I create my own shirts that I wear to class. On them I write with the word Qi gong, plus the chinese symbols and the english pronounciation for each part. Pronounciation of the word is a big part of my class since I often get new students.

I LOVE this article! I have passed it on to my clients. No, I don’t teach Qigong. I teach people how to improve eyesight so they can stop using glasses. Along with this, I teach some hands on self-help healing they can use to help the relaxation. And I have a personal interest in Chinese, having studied Mandarin in college (Pinyin system) and practiced Tai Chi for several years — in the 1970s. THANK YOU for your very clear explanation.

Have you heard of the “Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den” poem written in Chinese script?

“施氏食狮史”

石室诗士施氏，嗜狮，誓食十狮。氏时时适市视狮。十时，适十狮适市。 是时，适施氏适市。氏视是十狮，恃矢势，使是十狮逝世。氏拾是十狮尸，适石室。石室湿，氏使侍拭石室。石室拭，氏始试食是十狮尸。食时，始识是十狮，实十石狮尸。试释是事。

Shíshì shīshì Shī Shì, shì shī, shì shí shí shī. Shì shíshí shì shì shì shī. Shí shí, shì shí shī shì shì. Shì shí, shì Shī Shì shì shì. Shì shì shì shí shī, shì shǐ shì, shǐ shì shí shī shìshì. Shì shí shì shí shī shī, shì shíshì. Shíshì shī, Shì shǐ shì shì shíshì. Shíshì shì, Shì shǐ shì shí shì shí shī. Shí shí, shǐ shí shì shí shī shī, shí shí shí shī shī. Shì shì shì shì.

It is a very good example of why even Pinyin is insufficient to convey the meaning inherent in Chinese characters, as there are so many different characters that have the exact same Pinyin, tone and sound. This is why it is important to also read the characters and not simply rely on Pinyin.

Thank you, 刘先生! Of course you are right. I didn’t mention the tones because I thought it might be too complicated. But you explained the issue very well!

Yes, Hanyu Pinyin is superior in every way, and there is one critical reason you did not mention, which is the use of tone markers in Pinyin which is absent in Wade-Giles. Without tone markers, Wade-Giles only allows a very monotonous form of pronunciation that does not differentiate between syllables that use the same lettering but has completely different sounds.

For example, using Wade-Giles, it is presented simply as “chi”, whereas in Pinyin it is “Qi” with the 4th tone marker above the vowel. This means that comprehending Wade-Giles relies solely and entirely on context which must be somewhat inaccurately speculated on, instead of relying on actual sounds and, if characters are present as well, also the radicals (components) that make up the character to give a concise meaning and interpretation that just by using alphabetical lettering does not.

Actually, I’ve changed my mind over the years. Now, I think it’s a good thing. It gives us something to talk about with people. It’s a conversation starter!

But it takes time to change. For example, “Taoism” is spelled wrong. It should be “Daoist”. But simply shifting to the new spelling won’t work. We have to explain WHY we’re shifting. And this process might take a decade or longer.

I pray that it’s *not* too late for “tai chi.” I realize that I confuse family (plus my two friends) by referring to “taiji practice”… but if not us (experts and enthusiasts), then who? — If not now, when?! 🙂

Long live “Taijiquan” — and thanks for this great and informative post! I have a growing desire to know Chinese, and credit you for planting that seed of inspiration… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Your avid student, Lara

Cindy, sorry you are feeling stressed. We are merely pushing hands here.

I’m sorry this stressed you out! I don’t see this as a competition at all. My intent was to present facts, which I feel that I did. I also expressed a strong preference for the Pinyin system, and gave my reasons why. That’s it.

As for titles, there’s nothing I dislike more than “Master”. It has far too many negative connotations in English. The last thing I want is people saying, “Yes, Master.”

I’m not denying that I’ve reached a certain level of mastery. I have. If there were a better word or title, I would consider it, but so far, the best term I’ve found is “Sifu” (or Shifu). And even that may end up being too patriarchal for my tastes.

At this point this entire posting about language, whether it is Cantonese, Chinese, or whatever “nese”, has turned me off. I am only interested in one type of “nese” at this time, and that’s my “knees” and keeping them healthy!!! LOL

This is about sharing info without the competition.

By the way Sifu, in response to Jay asking, “So why [do] you call yourself “Sifu” and not Mandarin “Shifu”?, can easily be remedied if you use “Master.” You certainly have earned that title.

But perhaps you are like me when I say “titles” do not matter. My name is what matters, since my parents gave me that wonderful gift.