeling I have.
My life is better than before now.THANKS.LOL

I have moved to Chongqing university where I don't need worry about
food thing here.
And,there are many students having dreams.

I have a idea some days ago,trying to figure out where is my way to happiness.
Because of I have no rich relatives and powerful friends,I have to be
a place where young having dreams,passion,and ideas.

After studying English for a long time,I think I should choose a field
where I can use my English.
I don't think it's a good idea studying English only now for me.
A direction is needed.

Because of my age is 23 now.And I have a mechanic Engineer bachelor
degree of Chongqing university.
I hope I can get a opportunity studying on board.
That's my dream now.LOL

Present! You didn't promise me.I know it.LOL

Serdar,best wish to his test.
I have taken iBT test before,Hard Time.
If there are anything I can help him,I'd love to do it.

Best Regards
Charles



2009/7/14 pln471 <pln...@gmail.com>:

[John Awesome]

hey, Charles, could you tell me your feeling about taking an ibt test, i think i will have a try when i be well prepared, but not at present time, the result only last two years. i want to study in america four or five years later, and i think ibt and gre is necessary to apply ad and schloarship. thx

2009/7/18 Charles <huix...@gmail.com>

[Charles]

Hi,John

About iBT,your should know more about it if you want to take the
test,according the information you gave me.There is a good website.
http://www.taisha.org/test/toefl/

It's the most important that you take the iBT as a game designing by ETS.
A professional teacher teaching iBT will be great helpful for you when
you are preparing the test.

Oh,almost forget to mention,there might be similar test of iBT in university.
You'll know the test perfectly after doing it.

Best Regards
Charles


2009/7/18 John Awesome <johnaw...@gmail.com>:

[John Awesome]

the similar test of ibt? what's that? i have only take the cet 4 and ielts

2009/7/18 Charles <huix...@gmail.com>

[Charles]

it's a kind of test organized by foreigner college in Chongqing
university to help student get a better score in iBT test.

2009/7/18 John Awesome <johnaw...@gmail.com>:

[pln471]

Good Monday morning Charles John and all,

Yes,'Ke Ro',similar to the sound of Carol,means cute and tender.
She hates this name and turned out to be quite a masculine young woman!
LOL

So that's our deal from now on that you will top my record!
A promise?:)

There's no EQ test available as far as I know.
People who tend to be more good-humoured,quicker at understanding
others' needs or more considerate of others around them are considered
with higer EQ,I suppose.

Your EQ is higer than you think,believe me!;)
It's very nice of you to remind me that I'm able to motivate or even
inspire younger people like you to have better perspectives of their
careers,so they can have a joyful and meaningful life...

I always believe languages are only tools,and if you find no use of
it,it's considered dead to me...:(
I hope you'll find a job which will make most of your English skills
as a first step!
Then the next step would be saving enough money to study abroad like
John is about to!

Good luck and stay in touch,will you,Charles?:)

Great week ahead,everyone!
Pln
After reading what you wrote,I also think you're heading for the right
direction

[Charles]

Hi Pln and all,

Good evening!

Ha,Carol isn't "Ke Ro",because of hating her name.
Really??
As my Chinese name is "Hsiao Chi",I always want to be a big man.
It make sense!
We young don't like living our life designed by others.
It proved this point again.

From now on toping this letter,um...I can't promise it but doing my best.LOL
I might be a little bit of busy when I start my career.LOL

Ha,I am genius.Friends told me my IQ is higher than others before.I am
smart and think quickly.
And now,It seems like I have a high EQ too.
Great!!!
What else?
HO~HO~

If I have done some reminding,I am very happy about it.
I though you was doing it all the time.

OH...it's not my point that language is useless.LOL
Communication is important in everywhere.
As you saying,I should do something with the tools.
The problem is that I didn't find a job using English skill yet.LOL
It's not easy finding a job.LOL
I didn't even try job hunting now.LOL BAD

Anyway,life is moving on.

A little bit of tired.....LOLOLOLOL

YEAH,I will keep writing to you until no relying from you anymore,as I
said before that I'll trouble you for a long time.^_^

Good week for you and all
Best Regards
Charles

2009/7/20 pln471 <pln...@gmail.com>:

[pln471]

Hi Charles Oshiro Claire and all members who are 'as quiet as church
mice',LOL

I have been feeling kind of low lately.
Reading all your messages cheers me up somehow...
Thank you,Charles!You have been so sweet!:)

What does 'Hsiao Chi' mean?
Does it mean little boy?
You can see that I can't pronounce'ping yin'which is a system designed
for foreigners by Chinese scholars,I guess.:(

Carol was brought up mostly by me and my mom because her own parents
were busy working and partying.

What's ironic is that when she began to go to university and live in
the dorm at least 5 hour-drive from her hometown,her parents wanted to
see her every weekend.
She almost always declined their intensive visits or their requests of
her to go home and spend time with them!LOL

I reckon I must have been the guilty one who made her believe that
girls can't count on their pretty faces and what you do and who you
are are more important than how you look...;)

You're right that she's a witty and clever girl who doesn't want to
have a boyfriend!LOL

Oh,please!Don't fall in love with your own IQ or EQ!LOL

You said you wanted to be a teacher,didn't you?
An ESL/EFL teacher like me teaching foreigners or your own Chinese?
If you mean it,there's a lot to think about...
Do you need a certificate to teach anywhere in China?
Anu(who you remind me of)also told me he wanted to be an ESL/EFL
teacher a year ago...LOL

Great weekend to you and us all,
Pln

[Charles]

Hi pln,

Good morning.Another good day.

"Hsiao Chi" don't have a particular meaning,only felt by others as a little boy.The spell of "Hsiao Chi" in "ping yin" system is "Xiao Qi",which might be difficult to pronounce by foreigners.Um...from this name,people always think I am a easy-going person,which is absolutely true.

Carol,from your words,like your daughter more brought up by you.Then I can understand why she is witty,clever,and intelligent.

However,about refusing have a boy friend,um... it's special.

Ha,the girl in western country,according to informations from TV and internet,always have a relationship earlier.She must have a high standards on relationship.

You made me be interested on her.

I like people special.LOL

How can I keep in touch with her? Does she have FACEBOOK or MSN?

Ha,about IQ,EQ thing,it's just cherish myself up a little.It's meaningless,if I don't have a direction."win hundreds and thousands games but lose the life."What a pity!

Also,There is no fault likeing my high IQ and EQ a little bit of.^_^

About the teacher thing,I am still not sure.

I'd like teach people as Obama doing speech.

Ha,that's COOL.

Um...Anu,you mentioned him many times.

We like so much,aren't we?

He seems like sort of busy now.

What kind of his career is?

Great days to you,Carol and all

Best Regards

Charles

[pln471]

Hi Charles and all,

In this particular message,you sounded much older...I don't know
why.LOL

You are right again that she has set higher standards for her
relationship with boys.
Since close relatives of hers have had bumpy rides in their
marriages,she became sceptical of her own relationship with the
opposite sex.
It's the fault of the previous generation...doubtless to say.

So have you tried contacting her after I gave you her e-mail address?
LOL

What you said about gains and losses reminds me of a saying.
It goes like,'If you win the whole world but lose your love,what's the
point?!'

It's true that a lot of rich and famous people are the lonliest in
life.
So my logic is 'Be happy with who you are or who you're with,and
accept what you are or have.':)

If you need a break from English,I don't agree but I'll understand
your decision as a friend.
Just don't expect me to understand your English when you come back
because it may be worse,may it not?
I'm just a little bit worried!LOL

Talking about breaks,my family and I will go on a trip to other cities
in Poland for a few days in 2 days.
My boys are very excited about taking hinged trams,hinged buses and
slow trains then!LOL

Good luck on everything you do or what to do,everyone!
Best wishes,
Pln

On Jul 26, 5:38 am, Charles <huixin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi pln,

[Charles]

Hi pln and all,

My apology for disappearing those days without tell you guys.
It's so nice to see you again.Pln.

I just go out to do some sports.You know,I have studied for a long
time and lack of exercise.That's not good losing my health but getting
knowledge.

About my age,my physic age is 24,which I always doubt if there is a
mistake of it made by my parents. I don't look like a 24 and behave as
a 24.

Carol.Um...From your words,she seems like don't write too much
often.Me too.I am afraid of being a situation that I begin the
conversatioin but we have noting to discuss.That's awful!

LIFE.I have to focus on my career.I am a male and I am not rich now.No
matter I like or not.Having a good career is the foundation of my
happy life.

Thanks for your understanding of my emotional decision of taking a
break of English studying.It's boring doing it day and day.

It's great that your family will have a trip to other cities.Can I
join in?LOL in my dream.

Good days to you and all
Charles

[pln471]

Hello Charles and all so many more which I will surely miss,

I understand perfectly how a sound body attributes to a sound mind.
Exercises are a brilliant way to letting out the steam and calming the
over-stressed mind!;)

Hey,I got married at the age of 24,your stage of life now!LOL
At that time,I had the slightest clue what marriage was about or how
our future would be when both of us were without jobs...
It was extremely scary rushing into life just like that,wasn't it?LOL

Frankly speaking as I always try to,money or career weren't my top
concern when we got married then.
I just trusted my own instinct that as long as we were together,we
could help each other through all the obstacles...

Life is far more unpredictable than we think.:)
Whoever knows,Charles?
Maybe after I return from our trip next week,you will tell me you meet
a nice girl who understands and appreciates your IQ and EQ!LOL

I'll be thinking of you and others from the groups while having fun
with my family exploring all the new places on foot and by all those
transportations they adore!:)

Take care,Charles,Paulo,Ed,Simone,Oshiro,Hu(our newest member from
China in
Japan:),Hani,Sweetypie,Kevin,Raghu,Anu,Briana,Claire,Deepak,Elham and
everyone else!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!
Untill next week,
Pln