(共25张PPT)
人教版(2019)必修一
Unit 5 Languages Around the World
Reading and Thinking
Explore the Chinese writing system
Learning objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
learn and grasp the new words in this section, such as symbol, means, character and so on;
practice reading skills such as skimming and scanning to understand the text better;
sort out the development of the Chinese writing system;
analyze the role the Chinese writing system plays in Chinese culture.
L e a d - i n
What can you see in the picture
The picture shows jiaguwen. Some symbols were carved on longgu by ancient Chinese people. Maybe they are the earliest Chinese characters.
Predict what the text will be about.
THE CHINESE WRITING SYSTEM:
CONNECTING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT
Pre-reading
Topic The Chinese writing system
Focus connecting the past and the present
Detail The Chinese writing system in the past
how the Chinese writing system makes this connection
...
THE CHINESE WRITING SYSTEM:
CONNECTING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT
China is widely known for its ancient civilisation which has continued all the way through into
modern times, despite the many ups and downs in its history. There are many reasons why this has been possible, but one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system.
At the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based language. It dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu—animal bones and shells on which symbols were carved by ancient Chinese people. Some of the ancient symbols call still be seen in today’s hanzi.
By the Shang Dynasty (around 1600-1046 BCE), these symbols had become a well-developed writing system. Over the years, the system developed into different forms, as it was a time when people were divided geographically, leading to many varieties of dialects and characters. This, however, changed under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE).
While-reading
Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all still communicate in writing.
Written Chinese has also become in important means by which China’s present is connected with its past. People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese characters as an art form, known as Chinese calligraphy, which has become an important part of Chinese culture.
Today, the Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a greater role in global affairs, an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate China’s culture and history through this amazing language.
Read the text quickly to find the main idea of each paragraph.
Paragraph 1: The Chinese writing system is one of the reasons why Chinese civilisation has survived into modern times.
Paragraph 2: Written Chinese was a picture-based language at the beginning.
Paragraph 3: The writing system became well-developed, and later developed into different forms.
Paragraph 4: The writing system began to develop in one direction.
Paragraph 5: Written Chinese connects China’s present with its past, and has become an art form.
Paragraph 6: The Chinese language is helping to spread China’s culture and history to the world.
Scan the text to find the words and phrases that describe a time. Then write down what happened at each of those important times.
Time What happened
modern times The Chinese civilisation still continues.
at the beginning Written Chinese was a picture-based language.
dates back several thousand years Longgu appeared.
by the Shang Dynasty (around 1600-1046 BCE) Symbols carved on longgu had become a well-developed writing system.
over the years The writing system developed into different forms, as the Chinese people were divided geographically, leading to many varieties of dialects and characters.
Scan the text to find the words and phrases that describe a time. Then write down what happened at each of those important times.
Time What happened
the Qin Dynasty(201- 227BCE) The Chinese writing system began to develop in one unified direction.
even today Chinese people can all still communicate in writing.
in modern times Chinese people can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times.
today The Chinese characters are still a vital part of Chinese culture.
Scan the text to find the sentences explaining how the Chinese writing system is related to Chinese culture.
Para 1: ... one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system.
Para 4: That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture.
Para 5: Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China’s present is connected with its past ...
Para 6: The Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture.
What does the first sentence tell us
It tells us the Chinese writing system contributes to the survival of Chinese culture.
What’s the purpose of the first sentence
It’s to introduce the topic of the text.
Para 1: ... one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system.
Para 4: That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture.
Para 5: Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China’s present is connected with its past ...
Para 6: The Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture.
What do the these sentences tell us
They show how the Chinese writing system contributes to the survival of Chinese culture.
What’s the purpose of these sentences
They support the topic. The second sentence shows the importance of the Chinese writing system in the past. The third and the last sentences show the importance of the Chinese writing system at present. They also support the title of the text.
Read the text again and discuss the questions.
How did written Chinese unify Chinese people divided by geography and dialects
It allowed Chinese people, no matter where they lived or what dialect they had, to communicate with each other.
How does written Chinese connect Chinese people today with those of the past
Chinese people today can read and understand classic works from ancient times.
Post- reading
Read the text again and discuss the questions.
3. According to the writer, the Chinese writing system is one factor that has helped the Chinese language and culture survive. What do you think are some of the other factors
Except for the writing system of Chinese language, the continuous development of China’s agriculture, a relatively powerful government, distinguished philosophical schools developed, and an open mind to embrace different cultures are all possible and important factors. Besides, education is always emphasised in China’s family traditions.
When talking about the writing system, the pinyin system also helped the language thrive in the modern world as it became possible to use Chinese characters on computers and phones, and also helped make it easier for speakers of other languages to learn Chinese.
Complete the passage with the correct words and phrase below.
Chinese calligraphy has developed along with China’s civilisation . It is difficult to say when exactly calligraphy started. Chinese writing was first done by carving symbols onto bones and shells, but as it developed into a writing system , it also developed as a form of art done with a brush. It is believed that Chinese calligraphy dates back to at least the Han Dynasty (202 BCE—220 CE). Soon after that, the idea developed that calligraphy was not only a beautiful art form but also a means of showing the character of the “man behind the brush”. Today, anyone from small children to old people can enjoy practising the classic art of Chinese calligraphy.
system carving means
dates back classic civilisation
Guess the meaning of the underlined words in the sentences. Then look in the text for the words they are related to.
象征;代表 symbol
Many Chinese characters symbolise their meanings, unlike English words which
are spelt out according to how they sound.
基本的;基础的 base
The basic forms of the English writing system are known as letters.
文明的 civilisation
A unified writing system is considered to be an important part of civilised society.
欣赏 appreciate
Learning Chinese calligraphy will increase your appreciation of Chinese culture.
A2
Words and Expressions
It dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu ... (P62)
它可以追溯到数千年前使用龙骨的时期……
date back (to) 追溯到
例句
The skills of cooking in China can date back thousands of years.
中国的烹饪技艺可以追溯到几千年前。
The old professor has a large collection of ancient vases dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
这位老教授收藏了很多可以追溯到明朝的古老花瓶。
拓展 date v. 确定年代;注明日期;与(某人)谈恋爱 n. 日期;约会 例句
Once the decision is reached, he can date and sign the sheet.
一旦做出决定,他就可以在那张表上签上日期和名字。
I have got a date tonight.
今晚我有个约会。
1
... animal bones and shells on which symbols were carved by ancient Chinese people.
(P62)
……古代中国人在这些骨头和壳上面刻画简单的符号。
symbol / s mbl/
n. 符号;象征
……的象征
搭配 a symbol of
例句
What is the chemical symbol for copper
铜的化学符号是什么?
White has always been a symbol of purity in Western culture.
在西方文化中,白色一直象征着纯洁。
拓展 symbolize v. 象征,代表 symbolically adv. 有象征意义的 例句
The use of light and dark symbolizes good and evil.
用光明和黑暗来象征善与恶。
2
... as it was a time when people were divided geographically, leading to many varieties
of dialects and characters. (P62)
……这是由于当时中国人居住地域的分隔,从而导致不同方言和汉字变体的产生。
variety /v ra ti/ 搭配 the variety of 例句
n. (植物、语言等的)变体;异体;多样化
……的种类 a (wide) variety of/varieties of
各种各样的……
When preparing meals, we need to think about variety and taste as well as nutritional value.
准备饭菜时,我们需要考虑(菜品的)多样性、口味以及营养价值。
I was impressed by the variety of dishes on offer.
所供应的菜肴之丰盛让我叹服。
A wide variety of flowers were on show in the street.
街上展出了各种各样的花。
The article was about the different varieties of English spoken all over the world.
这篇文章是关于世界各地所说的各类英语。
3
... as it was a time when people were divided geographically, leading to many varieties
of dialects and characters. (P62)
……这是由于当时中国人居住地域的分隔,从而导致不同方言和汉字变体的产生。
character / k r kt (r)/ n. 文字;符号;角色;品质;特点
例句
Scar is a cruel and dangerous character in Lion King. Scar在《狮子王》中是一个残酷且危险的角色。
The two towns are similar in size but very different in character.
这两个城镇大小差不多,但特色却大不相同。
Her husband is a man of good character, well-liked and respected by his colleagues.
她的丈夫是一个性格很好的人,同事们很喜欢和尊敬他。 拓展 characteristic adj. 典型的;独特的
3
Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country ... (P62)
秦始皇统一七个诸侯国后,在这个统一的国家里,……
major / me d (r)/
adj. 主要的;重要的;大的 n. 主修课程;主修学生 vi. 主修;专门研究
例句
Smoking is one of the major causes of cancer.
吸烟是引发癌症的主要原因之一。
Her major is history.
她的专业是历史。
She chose physics as her major.
她选择物理为主修课。
She majored in chemistry at Stanford University.
她在斯坦福大学主修化学。
拓展 majority n. 大多数 minority n. 少数 例句
The majority of people interviewed prefer TV to radio.
大多数接受采访的人都喜欢看电视多于听收音机。
4
5 Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China’s present is connected with its past. (P62)
汉字也成为连接中国现在与过去的一个重要媒介。
means /mi nz/ n. 方式;方法;途径 搭配
by this means 通过这种方式 by means of 借助……手段,依靠……方法
by no means
决不,一点儿也不(置于句首时,句子要用部分倒装)
例句
Television is an effective means of communication.
电视是一种有效的通信方式。
We can make great progress in our English study by this means.
我们可以通过这种方式在英语学习中取得很大的进步。
Thoughts are expressed by means of words.
思想借助言语来表达(言为心声)。
By no means will Jane agree to go hiking this weekend. She has too much work to do.
简决不会同意这周末去远足。她有太多工作要做。
The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of
Chinese characters as an art form ... (P62)
中国人对其书写体系推崇备至,这体现在汉字发展为一种艺术形式……
regard /r ɡɑ d/ n. 尊重;关注 vt. 把……视为;看待 搭配 in/with regard to sth. 关于,至于 in this/that regard
在这方面,在这一点上
give one’s regards (to sb.) 代某人(向某人)问好 regard…as…
把……看作……
例句
I have nothing further to say in this regard.
在这方面,我没什么要说的了。
Please give my regards to your parents.
请代我向您的父母问好。
Her parents always regard her as the cleverest of their children.
她的父母一直认为她是他们孩子中最聪明的。
拓展 regarding prep. 关于,至于
6
7 ... an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate China’s culture and history through this amazing language. (P62)
……越来越多的国际学生开始通过汉语这一奇妙的语言了解和欣赏中国的文化和历史
。
appreciate / pri ie t/ vt. 欣赏;重视;感激;领会 vi. 增值 搭配 appreciate (sb./sb.’s) doing ... 感激(某人)做……
I would appreciate it if ... 如果……,我将不胜感激。
例句
He can’t appreciate classical music at all.
他根本欣赏不了古典音乐。
I would appreciate it if you could call back this afternoon.
如果今天下午你能回电话,我将不胜感激。
拓展 appreciation n. 欣赏;感激 in appreciation of/for ...
例句
感谢……
Please accept this gift in appreciation of all you’ve done for us.
Search on the internet for more information about the development of the Chinese characters and share it with your classmates.
Review the words and expressions learned this class.