A: Hello, this is Word Wise from language tips, I’m Marc.
B: And I’m Meggie.
A: So, what’s our topic today, Meggie?
B: Well, the topic today is closely related with the coming Beijing Olympic Games.
A: Wonderful, what is it?
B: The emblem of the Beijing Games, the Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing. 中國印?舞動的北京。
A: The name is a little longer, but I like the creative design.
B: Well, you can call it just Chinese Seal or Dancing Beijing. Do you know where the emblem’s design came from?
A: I heard it was from a Chinese character.
B: Exactly. That character is京, which means 北京, the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The design owes much to a traditional Chinese art form - calligraphic art. The character “Jing” is developed from such a form.
A: It looks like a dancing human, opening his arms to welcome guests.
B: Your observation is right. Beijing wants to show its sincerity to the rest of the world and invites them to join the Olympics. Besides, both Chinese characters and calligraphic art have histories of more than two thousand years, so the design also symbolizes the unique Chinese culture.
A: And red is the favorite color of the Chinese people. Red is the color of the Sun and the Holy Fire, representing life and a new beginning.
B: You’ve learnt a lot about Chinese culture, Marc.
A: Sure. And I know this design also stands for the Olympic spirit- -athlete-centered and people-oriented, it’s a running figure.
B: Oh, you’re such a good student!
A: Thanks Meggie. It’s reported that a big Chinese Seal gas been engraved on a mountain located in the north of Beijing.
B: Yes. It was finished on July 13 and located in Miyun county. You should take a look at it.
A: Sure! I’ll plan a trip to Miyun this weekend. Will you be my company?
B: I’d love to. So that’s all for today. For more programs, visit our website language.chinadaily.com.cn. 再見！
