是誰在說話 -- 可愛的臺灣。（Intermediate Chinese）

National Taiwan University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learn-intermediate-chinese-mandarin

Introduction

# Course Review and Recommendation: 是誰在說話 -- 可愛的臺灣 (Intermediate Chinese) If you are an intermediate Chinese learner looking to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of Taiwan, the Coursera course "是誰在說話 -- 可愛的臺灣" is a perfect choice. This engaging course not only enhances your language skills but also immerses you in the stunning landscapes and stories that define Taiwan’s unique charm. ## Overview This course revolves around four picturesque locations in Taiwan, each serving as the backdrop for the lessons. By focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and text comprehension, the course effectively employs a creative approach by featuring non-human protagonists narrating the historical and modern significance of each site. As students journey from the northern region to the southern coast, they explore not just the physical beauty of these locations but also their cultural weight, making each lesson a holistic experience of learning. ### Course Highlights - **Engaging Content**: Each lesson consists of fun dialogues that string together captivating narratives about Taiwan. This method keeps learners interested and motivated. - **Cultural Insight**: The course offers an in-depth exploration of Taiwan's cultural and historical facets, allowing students to connect language with context meaningfully. ## Week-by-Week Breakdown ### Week 1: Jiufen’s Lanterns (九份的燈籠) The course kicks off in Jiufen, a charming town known for its historical ties to gold mining. As you learn about this picturesque location, you will appreciate the contrast between its nostalgic 1950s atmosphere and its modern-day tourist appeal. The lesson ensures that students not only learn the relevant vocabulary but also understand Jiufen's historical significance and its evolution into a tourist hotspot. ### Week 2: The Secret of Shi Gan Dang (石敢當的秘密) Next, you will explore Lugang, rich in temple culture and historical architecture. Through the intriguing tales surrounding the Shi Gan Dang stone tablets, this lesson allows students to appreciate how local beliefs shape community life. The emotional connection to the architectural marvels gives learners a deeper understanding of Taiwanese spirituality and tradition. ### Week 3: Romance Under the Setting Sun (安平夕陽的黃昏戀曲) In Tainan, the course highlights the earliest Chinese settlement in Taiwan. Students will learn about the city's legacy dating back to 1620, dissecting the interplay between old and new through its stunning architecture. This week invites learners to reflect on the transition of Tainan's identity over the centuries, creating a rich tapestry of nostalgia and modernity. ### Week 4: 飛魚王與達悟族長老的約定 The final week takes students to Orchid Island, characterized by its breathtaking landscapes and distinct native culture. This week’s content emphasizes the uniqueness of the island lifestyle, fostering an appreciation for traditional practices amidst the natural beauty of Taiwan. By focusing on this diverse living environment, learners will be inspired to understand and respect cultural differences. ## Recommendation "是誰在說話 -- 可愛的臺灣" is not just a language course; it is a cultural journey through one of East Asia's most beautiful islands. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their Chinese while gaining insights into Taiwan's heritage and stunning geography. With its engaging narratives, thoughtfully constructed lessons, and rich cultural context, this course will not only satisfy your curiosity about Taiwan but also equip you with the linguistic skills necessary to engage with the language more fluently. Whether you are planning to visit Taiwan or simply wish to explore its stories from afar, this course provides an impeccable blend of education and enjoyment that will help you appreciate the wonderful tapestry that is Taiwanese culture. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your language skills with such an engaging and informative learning experience!

Syllabus

Week1 Jiufen’s Lanterns（九份的燈籠）

Jiufen is small town in northern Taiwan, once a booming gold mining town, mining operations there have all closed down now. After the metropolises in the north such as Taipei sprang up, Jiufen has still maintained a rural and simple atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950’s that appeals to many tourists. Jiufen today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north of Taiwan. 本週要介紹的是臺灣北部的一個小鎮 -- 九份，這裡以前盛產黃金，又稱「黃金山城」，沒有了黃金以後，這裡開始發展觀光產業，如今成為臺灣十分著名的觀光景點之一。

WEEK2 The Secret of Shi Gan Dang （石敢當的秘密）

In this unit we will get to know the little town of Lugang in central Taiwan by learning the story of Shi Gan Dang stone tablets. Lugang’s temples and old streets tell a soul-stirring story, from their impressive architecture to their cultural backgrounds.The sea goddess Mazu protects people in their daily lives, giving them a comforting warmth. Chinese people have special kind of faith and feeling towards their temples. In this unit, we hope you also will feel inspired by these stories. 本週將透過「石敢當」的故事，介紹臺灣中部的一個小鎮—鹿港，從「鹿港」的傳統信仰、廟宇文化，到廟宇對當地居民所產生的影響，希望能為你帶來心靈層面的意義與啟發。

WEEK3 Romance Under the Setting Sun （安平夕陽的黃昏戀曲）

This week we will look at the earliest Chinese settlement in Taiwan. Tainan is located in southern Taiwan. Because it was settled relatively early on in Taiwan’s history, there are many old buildings left in Tainan, making it an important cultural asset. From the year 1620 there were already settlers farming and living here, some architecture built in that period still remains here today. From these historic buildings, we can understand Tainan’s bygone prosperous days and current modern face. In this town full of both nostalgia and modern life, we can recall the past and at the same time appreciate the changes that places undergo with the passage of time. 本週要介紹的是臺灣最早建立的城市 — 臺南，它位於臺灣的南部，從西元 1620 年起，就有人在這裡耕作、生活，當時建造的部分建築一直保留到現在，使今日的臺南成為一個復古又時尚的城市。

WEEK4 飛魚王與達悟族長老的約定

Orchid Island is located off the east coast of Taiwan. This little island is full of beautiful scenery and vibrant nature. The people living there maintain a rustic lifestyle very different from that in Taiwan’s modern cities. In this course, follow along with our camera and enjoy Orchid Island’s beautiful natural landscapes. 臺灣是一個海島，周邊散落著許多小島，其中一個位於臺灣東部的小島 -- 蘭嶼，就是本週介紹的主軸。這裡擁有美麗的風景和豐富的自然資源，並且保存了最原始的生活方式，和現代城市很不一樣，邀請你一起來欣賞美麗的蘭嶼。