FOREIGN LANGUAGE 1

(BASIC CHINESE MANDARIN)

BRIEF HISTORY OF CHINA

-located in East Asia, is known officially as People's Republic of China. The

republic was established in 1949, but the name china, which is commonly
used by foreigners, is probably derived from Qin ( Ch'in) dynasty (221-206
BC), which first unified the nation.

Land

Its vast area of more than 3,690,000 square miles make the china the third
largest country in the world after Russia and Canada. with an estimated
population of 1,177,584,537 (1993 census), it is the earth's most populated
country.

China shares a land border of about 21,260 km. with fourteen countries,
namely: Russia, Mongolia, Laos, North Korea, Vietnam. Burma, India, Bhutan,
Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyztan, and Kazakhstan

Mountains occupy about 43% of China's land surface. The Himalayas along
China's southwestern frontier with India are the world's tallest mountains.
There are three major rivers in China: Yangtze, Huang Ho, and Xi-Jiang.

1. Yangtze is the longest river in Asia. It is 3,400 miles and is considered the
world'S fourth longest. It is a major transportation artery.

2. Huang Ho is traditionally referred to as "China' s Sorrow" because

throughout Chinese history, it has periodically devastated large areas by
flooding.

3. Xi Jiang is the most important river of southern China. It has a discharge

three times as great as that of Huang Ho.
Geography:

The Himalayas stretch across the northeastern portion of India. They cover
approximately 1,500 mi (2,400 km) and pass through the nations
of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal.

west-northwest to east-southeast in an arc 2,400 km (1,500 mi) long, and are

spread across five countries: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Religion

Traditionally, the major religions of China were Confucianism, Buddhism,

and Taoism.

Confucianism was founded based on the teachings of Confucius  (Kong

Qiu), the greatest philosopher and the most influential teacher of China. He
taught his followers the virtues of good life such as sincerity (being truthful
and faithful); benevolence (kind regard for others); filial piety (love and respect
for our parents); and propriety (always do the right thing in the right place).

He held the traditional view that all men are born good. For him, what spoiled
men was bad environment and evil example.

He also advised his people to preserve the family because it is the foundation
of a nation. There are six arts which he considered man must master. These
are rites, music, archery, chariot riding, calligraphy, and mathematics. cold

Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. His teachings are found in the book "The
Way of Virtue" He believed that man can find lasting happiness if he
possesses humility, calmness, and patience. He encouraged people to live
simply and according to nature.

Buddhism reached China from India. The Chinese accepted the new religion
because they found no conflict between it and Confucianism. The religion
improved government and society by improving the spiritual life of the people.

Because of the Buddhist influence, beautiful temples were erected. They are
called pagodas.
What are the 3 Chinese philosophies? Traditionally, the major religions of
China
Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are considered the “three pillars” of
ancient Chinese society. As philosophies and religions, they not only
influenced spirituality, but also government, science, the arts, and social
structure.

People

China is a multi-racial state in which the Han ethnic Chinese constitute nearly
92% of its total population. The remaining 8% belongs to some smaller ethnic
groups such as Huis, Mongols, Uygurs, Tibetans, Miaos, Manchus, Uis,
Buyis, and Koreans.

Generally speaking, habits and customs associated with weddings, funerals,

celebrations, seasonal changes, and special occasions are much the same
from North to South and East to West. Only the Mongols, Tibetans, and
Uygurs have customs relatively distinct from those the rest of China, but these
differences have steadily diminished over time.

Currency

The Chinese unit of currency is the "Yuan". The banking system is completely
under government control. The people's Bank of China is the central financial
institution and the sole source of currency issue.