讨论类话题

1.Should schools start teaching traditional characters again?

Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), stressed on the cultural importance of traditional Chinese characters and suggested schools should teach those that reflect the wisdom of our ancestors.

"The meaning of learning Chinese characters lies in planting beautiful seeds in our children," said Feng at a session on Wednesday.

"Take the characters 亲 (qin, here referring to the meaning to be close to someone) and 爱 (ai, love) for example. The traditional character for 亲 is 親. On the left is 亲, and on the right is 見 (jian, the traditional character for 见 or to see). The traditional character for 爱 is 愛, there is a 心 (xin, heart) in it. Put more simply, (the traditional Chinese characters are telling us that) to be close to someone, you have to meet them, and to love someone, you have to have a heart."

The Chinese language has been written in its traditional form for a long time since its birth. In 1935, China's Ministry of Education issued the first batch of simplified characters, 324 of them in total, but widespread use of them were delayed until the 1950s'.

Feng suggested the revival of 50 to 200 most meaningful traditional characters in the textbooks. This way, it will not pressure the children too much, and at the same time allow them to feel the essence of Chinese culture.

Many members agreed with Feng's proposal. Most of them said the key lies not in replacing simplified Chinese characters with traditional ones, but in passing on the cultural heritage of China to the next generation.

Famed author, painter and heritage protection activist Feng Jicai said cultural significance should not be lost against time.

"The evolution of characters is closely related to the speed of information flow (referring to fewer strokes in simplified characters versus traditional ones, hence less time it takes to write). We can pursue speed, but at the same time, we cannot lose tradition. We should at least let our children realize how the characters came to be as they are today."

"We can pick say 100 traditional characters and teach our kids how they were simplified to today's form and traditional meanings behind them," Feng Jicai added.

"We have lost too much traditional culture in the past. I hope we can find some back," CPPCC member and actor Zhang Guoli added.

Cross-talk artist Jiang Kun believes otherwise. "I want to remind you all that 90 percent of simplified characters we use today were also used in the past. They themselves have carried on the culture," said Jiang.

Chinese singer Yu Junjian said he has already proposed this issue several times in the past, but his request was denied by the Ministry of Education.

"According to Scheme of Simplification of Chinese Characters, it is against regulations to revive the use of traditional characters," said Yu.

"I want our children to learn more about them, it's that simple. I'm not saying we have to restore the use of traditional characters as a whole," Yu added.

Social media responses

Internet user Unclemong said: "Why do we have to choose between the two? Our teachers can teach them both in the classrooms, and let people decide what they want to use when they write Chinese."

Internet user crycee: "If traditional characters are revived, the ultimate victims will be students and children in the Chinese mainland, where school work load is very heavy. I also think traditional characters are crystallized essence of Chinese history that carry rich cultural heritage. Those interested in them can learn themselves, but there is no need to revive them as a whole."

2. With high property prices, is it OK to rent forever?

Editor's Note: Average home prices in Beijing's secondary market have hit about 42,000yuan ($6,800) per square meter. In places where housing prices are consistently high, the barriers to entry for owning a home are steep. Is it OK to rent forever?

Crystal (China)

When you rent, you can move almost whenever you want, with very little penalty; when you own, selling a home can take a very long time. You lose a lot of flexibility when you "put down roots" and this is one the biggest reasons why you shouldn't buy.

Arman Hossain (US)

I am aware of fees you have to pay and it might seem like you are laying out more than renting for now, but in the long run you are actually saving because of inflation. Rent changes over time and when inflation occurs it will increase, but a mortgage payment for 30 years will always be the same. Also if you have a family, or plan to have one, it's better to own so you have something to

pass down. It is better to rent when you do not have any children or immediate family.

Diogenes (Australia)

When you want to look for a new job, you're restricted to looking in the geographic area around your home. If you get a job offer in another area, you have to go through the headache of selling your home before you can take advantage of it.

Mir Quasem (China)

I have a few regrets about buying my apartment. I bought in the downtown area of Shanghai and my mortgage is about 13,000 yuan a month. My pre-tax income is slightly over 20,000 yuan per month. I have a good job with a handsome salary and could travel abroad twice every year. Before I bought the house, I would usually eat out in good restaurants and buy items that I like. But now I have to save as much as possible to pay for the mortgage. My quality of life has dropped sharply. Amelia (Spain)

Buying a home is not a "get rich quick scheme." A home is a place to live and you have to do the math and buy what you can afford. Don't buy a mansion if you don’t have the money. It's the same for a renter. You should not get into a luxury rental if you cannot afford it. Just like a home, if you mis s payments you’ll be out on the street.

Kawsar (UK)

I'm in my late 30s and after years of moving around want to settle for a bit but I cannot get my head round committing myself to a 25-year mortgage on a tiny flat that will exhaust my income. I have a decent career with in-demand skills, I have no other consumer debt and am not going to have a family so am pretty flexible. I am scared about spending the money that I earn for years all on something I am not sure I even want.

3.Would you help an injured stranger?

Editor's note: If you saw someone lying in the street in pain or bleeding, would you stop to help him? Or would you just walk by for fear of being scammed?

casseopeia (Thailand)

I think you should trust your intuition. Different situations will call for different reactions. Maybe if you are afraid of being scammed, you can bring a few stranger witnesses with you...get about four or five people together around you and go help the person together.

seanboyce88 (UK)

I have seen an old fellow fall down in the cold in Harbin winter last year. I couldn't get him up on my own (he was a big guy) and I screamed at the Chinese who had taken out their phones to take videos of "white boy helping up old Chinese man". First time I swore at Chinese people in China. After a good bit of abuse from me, I shamed them into helping me. Afterwards they all started telling me I shouldn't be helping random strangers as he could be a con artist to which I replied: "He could just be an old man who fell down in the winter, couldn't get back up on his own and died...I will take the risk thank you."

Jarek (Belgium)

In Belgium by law you are obliged to help people in distress. The only time you are free from helping is in case you will put your own life at risk by helping someone else, otherwise you can get fined for not helping

4.Should pet owners be taxed?

Editor's Note: Some experts suggests imposing a tax on pet owners in order to make our cities cleaner but others are against it. Do you think it's OK to impose annual tax on pet owners? Msrong (US)

Some foreign countries already levy annual tax on pet owners and I think we can learn from them. One of the biggest reasons for doing so is that the previous efforts to get pets registered or the awareness campaigns have not been effective to make pet owners clean their pets' waste. BlondeAmber (Ireland)

Raising pets does bring the pet owners quite a number of benefits, nevertheless, when it comes to public interest in a city, we have to say it will impose more problems. Domestic dogs have emerged as a big threat for morning and evening walkers as most of the times they are more dangerous than stray dogs and it is reported that about 80,000 people are beaten by dogs or cats in Wuhan each year. Imposing pet tax can curb the increasing number of the cases involving dog attack and reduce the amount of pets' mess littering the streets.

5.Should tourists' bad behavior be regulated?

Editor's note: Authorities have introduced measures to track and rein in the bad behavior of Chinese tourists, including misbehaving on public transportation and damaging historical relics. The moves follow a spike in the number of reports involving unruly behavior at home and abroad. What do you think?

DF21d (Malaysia)

As an old saying goes - "Old habits die hard". It would be hard for some people to change their bad behaviors, like spitting, littering, jumping queues and speaking loudly in public places. But if such behaviors are outlawed and the law is STRICTLY ENFORCED, like in Singapore, it is not impossible to change people's bad behaviors. Preferably proper manners/behaviors are taught at a young age at school and home so that people behave naturally and not because of fear of being penalized.

Bloke (expat in China)

For a country that cares so much about 'losing face', it's amazing how poorly Chinese tourists behave in foreign countries when they are the "face" of China. My friend runs a restaurant in Sydney that many Chinese tourists go to. He asked me "when is the Chinese tourist season over? They are rude, demanding and messy. You can tell the Chinese from the Koreans and Japanese because those countries' tourists are polite and respectful" I would think comments like this alone would drive Chinese people to improve their behavior.

Vincent (China)

We do admit that some Chinese didn't behave well while traveling, which tarnishes the reputation of the rest. It's really a serious problem that we want to tackle. I do believe some measures are necessary to regulate the industry and urge visitors to behave themselves. It's a phenomenon we are willing to change.

Guestinchina (US)

American tourism abroad certainly has its dark history. But in general this stereotype no longer applies. In my four years as an expat in China, I've found American tourists abroad are consistently some of the most respectful and unobtrusive people, and accepting of local customs. The Chinese should learn from America's experience in changing your attitude when abroad vivian (China)

Maybe the government enacting a set of rules could force them to correct their bad manners when traveling. But the most effective way is to improve their awareness of protecting the environment, respecting the custom differences and observing the regulations. Only in this way, can we promote our tourist industry and improve our international image.

Noah (UK)

I live in China and have seen huge changes in behavior here over the past 10 years. Spitting on the sidewalk was once very common here. Not so anymore (at least not in the larger cities). People also used to litter much more than they do now. The culture here has evolved and it continues to evolve. Like every developing country, they are experiencing some growing pains. But this will change in time as they become a more developed country.

Stephen (China)

As a Chinese living abroad, I have seen enough of this uncivilized behavior and totally agree with their government to do something about it. Chinese people are supposed to be proud of their rich history and culture and achievements, and behave with dignity and humility. Apparently, a lot of Chinese have forgotten about all that.

6.Friendships that cross realms?

Editor's Note: A number of people believe that genuine friendships can develop in both the digital and physical realms, with the boundaries between the two areas continuing to blur. Do you agree?

Johnson (UK)

I don't believe in virtual friendship. It is much easier to lie on the phone via email or as a pen pal than it is in person. Real friendships are based on honesty and trust. I guess most of us will trust some important decisions or well-being to someone that we never have had a face-to-face talk with before.

Alyssa (China)

We don't need to care about the distance or time difference when we are making friends through digital tools, especially for those living in remote areas. Living in a mountainous village in southwest China, the opportunities to develop friendships are very difficult and costly. The Internet was complementary for personal relationships for me.

Araktsu (Vietnam)

I often come across such a scene in cafes, where everyone around me is furiously typing on their phone or tablet. Will I feel embarrassed to start a conversation with them because they seem to be so busily occupied? But I think there is with the idea of an online friendship in which the two friends -- or at least one of the two -- has no interest in meeting in person. What does the word friend actually mean?

Jeff (Germany)

As a specialist in a large global corporation, I worked with a network of several hundred people around the world who, logistically, I would never meet in person. We developed the types of close ties that are necessary in carrying out difficult, coordinated tasks and also, in many cases, became as close as would my colleagues down the hall. The skills for developing these relationships are very important for those who want to work in the global economy, work from home, manage relationships through blogs, etc. As with other relationships, you have to work to make them work

Wooja714 (US)

Many people who have few friends in reality can find real friendship online. Sharing information online with people having lots in common can develop into their own sort of friendship and that is for those "friends" to define. My brother is a serious lover of music but he can't find a person to share his musical interests in his social circles. Online a good place to go.

7.Should iPads be banned for kids

Editor's note: Lawmakers in Taiwan are considering banning children under 2 from using iPads and other electronic gadgets. Those under 18 will also not be allowed to use digital media for "a period of time that is unreasonable." Should iPads be banned for kids?

Nancy (UK)

Supervision regarding what types of apps they use & time regulation is just common sense – but to ban all technology for under the age of two seems radical and ignorant to the benefits that technology can bring. I cannot agree with the plan.

Jason (Australia)

The main problem with technology, and more or less the only one I feel, is eyesight. Because of staring at a computer screen all day, their eyesight could go bad. For 0-2 years, iPads should be prohibited; for 3-5 years, it can be allowed for one hour per day; for 6-18 years it can be allowed for two hours per day. Children need to experience the outdoors –they need to spend time in "green" spaces.

Stephan (US)

I think teaching kids about technology is great and necessary in this day and age. Our children will grow up in a world of technology which they will need to know how to use and navigate. Kids

need the outdoor play for sure but a bit of supervised use for a limited time at weekends on age appropriate material is fine.

Maria (China)

I have seen other parents buying their children iPads at a young age and then leave them to use it as they please. That I do not agree with. These devices are not babysitters. Nor should they replace parental interaction or rule. I believe it is important, more so than cautioning against the use of technology by young children, to educate parents.

Diana (Australia)

The law is so vague and ambiguous. It fails to define a reasonable length of time for the kids to use digital media. The law also can hardly be enforced because the government cannot install a sort of software on every tablet to supervise the kids.

Shayla (US)

While I do think technology should be limited for younger children, I'm surprised that it is regarded as something that should never be used from 0-2. My daughter has many developmental delays and iPad apps are recommended for regular use by three of her therapists. In addition, children who are impaired in their ability to communicate and would benefit from learning sign language are also shown signing videos regularly which helps them pick up the language quickly.

Mike (US)

The greater availability and use of technology such as iPads can have a negative impact on children, especially in regards to their physical activity levels and their social, mental and emotional well-being. Studies show that due to technology overuse 1 in 3 children enter school developmentally delayed, 1 in 4 are obese, 1 in 6 have a diagnosed mental illness, and 1 in 11 children are now addicted to technology.

Ryan (Canada)

I believe technology use at an early age can benefit a child's development, not harm it. Certain video games require reading comprehension skills to advance in the game and have been called the 'Gateway Drug to Literacy'. In addition, more jobs in the technology sector are being created in Canada. It is important to teach computer literacy to prepare children not only for these jobs, but also for the important role all types of technology will hold further in their education.

8. Should fireworks be banned during the Spring Festival?

Editor's note: The debate on whether fireworks should be banned has been raging in China for decades. With Chinese New Year right around the corner, the discussions are heating up again amid concerns over increasingly severe pollution in some of the major cities. Should China impose the ban on fireworks during the Spring Festival?

CMC (expat in China)

I agree with banning fireworks but they are a traditional Chinese form of celebration, so it's difficult to comment on it. Why not limit fireworks to one day? Listening to fireworks banging at 5-6 am throughout the holidays is deafening. Last year one of my neighbors was shooting fireworks from his apartment window with sparks bouncing off the adjacent buildings. Ridiculously stupid and dangerous.

Tracy (China)

As a tradition they absolutely add to the festival's happiness. They shouldn't be banned totally. But the time should be reduced. For example, allowed just during New Year's Eve, the first day of the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.

Sam (Malaysia)

Banning firecrackers and fireworks alone may not solve air pollution and other issues. Moreover, it will take away the pleasure and expectations that the Chinese people have with firecrackers and fireworks during festivals. What is important is the firing of firecrackers and fireworks should be managed to ensure minimizing probable air pollution, disturbances and other issues that they may cause.

Samuel (UK)

I think since they've already set up all the fireworks stands, they probably won't ban them this year, but I would support a shorter time period for allowing them, like only for a few days. The amount of mess they create is just so wasteful, and I for one am tired of having to flee the country to get away from the constant booming of the fireworks.

Andrew (Australia)

I live in Australia and we aren't allowed any sort of fireworks. It's not fun any more because everything considered "not safe" is banned. There are billions of things that are not safe. So why spoil the fun? Let fireworks be legal. It's fun and as I said before, there are HEAPS of things that

aren't safe like knives, cars, matches and skateboards.

Thomas (UK)

I love fireworks but keep them in organized displays. I now believe selling fireworks directly to the public should be banned. I don't have a problem with displays for all kinds of celebrations, several times a year, but the firing of fireworks for weeks on end, in the street and into the early hours MUST stop. It is upsetting to most animals and small children, endangering lives and must cost a fortune. Please, enough is enough. Ban the sale of fireworks unless a license is obtained by the organizer.

GhostBuster (UK)

Most cities in China have buildings too close for comfort. In some places, firecrackers were a major cause of fires, resulting in fatalities. If China's government really cares, then it should allow setting off firecrackers in designated areas. Remember, during happy holiday seasons, it should not be turned into a fatal disaster with loss of lives!

msrong (US)

A total ban on fireworks should be implemented. The sulphur emitted into the air makes pollution deadly, as it already is.

herbaltea (China)

In Beijing it was a disaster to walk on the street with fireworks blasting literally everywhere

9.Should children kowtow to their parents?

Editor's note: China is a country known for filial piety. As part of China's tradition, children kowtow before their parents and teachers on certain occasions to show their respect. But such events have recently created an online storm and invited much criticism. Is it an outdated traditional in Chinese culture that should be abandoned?

northernsoul (Finland)

I can see the cultural/social aspect of it, as in respecting your parents. We don't have that in my country, people are very individualistic.

warren0353 (US)

It is kind of degrading for the child to have to express their feelings to their parents in this manner. As a parent myself I can see it in their eyes, they do not need to kneel before me like some slave. Aprilness (China)

It is a Chinese tradition, an etiquette to show children's filial respect and gratefulness to their parents or grandparents for raising them. It is just this etiquette that makes Chinese people full of virtue and gratefulness. Why can't the young generation pick up the tradition?

casseopeia (Thailand)

If you don't want them to love you and be close to you and share everything with you - it's obvious that you're placing a distance between your kids and yourself if you make them kneel before you. But it's still going on in the overseas Chinese community. My aunt got married and had to kneel to her parents-in-law. So, I think that while respect should be given to parents (that is, don't be yelling at your parents, etc...), kneeling is going over the line and will make children resent you when they get older, and if not resent you, then it will at least place an emotional distance between you.

Ronny (Australia)

I think the idea of showing respect is one thing, but subservience is another, which from my side is what this kneeling looks like. I admire Chinese traditions, mostly, though some are of course a little strange to me. But, in some cases the parents take too much advantage of this system, and do treat their kids like servants that should obey like a slave, and I know this from experience, not hearsay. Children do need to show respect to their parents, and parents to their children, and added to this is love and affection.

Jullianna (China)

No, this is inappropriate. There are a lot of ways to show gratitude, just not this kind. Personally, this is too much...not saying that our parents are not worth it, just, don't be so formalized...

10.Chinglish, amusing or just plain embarrassing?

Editor's Note: Is it funny if strangers from other countries mock our attempts to help them on their travels? What are your thoughts on Chinglish? And do you think it's reasonable to expect non-English speaking countries to have perfect English on their public signage? Forum readers share their opinions and you are welcome to add yours.

BlondeAmber (Ireland)

Countries in Europe make sure translations in public places are linguistically correct if there are multilingual signs, and are hastily fixed if they are wrong. It is a matter of respect. China wants to appear international and to those who don't speak English I am sure it does. To the rest it is just

laziness not getting things right and slightly contemptuous of foreigners. I would call it a 'back-handed compliment.'

KIyer (Australia)

When it is necessary to communicate to those who do not know Chinese, extra care should be taken to get the translation right. It is shameful to have shoddy translation. Finding better local or blended words to be more accurate or define a new term is very good. There is no one rule or judgment for Chinglish or Indglish or whatever. It depends on the circumstance and application. Girdyerloins (Spain)

Language purists abound, but language changes. The Arab saying, I believe, is: "the dogs bark, but the caravan moves on." Chinese is my most recent - and most challenging - language and I would love to attain that lofty ideal of fluency whereby I can speak Chinglish.

Think how many words there are in Chinese now which, using Chinese homonyms, try to approximate words and names from other cultures. I admire what little I know of what is called "martian Chinese", the highly inventive, constantly evolving patois used by young people on the internet to dodge censorship. It is likely to become a language unto itself, another of the hundreds of Chinese sub-dialects. To deny the dynamism of language is to get left behind. Pleb (China)

Chinglish is great. It is a way for all of us to communicate. Teachers, step out of your square, move forward and embrace the future. I love the variations. Examples: "Soonly", "middlee", "troublee", "foot fingers" and "I will be true heartlee for this job". All of us understand what is meant when we hear Chinglish.

I also find the misspelling of signs (although amusing) actually makes me pay more attention to them. It is really not that hard to grasp the meaning, is it? This is not our country and we must respect our hosts’ kindness in trying to sa feguard our well-being and security. Don't knock it. Embrace it. Also someone said they did not like the eating of chicken's feet, "pig's guts" etc. I am always asked what I would like to eat when we go to dinner. You do have a choice when they offer you the menu.

Mixamixa (Finland)

It always amazes me that the people ordering signs do not ask a foreigner if the translation is correct or not? Chinese people trust Baidu Translate more. Sometimes the problem is the

company making the signs. These Einsteins can't even copy names, addresses or emails correctly. I once returned a set of business cards three times because of spelling errors. After the third attempt the guy refused to do it again.

Ronny (Australia)

The most important thing is to communicate. Grammar and vocabulary are secondary as long as it gets the message across. "Be careful don't be stupid falling off cliff" and "Please stand back from the railing." The first is just my made up example, but describes quite well the type of sign talked about. It is quite clear, while the second one represents a normal English sign which is not so clear. A native can easily understand either.