FREE CANTONESE (BEG & INTERMEDIATE) CLASS & TOISAN LANGUAGE CLASS

NAY HO MAH ALL!
FREE CANTONESE (BEG & INTERMEDIATE) CLASS & TOISAN LANGUAGE CLASS/ & SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER

CLASSES ARE FREE-DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED TO SUPPORT CHURCH(YES THEY'RE KINDLY AND GENEROUSLY LETTING US USE THE CLASSROOM SPACE) AND TO COVER MATERIALS AND HANDOUTS.

SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY JANUARY 10TH, 17, 24, 31 (4 SUNDAYS)
TIME:
BEGINNER'S CANTONESE: 12:00PM TO 12;45
INTERMEDIATE CANTONESE: 12:45 TO 1:30
TOISAN CLASS: 130-2PM

LOCATION: CHINATOWN 20 PELL ST , FIRST CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH
BETWEEN MOTT AND BOWERY ST, NEAR DOYER ST.
3RD FLOOR

PLEASE ENTER AND EXIT CHURCH QUIETLY TO AVOID INTERRUPTING CHURCH SERVICES.

EMAIL: Cantonesegettogether@gmail.com
facebook: cantonese toisan zsk
please email to make sure class is not cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances/emergencies.

Monday Night Conversation and Coffee

Lets have coffee tonight?

Class intended for beginners who want to practice Cantonese conversation.
If you already speak Cantonese, however, please join us to network and mingle.

• Date: Monday September 21, 2015
• Time: 6 PM to 7:30 PM
• Location: Ask for Kim at Caffe Bene, 106 Mott St, New York, NY, Chinatown
• RSVP: Email or text before coming 1-917-547-8590  

Network, mingle and practice your Cantonese all at same time

Free Monday Night Cantonese Class

Lets have coffee tonight?

Class intended for beginners who want to practice Cantonese conversation.
If you already speak Cantonese, however, please join us to network and mingle.

• Date: Monday September 21, 2015
• Time: 6 PM to 7:30 PM
• Location: Ask for Kim at Caffe Bene, 106 Mott St, New York, NY, Chinatown
• RSVP: Email or text before coming 1-917-547-8590  

Network, mingle and practice your Cantonese all at same time

FREE CANTONESE & TOISAN LANGUAGE CLASS / SOCIAL GETTOGETHER RESUMES

NAY HO MAH MY PUNG-YOW! 

I'm starting the Free Sunday Cantonese & Toisan language class again! :) For Children and Adults (Adult must stay with child/ren). NO Teachings of Chinese reading and writing-speaking only.

Share your photos of NYC Chinatown

Do you like taking photos?

Well now is your big chance to showcase your best photos among your friends.
A new photo sharing site has been created on Flickr, a free photo sharing website,

So why don't you give it your best shot?

Photos with many likes, it might even be posted to this website.

Cantonese Social and picnic in the Park

July 19, 2004 11:00 AM : Cantonese Get Togethers' Summer Picnic. Meet at The shops at Columbus Circle on 2nd floor in front of H&M Store.  Then we will walk together to Central Park- "Sheep Meadows" where we will practice our Cantonese by introduce ourselves and some creative ice breaker games.
 

Although, we will also provide sheets for the picnic area, however please feel free to bring your own blankets.

Categories: Cantonese, Toisan, Hoisan, social event

Sheep Meadows in Central Park

Sunday Picnic in Central Park, please join us

H&M at 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

Nay ho mah! Picnic time @ Central Park with Cantonese & Toisan Social Get together! Hosted by Steve Poon. (open to everyone and anyone) :)

Happy Hour

Happy Hour @ Tropical 128 by Cantonese & Toisan Social Get-Together NAY HO MAH ALL! We'll go to the HAPPY HOUR @ Tropical 128 (Chinatown: 128 Elizabeth St) 
Let's get together, mingle w/ old and new friends, dance and shoot pool if you like! :) 
Again, let's keep this group's mission: GETTING TOGETHER TO SPEAK CANTONESE & TOISAN/HOISAN WAH. Anyone of all cultures are very welcomed :) just be open to learning Cantonese/Toisan :) MM-GOY! thank you! :) feel free to bring your friends and family!

Photo Credit: Together Visual

Preserving and Promoting Cantonese & Toisan Language/Dialect(s) and Heritage.

NAY HO MAH? ☺

The promotion of integrating Cantonese language and its Contributions in education and businesses.

THIS MODEL WAS MADE OF THE CHINESE (CANTONESE/TOISAN) U.S. RAILROAD WORKERS TO REMEMBER AND HONOR THE ANCESTORS FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN BUILDING THE U.S TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD. AROUND 1000 OF THESE MEN DIED DURING THE CONSTRUCTON OF THE RAILROAD. PASS ON THE LANGUAGE THEY SPOKE.

Article break down:

1. An Unfair Act on The Cantonese
2. Cantonese/Toisanese (Hoisan) are important (All languages/dialects are important)
3. Is Cantonese the only dialect/language being targeted?
4. Stopping Negative Talk on the Cantonese/Toisanese
5. Promoting to Implement and Include Cantonese language/Contributions
6. Cantonese/Toisanese made fun and easy to learn
7. Creation of CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS & FREE CLASSES

**In this article, dialect and language are used interchangeably.

1) AN UNFAIR ACT ON THE CANTONESE

There have been several articles written about the phasing out of Cantonese language in Hong Kong and China. I am upset that the idea of the Cantonese heritage and language is being compromised by the Chinese government. It is one thing to help people learn the official dialect of China, but it is not right and not fair to try to make a dialect disappear. It is wrong and it is an evil act. The Cantonese, majority the Toisan people came to the U.S. to help build the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad (1800’s) and Canadian railroads. They developed Chinese communities worldwide and paved the way for all Chinese people today. They shouldn’t be looked down upon or marginalized. In fact, CANTONESE LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE should be PASSED ON to the next generation and CELEBRATED for all their struggles and contributions. CANTONESE IS NOT JUST A LANGUAGE, IT IS A HERITAGE WITH A RICH HISTORY.

2) CANTONESE/TOISAN ARE IMPORTANT (ALL CHINESE DIALECTS ARE IMPORTANT)

I am writing this article because I want people to realize that Cantonese language and history are important, it’s not better than other languages/dialects, but should be valued just like any other culture. It shouldn’t matter if it’s not made the official dialect of China. At the same time, it is not fair to say that Mandarin is better or more important than Cantonese or vice versa. There are many areas where Cantonese is heavily populated and spoken, therefore one would say Cantonese is very useful. I don’t feel comparing two languages/dialects are even necessary. I feel all languages and dialects should be respected and should not be compared to as which is better or more important. If you are surrounded by Cantonese, Toisan, or even Shanghai dialect then you have the right to learn whichever dialect/language you want. When I tell people I am Cantonese and I speak Cantonese and Toisanese, I have encountered some people who have told me that Cantonese is not important and it’s disappearing. If that is the case, then the same is happening to other Chinese dialects/languages as well, not just Cantonese/Toisan. At the same time, it is not a nice comment to say about one’s language. Would you say that to any other group, other than Cantonese?

3) IS CANTONESE THE ONLY TARGET TO BEING SPOKEN LESS? WHAT ABOUT OTHER CHINESE DIALECTS? (AND THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE)

Many people are saying Cantonese is forced to being spoken less by the Chinese government, again, is a very SHAMEFUL act. Many people don’t realize it, but the same is happening to other dialects as well, and this is not often talked about. As of yet, I have not heard of other programs promoting other dialects. I don’t think it’s fair and right that Cantonese is constantly being the target of discrimination in China. It is not often mentioned but people don’t realize that Cantonese and Toisanese are also spreading due to their settlements around the world. Other people who are surrounded by Cantonese speakers (which I have witnessed) start to learn Cantonese. Many of those who learn or “pick up” Cantonese or even Toisanese are Chinese people from different parts of China as well as non-Chinese people. They learn Cantonese by being surrounded by Cantonese speakers and many watch Cantonese movies and programs, and/or taking classes and Cantonese language learning materials and books. I noticed Chinese people from other parts of China other than Cantonese, who settle in Chinese communities outside of China, take interest in learning to speak Cantonese and even Toisanese. From the years of interviewing them, they tell me they learn Cantonese due to being surrounded by other Cantonese speakers and from watching Cantonese television shows and programs (TVB-Television Broadcast). Also many have said it is beneficial to learn Cantonese which will enable them to obtain employment and develop better relations with their Cantonese speaking friends or coworkers.

4) STOPPING NEGATIVE TALK ON CANTONESE/TOISANESE

I have heard many negative comments about Cantonese language throughout my years of volunteering to preserve my mother tongue, Cantonese and Toisanese. I personally feel that is very offensive and rude. Just a hint for good socialization skills: If one has something negative to say about one’s heritage, it is best to keep it to oneself. And realize that one may have something negative to say about yours as well. Please be respectful about other cultures, including Cantonese. ☺

5) ENCOURAGING TO IMPLEMENT CANTONESE/TOISANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

I feel it is crucial that educational programs teach and/or at least speak Cantonese, Toisan or any other dialect/language, besides Mandarin. It should not matter if other dialects/languages are not made the official language of China, all dialects/languages should and deserve to be passed on to the next generation. All languages should be honored and recognized. By doing so, children growing up will learn that Cantonese and /or Toisan or any other dialect/language is just as valued. Inclusion of many different languages and/or dialects will promote equality and fairness. If there are language programs, such as Gaylic, Latin, Swahili, Italian, Yiddish, German, French, and Chinese (Mandarin) being taught in different organizations, then Cantonese should be included as well, especially when it is a widely-spoken language.

START UP A CANTONESE/TOISAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM (not costly)

(How? Simply just play Cantonese language audio and have the booklets available on display in your company or program.

Or if possible, have a Cantonese language workshop, it’s that simple!)

**If you or any organization would like free or low cost Cantonese language materials,

please contact by email: CANTONESESOCIETY@GMAIL.COM

6) CANTONESE IS FUN AND MADE EASY TO LEARN

I’ve taught Cantonese for about 10 years on a voluntary basis, and recently started teaching Toisan (Hoisan). I have used my own made-up romanization system. Basically if you can read English, you’ll be able to read this romanization system. For example, “How are you” is spelled as “Nay ho mah?” and “Thank you” is spelled as “mm-goy.” There are a few tones in Cantonese, but I have only focused on tones when it is absolutely necessary. This was a way to ease the beginners to learning basic Cantonese. Cantonese is not that hard to learn as some say it is. If there are Americans learning and some even mastering the language, then it shows that it is not that hard! ☺

7)Creation of CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS and FREE CLASSES

Everyone is welcomed to attend and also open to those who speak Cantonese/Toisan

ACTIVIITIES:

FREE Classes and Social Get-Togethers

• A) Getting Together (for dinner, Yum-cha (Dim-Sum) etc)
• B) Cantonese movie events
• C) Happy Hour
• D) Cantonese-Toisan Exhibit/Social Get-Together
• E) Getting together to play Chinese games (cards-“Chaw-Dai-D”, Chinese checkers) ETC.

LET’S COME TOGETHER TO LEARN, SPEAK, PRESERVE, & SPREAD CANTONESE AND TOISANESE& HAVE A GOOD TIME!

***YOU ARE WELCOMED TO START YOUR OWN CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER IN YOUR AREA****

EMAIL: CANTONESESOCIETY@GMAIL.COM (FB)

Contact me!

THANK YOU FOR READING! MM-GOY-SIGH! ☺

NAY HO MAH! event will start again on Sunday, April 12, April 19, April 26. 12-2pm. PLEASE (MM-GOY) come to class NO LATER THAN 12:45 to avoid interrupting Church services. MM-GOY! :) 
CANTONESE LESSONS: 12-1pm
TOISAN/HOISAN WAH LESSONS: 1pm-1:20 pm
1:20-2pm SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER (MINGLING IN CANTONESE/TOISAN/ENGLISH
location: nyc chinatown, 21 pell street (near mott and doyer st)  3rd floor
6 train to canal street.  

EVENT FOR ALL LEVELS

FREE CLASS, donations to church and Cantonese language cd greatly appreciated
Suggested donation $1
Cantonese language and Heritage CD, you can donate any amount you like. Please email me @ cantonesesociety@gmail.com if you'd like a cd.  mm-goy! thank you.  

CLASS sometimes goes to Cantonese/Toisan Restaurants in CHinatown after event.

Email to RSVP: cantonesesociety@gmail.com