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Q: What is your opinion about using Chinese word 哪个 'na ge' in the Classroom?

Students told me, English meaning of word 'na ge' is 'this', however translator listed 'which' or 'who'. It is very common, often used word in Chinese.

 

How word 'na ge' sounds to Native English teachers (speakers)?

 

Do you have objections, when Chinese students use word  哪个 'na ge', when they talk English?

 

How do you advice Chinese students about using 'na ge', when they talk English?

 

 

 

 

11 years 6 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
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nage is going to happen frequently , i wish they would use other words for lovely and interesting,

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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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why is this not a good word to use ? 

crimochina:

exactly my thoughts. when i speak chinese i say ummmm it is the same damn thing. 

11 years 6 weeks ago
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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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It is not an English teacher's job to criticise the Chinese language, especially when the teacher struggles with English.

icnif77:

Reading your answer, I feel like I came to mechanic with flat tire, and he (you) replied: 'You need a haircut!'

 

 

Pay attention to the end of my Q: ........ 'na ge', when they talk English? Twice!

11 years 6 weeks ago
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Traveler:

Could you give me that again in English?

11 years 6 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Buttblush...am non nativee

Shining says 'butt' is my back. Did you know that? ama-sing

11 years 6 weeks ago
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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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i think you are conveniently omitting what your objections are to that word. it is the exact same as "umm" 

 

if you are overly sensitive, don't come to china. 

 

if you lack basic understanding of language (in this case , some words will sound like offensive from other languages) , then stay home.

 

and to invent reasons for making your students not say certain chinese words is just plain foolish and childish. 

 

na ge = ummm screw google translate on this one. any moron who has spent a day in china can figure that out.

 

if you don't understand that learning a language is a process. and that at times you will rely on your first language (when i speak chinese, i say umm) then you should not be teaching. 

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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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Not a direct answer, but to clarify, "哪个" means "which/who", while 那个 means this/that.

"那个那个那个" is pretty much the equivalent of "uuuuuh"

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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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IFF you're referring to them falling back on using a Chinese time-filling device, instead of an English one, then it's a ridiculous thing to complain about. It's NOT lexical, nor grammatical, and like 'ummm', and 'aaahhhh' in English, it serves very little purpose. Certainly, nothing to be having a problem with, unless your students are VERY advanced! (I will, however, mark students down when they're using too many, because they haven't learnt enough English to scrape through a 2 minute speaking test... and are just wasting time... or the student has annoyed me throughout the semester Tongue)

 

 

However, if you're referring to the homonym (as Crimo has suggested), then I think it's even MORE ridiculous.. associating one language with another because of the sounds (and having a problem with it) is total ignorance!

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11 years 6 weeks ago
 
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Thanks for your answer, Shining!

 

When I heard first time Chinese students (9-10 Y) using 'na ge', I didn't know meaning in Chinese. I heard, and I still hear word 'n.....'. I was newcomer in China, and other FT explained meaning of 'na ge' to me, butt....

 

I picture 16 Y old Chinese student, who's going to USA for further studies, and using 'na ge' in USA.

 

I usually have short lecture about Racism around the World, and equality of Humans.

 

I also suggest, to skip 'na ge' when talking English.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shining_brow:

If they're going to America, then yes, it would be prudent to point that out to them... rather than allow someone to point it out less politely when they get there...

 

That's the ONLY reason someone should have a problem with it.

 

 

(Btw, please do me a favour.. 'butt' is the part of your body between your legs and your back... 'but' is a conjunction used in English ...)

11 years 6 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Thanks! My keyboard is filthy! Cops called MO.

 

I wanted to know, if Natives hear same as I do. I warn every student about it.

 

 

 

 

my bbb..back? hihihihihihih

11 years 6 weeks ago
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Traveler:

But you're not worried that you are teaching them pathetic English? And what makes you an expert on America?

11 years 6 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Chinese Government says I am Foreign expert!

 

You can call your ma, and tell her you're objecting to that! You can also say to her: 'Ma, am I really a moron? Foreign expert in China said that! Don't tell her, I am Non- native Foreign Expert. She might abandon you!' 

 

 

 

 

How's my hair? http://www.globalresearch.ca/?context=home

11 years 6 weeks ago
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