PROMOTING CULTURE THROUGH DIGITAL IMAGES
Lanzhou, 9 August 2017. A group of researchers and scientists from China and other countries are working together to help increase knowledge and appreciation of China’s ancient cultural heritage. They are recording and collecting digital images of cultural relics from the Mogao Caves, which were a key stop along the Silk Road throughout China’s ancient history. Nearly 500,000 high-quality digital photographs have been produced since the international project started in 1994.
The Mogao Caves have long been a meeting point for different cultures and are part of the history of many countries. Today, the caves are just as international as they were at the time when people travelled the Silk Road. Tourists from all over the world visit Dunhuang to see the caves, and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles has even reproduced a copy of the caves and paintings for people to admire in America.
By sharing so many digital photos over the Internet, the group hopes to promote even wider interest around the world in China’s ancient history, culture, and traditions. They also hope to further educate people about the importance of safeguarding historic and cultural relics for future generations to understand and appreciate. As one researcher who is working on the project explains, “Appreciating one’s own cultural heritage is very Important for understanding oneself. Appreciating the cultural heritage of other countries is very important for international communication and understanding.”
1. What are the researchers and scientists trying to do? What modern technology are they using?2. Why are so many people interested in the Mogao Caves?
3. What do you think of the researcher’s opinion in the last paragraph?
2 . A British friend told me he couldn’t understand why Chinese people love eating sunflower seeds (嗑瓜子) as a snack so much. “I’ve met a lot of older Chinese and many have a crack in their front teeth, I believe that’s from cracking the seeds,” he said.
I had never noticed the habit, but once he mentioned it, I suddenly became more aware. I realized that whenever I’m watching TV or typing a report, I always start mindlessly cracking sunflower seeds. My friend doesn’t like sunflower seeds, and, to him, it seems unnecessary to work so much just to get one small seed.
When we were young, the whole family would usually get together for Chinese New Year. Then, we all lived close to one another, usually in a small city, and sometimes even neighbors would go door-to-door on Chinese New Year’s Eve to check out what every family was making.
I remember my parents would be in the kitchen cooking. Out in the living room, a large table would already be laid out, complete with fancy tablecloth, ready-made dumpling fillings, and dishes full of candy, fruits and sunflower seeds. Some of the dishes were to be offered to our ancestors later, while others were for neighbors and children to eat before the evening feast. I must have learned how to crack sunflower seeds back then.
I don’t think it’s right to criticize (批评) one’s choice in food or eating habits, no matter how strange they may seem.
It’s not only in China. When I went abroad, I found people had all sorts of strange habits when it came to food. In Denmark, they put salted red fish on bread and eat it for dinner, no matter how much it ruins your breath. They think it’s delicious, and it’s connected to their certain culture. I think it’s a wonderful tradition.
1. Why can the British friend not understand when he found Chinese love eating sunflower seeds?| A．Because the seeds are too hard to crack. |
| B．Because he thinks they are harmful to teeth. |
| C．Because he doesn’t think the seeds are worth eating. |
| D．Because he doesn’t think the seeds are good. |
| A．The families get together for it. | B．Children can eat delicious food on that day. |
| C．The traditions of celebrating it disappear. | D．Eating sunflower seeds is related to it. |
| A．Uncaring. | B．Negative. | C．Understandable. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．Eating habits come from a certain culture. |
| B．It is good to form healthy eating habits. |
| C．Changing your eating habits will change your life. |
| D．One kind of food doesn’t necessarily suit everyone. |
3 . Autumn Celebrations around the World
Countries around the world have their own special ways of celebrating autumn.
Harvest Festival is a British tradition which goes back to pagan times. Given the differences in climate and crops around the world, harvest festivals can be found at various times at different places. Harvest festivals typically feature feasting, both family and public, with foods that are made from crops that come to maturity (成熟) around the time of the festival. Ample food and freedom from the necessity to work in the fields are two central features of harvest festivals. Eating, contests, music and romance are common features of harvest festivals around the world.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most widely celebrated harvest festivals in the world, with people from many Asian countries including China, Malaysia, and the Philippines, amongst others, marking the day with festive celebrations. It is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which typically falls in September. The festival is celebrated as a public holiday, with schools and offices closing their doors so that families can gather and give thanks for the harvest and full moon.
Oktoberfest is another major autumn celebration that, while held in Germany for the first time, has inspired local versions around the globe. The world’s largest folk festival begins in September and runs for about two weeks, featuring traditional Bavarian food, music, clothing, and most importantly, lots of beer!
There are also several cultural and religious events that occur throughout October and November. To experience multicultural autumn, try celebrating Dia de los Muertos on the 1st and 2nd November — a Mexican celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed away with food, drinks and activities that those loved ones enjoyed when they were alive.
1. What do we know about the harvest festival?| A．It is a public holiday. | B．It lasts for two weeks. |
| C．It is different worldwide. | D．It is celebrated for freedom. |
| A．In Malaysia. | B．In Mexico. |
| C．In China. | D．In Germany. |
| A．Oktoberfest. | B．Harvest Festival. |
| C．Dia de los Muertos. | D．The Mid-Autumn Festival. |
4 . The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. American children of all ages give their mothers something special. Children, young and old, try to show their love to mothers on the day. However, do you know that Mother’s Day celebration is no recent thing?
England was the first country to set a day for mothers. In the United States, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1910. An American girl, Anna, asked their governor to set a festival for mothers that they loved. Therefore, they set the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day and a year later all the other states celebrated it.
In the morning of Mother’s Day, some American children serve their mothers breakfast in bed. Other children will give their mothers presents which they made themselves or bought in stores. Adults give their mothers red carnations (康乃馨)，the official Mother’s Day flower. If their mothers left the world, they may bring white carnations their grave sites (墓地)，This is the busiest day of the year for American restaurants. On this special day, family members do not want their mother to cook dinner!
1. In America, who asked the government to set a festival for their loved mothers?| A．Mike. | B．Alice. | C．Tom. | D．Anna. |
| A．On the second Sunday in May. | B．On the first Sunday in April. |
| C．On the second Sunday in July. | D．On the fourth Sunday in September. |
| A．Blue carnations. | B．White carnations. |
| C．Red carnations. | D．Green carnations. |
5 . If you are a fruit grower—or would like to become one—take advantage of Apple Day to see what’s around. It’s called Apple Day but in practice it’s more like Apple Month. The day itself is on October 21, but since it has caught on, events now spread out over most of October around Britain.
Visiting an apple event is a good chance to see, and often taste, a wide variety of apples. To people who are used to the limited choice of apples such as Golden Delicious and Royal Gala in supermarkets, it can be quite an eye opener to see the range of classical apples still in existence, such as Decio which was grown by the Romans. Although it doesn’t taste of anything special, it’s still worth a try, as is the knobbly(多疙瘩的) Cat’s Head which is more of a curiosity than anything else.
There are also varieties developed to suit specific local conditions. One of the very best varieties for eating quality is Orleans Reinette, but you’ll need a warm, sheltered place with perfect soil to grow it, so it’s a pipe dream for most apple lovers who fall for it.
At the events, you can meet expert growers and discuss which ones will best suit your conditions, and because these are family affairs, children are well catered for with apple-themed fun and games.
Apple Days are being held at all sorts of places with an interest in fruit, including stately gardens and commercial orchards(果园). If you want to have a real orchard experience, try visiting the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale, near Faversham in Kent.
1. What can people do at the apple events?| A．Attend experts’ lectures. | B．Visit fruit-loving families. |
| C．Plant fruit trees in an orchard. | D．Taste many kinds of apples. |
| A．It is a new variety. | B．It has a strange look. |
| C．It is rarely seen now. | D．It has a special taste. |
| A．A practical idea. | B．A vain hope. | C．A brilliant plan. | D．A selfish desire. |
6 . In China, charms of cities are hidden in their teahouses. Thanks to teahouses, people in cities have a place to express their emotions and thoughts, and getting to know a city is no longer a difficult thing.
Beijing, a small society in teahouses
A teahouse is the place where all walks of lie gather around. It is a small society, Lao She said in his famous play Teahouse. In Beijing, the most popular teahouses are story teahouses. They are places where Beijingers enjoy tea while listening to stories told by the pingshu arists. Other than stories, there are also stages for old Beijing folk art performances like Beijing Opera, xiangsheng and Drum Songs. Many guests come to the same teahouse every day at the same time.
Chengdu, a part of people’s daily lives
Every morning, teahouses in Chengdu open for their customers, and some people even wash up there and then drink tea and have breakfast. It is a special scene in Chengdu. People can spend a whole day in a teahouse, enjoying tea, a newspaper, and birds in cages, just like zaocha in Guangzhou to some extent. They can also have wonderful services such as massages (按摩) and ear cleaning. Mahjong and poker are indispensable elements there. Although it may seem kind of noisy, it reflects the culture of Chengdu. Teahouses there relax both people’s body and their mind.
Hangzhou, a place for seeking inner peace
Hangzhou’s climate and water quality are good for people and tea. Under such excellent natural conditions, high-quality tea is planted. In Hangzhou, tea-stalls (茶水摊) with seats in the open air along the West Lake are popular. Pick your favorite place with your best friends on a sunny day or peaceful night and you can enjoy the breeze from the lake or numerous stars in the sky. Of course, with a cup of tea on the table and close friends around, you can also get a peaceful state of mind.
1. You can enjoy tea while appreciating some Drum Songs in a teahouse of ________.| A．Beijing | B．Chengdu | C．Guangzhou | D．Hangzhou |
| A．They are open all day. | B．They lie in busy streets. |
| C．They have the same service items. | D．Indoor teahouses are most popular. |
| A．Tourism Overseas. | B．Sports Express. |
| C．Culture China. | D．Global Economy. |
My name is Miang. I come from Thailand. I would like to tell you about my favorite holiday, which is Chinese Spring Festival taking place in January or February every year. My family is Chinese, and we celebrate this day all together. My aunt prepares some traditional Chinese dishes, such as duck, chicken, fish, pork and so on. We will have a get-together to enjoy all these delicious food, especially a kind of food—“dumplings”.
Janine
My favorite holiday is Christmas. On Christmas, we dance, play music and sing. We have great fun on that day. We eat Christmas sweets and many special foods. We decorate our house with colorful lights. I love Christmas mainly because of holiday!
Zhenia
My favorite holiday is the New Year. We celebrate the New Year on the 31st of December. Father Frost comes with his granddaughter Snegoorochka on this night. He comes at night and puts his presents under the New Year Tree. We have a party and stay up until midnight to see the New Year in and the Old Year off. We cook tasty food for parties.
Pat
My name is Pat, and I am from Thailand. My favorite holiday is Songkran. It is a Thai New Year celebration. It takes place from the 13th to 15th of April. People pour water on each other on this holiday. It is a lot of fun. People also buy new clothes and they have big parties.
Malena
I am Malena, and I’m from Argentina. My favorite holiday is the New Year. We celebrate with fireworks at midnight. I go to Punta del Este with my family. We usually eat Arabian food (kibbe, Lajmayin and so on).
1. On Chinese New Year’s Day, Miang’s aunt may cook all of the following EXCEPT______.| A．duck | B．dumplings | C．Lajmayin | D．pork |
| A．present-sellers | B．Zhenia’s relatives |
| C．characters in tales | D．father and daughter |
| A．Janine. | B．Malena. | C．Zhenia. | D．Miang. |
| A．Because there is a lot of fun. | B．Because she doesn’t go to school. |
| C．Because she can get a lot of presents. | D．Because she can stay with her family. |
8 . Chinese New Year has been welcomed in Britain with its biggest ever program of events and celebrations.
From London's Trafalgar Square to major cities across Britain,tens of thousands of British people have joined Chinese communities to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. In Manchester there was a Dragon Parade(舞龙表演）,led by a very impressive 54-meter long dragon,ending in Chinatown where there was traditional Chinese entertainment, more than 6, 000 lanterns,street food villages and a fireworks show. Celebrations also took place in Liverpool, Birmingham, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Newcastle.
Academic Dr Wu Kegang said that the Chinese New Year event in Britain “is now bigger than ever and it is growing every year”. When Wu arrived in Britain 26 years ago from Guangdong,the first thing he noticed was that Chinese New Year was celebrated mainly in towns and cities with big Chinese communities. “You would go to London Chinatown and join your countrymen to celebrate, or to Chinatowns in places like Liverpool and Manchester for events almost only held for Chinese people, ”Wu recalled.
“Now it is so different, and we are seeing local communities all over the country taking part alongside their own Chinese populations, ” he said. “It is clear to me that the celebrations will continue to grow in Britain. Chinese New Year has earned its place in the calendar of events in Britain,and is here to stay. ”
1. Where did the Dragon Parade take place?| A．In London. | B．In Liverpool. |
| C．In Manchester. | D．In Birmingham. |
| A．celebrated mainly by Chinese communities |
| B．celebrated by local communities all over the country |
| C．only celebrated in London, Liverpool and Manchester |
| D．celebrated by tens of thousands of British people with Chinese people |
| A．It will lose its attraction. |
| B．It will become a British official holiday. |
| C．More and more British people will join in the celebrations. |
| D．It will become the most important one in the calendar of events in Britain. |
| A．How Chinese New Year is celebrated in Britain. |
| B．Where Chinese New Year is celebrated in Britain. |
| C．Chinese culture is more attractive than British culture. |
| D．Chinese New Year has become more and more popular in Britain. |
9 . You might be crazy about Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as an English learner, but what do you think British teenagers studying Chinese are crazy about? Well, it’s Cao Xueqin’s classic, “The Dream of the Red Chamber”.
On December 18, nine British students arrived in Beijing for a seven-day trip after winning a Chinese Speaking Competition in Britain.
More than 170 students from 36 secondary schools took part in that competition last month. It was organized by the British Council. Three of the students coming to Beijing won first prizes for Language Ability. The other six were first prize winners for a dramatic performance in Chinese entitled (剧名为)“A New Home for Lin Daiyu”.
“We chose to perform this drama because we all love the characters in the tragic story. They’re traditional and loveable,” said Imogen Williams, 13, who played the lead role, in Daiyu. Williams said her group spent all their lunch breaks for nearly two months together, watching the drama, studying the characters, and practicing.
“We were excited to win the grand prize — the trip to Beijing. My mum even cried when she heard the news！” recalled Alice Clark-Edwards, who was “Wang Xifeng” in the drama.
These students have fallen in love with Chinese literature and are crazy about Chinese music and movies. “I love Jay Chou, Wilber Pan and the boy band Flowers. As for actresses, Zhang Ziyi is my favorite,” said Nishat Ali, 16.
1. Nine British students came to Beijing to ________.| A．perform “Romeo and Juliet” | B．go on a seven-day trip |
| C．watch “The Dream of the Red Chamber” | D．take part in the competition |
| A．the British Council | B．the drama college | C．Beijing | D．the middle school |
| A．are crazy about Chinese literature | B．fall in love with Cao Xueqin’s classic |
| C．are not fond of “Romeo and Juliet” | D．don't like traditional performance |
| A．“Wang Xifeng” in the drama is well-known in Britain. |
| B．Stars and singers like Zhang Ziyi and Jay Chou are known. |
| C．Chinese music and films have an effect on British students. |
| D．Williams and her group practice often in the school. |
10 . The Irish have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 every year for over 1,000 years. On this day, Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.
Patrick, born in Roman Britain, was brought to Ireland at the age of 16. He was thought to bring Christianity to its people. During the centuries after Patrick’s death that is believed to be on March 17,461, the story of his life became popular in the Irish culture.
However, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade (游行) took place not in Ireland but in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17,1601 in Florida. More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English army marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor the Irish saint (圣人). Interest in the St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston and other early American cities grew from there. In 1848, several New York Irish societies decided to unite their parades to form one official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Today, the parade is the world’s oldest parade and the largest in the United States. Each year, nearly 3 million people watch the parade, which takes more than five hours. In 2020, the New York City parade was one of the first major city events that were canceled as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic (流行病) and people are still not allowed to attend it this year.
Although North America is home to the largest one, St. Patrick’s Day is also celebrated around the world, including Japan, Singapore and Russia. In 1995, the Irish government began to use interest in St. Patrick’s Day to drive tourism and show Ireland and Irish culture to the rest of the world.
1. What nationality was St. Patrick?| A．Roman. | B．Irish. | C．English. | D．American. |
| A．The meaning of St. Patrick’s Day. |
| B．The result of the COVID 19 pandemic. |
| C．The life of St. Patrick. |
| D．The history of St. Partick’s Day parade in the USA. |
| A．Applied for. | B．Left alone. | C．Stopped. | D．Expected. |
| A．To show the Irish culture. |
| B．To remember a famous person. |
| C．To tell a story. |
| D．To introduce a festival. |
