Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the availability of Chinese math and science texts for purchase, exploring resources and personal experiences related to finding such materials. Participants express interest in both Chinese and English texts, as well as the challenges of studying these subjects in conjunction with learning Mandarin.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks resources for purchasing Chinese math and science texts, noting difficulty in finding anything beyond middle school level.
- Another suggests that local Chinese bookstores may have options, sharing a personal experience with a bookstore in Vancouver and recommending college-level texts in English for those who can understand them.
- A participant mentions that local Chinese bookstores primarily offer elementary mathematics texts and expresses a desire to study Chinese and math simultaneously due to a rigorous language program.
- A Chinese student questions the interest in Chinese texts, suggesting that many are not well-written and expressing a preference for English texts instead.
- One participant inquires about the specific types of Chinese math books being referenced, distinguishing between those published by major universities in Mainland China and English textbooks printed in Mainland, which may be cheaper but of lower quality.
- A participant shares their experience of purchasing an English text printed in Mainland China at a significantly lower price, noting the ease of access to such materials while studying in Hong Kong.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varied perspectives on the quality and availability of Chinese math and science texts, with no consensus on the best resources or the desirability of studying these texts in Chinese versus English.
Contextual Notes
Some participants mention limitations in the availability of advanced texts in Chinese bookstores and the varying quality of Chinese publications, which may depend on the publisher and region.