Glossary
Aging Population
A demographic trend where the proportion of older individuals in a population increases, often due to lower birth rates and increased life expectancy.
Example:
China's rapidly aging population poses significant challenges for its social security and healthcare systems.
Air Pollution
The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, often caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning fossil fuels.
Example:
On days with severe air pollution, many residents wear masks when they go outside to protect their health.
Climate Change
Long-term shifts in global weather patterns, primarily caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, leading to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Example:
China is investing heavily in renewable energy sources to mitigate its contribution to global climate change.
Corruption
Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery or misuse of public funds for personal gain.
Example:
The government launched a major campaign to crack down on corruption among officials, aiming to restore public trust.
Cost of Raising Children
The financial burden associated with raising children, including expenses for education, healthcare, food, and housing.
Example:
The high cost of raising children is a significant factor influencing many young couples' decisions to have fewer or no children in China.
DINK Lifestyle (丁客族 - dīng kè zú)
An acronym for 'Double Income, No Kids,' referring to couples who choose not to have children, often prioritizing career and personal freedom.
Example:
The rise of the DINK lifestyle among urban professionals reflects changing societal values and economic pressures.
Deforestation
The clearing of forests for other land uses, such as agriculture or urban development, leading to soil erosion, habitat loss, and increased carbon emissions.
Example:
Extensive deforestation in the region has led to more frequent landslides and a loss of biodiversity.
Demographic Challenges
Issues arising from changes in a country's population structure, such as aging populations, gender imbalances, or rapid urbanization.
Example:
Addressing demographic challenges like a shrinking workforce requires long-term planning and policy adjustments.
Economic Challenges
Difficulties a country faces in managing its financial systems, production, and distribution of wealth.
Example:
China's government is actively working to overcome its current economic challenges by promoting domestic consumption.
Environmental Challenges
Pressing issues related to the natural world, such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, that threaten ecological balance and human well-being.
Example:
Tackling environmental challenges like water scarcity is crucial for China's sustainable future.
Environmental Impact
The effects that human activities, particularly economic development, have on the natural environment, often leading to degradation.
Example:
The construction of new factories had a significant environmental impact, leading to increased air pollution in nearby cities.
Global Challenges
Major issues that transcend national borders and require international cooperation to address, impacting countries worldwide.
Example:
Addressing global challenges like climate change requires every nation to work together.
Human Rights
Fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to all individuals, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnic origin, religion, or any other status.
Example:
International organizations often raise concerns about human rights issues in certain regions, advocating for greater freedoms.
Income Inequality
The uneven distribution of wealth and income among different segments of a population, leading to significant gaps between the rich and the poor.
Example:
To combat income inequality, the government implemented new policies aimed at supporting rural development and increasing social welfare programs.
International Relations
The study of the relationships and interactions between different countries, including diplomacy, trade, and conflict.
Example:
China's international relations with neighboring countries are complex, involving both cooperation and territorial disputes.
One-Child Policy (一孩政策 - yī hái zhèng cè)
A population control policy implemented in China from 1979 to 2015, limiting most families to one child to curb rapid population growth.
Example:
The One-Child Policy significantly altered China's demographic landscape, leading to an aging population and gender imbalance.
Political Challenges
Difficulties a government faces in maintaining stability, ensuring human rights, managing corruption, and conducting international relations.
Example:
The government is working to address various political challenges, including public discontent over transparency.
Political Stability
The condition of a government and society being free from significant unrest, conflict, or sudden changes in leadership, allowing for consistent governance.
Example:
Maintaining political stability is a top priority for the government to ensure continued economic development and social harmony.
Slowing Growth
A reduction in the rate at which a country's economy is expanding, often leading to concerns about job creation and living standards.
Example:
The recent data showed a slowing growth in manufacturing, prompting economists to predict a shift in China's economic strategy.
Water Pollution
The contamination of bodies of water by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage, making them unsafe for use and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Example:
The local river, once a source of clean water, is now suffering from severe water pollution due to nearby factory discharge.
中学 (zhōng xué)
Secondary school; typically refers to grades 7-12 in the Chinese education system, encompassing middle and high school.
Example:
After graduating from 中学, students face intense competition to enter top universities.
初中 (chū zhōng)
Middle school; specifically refers to grades 7-9 in the Chinese education system.
Example:
During 初中, students begin to specialize in certain subjects and prepare for high school entrance exams.
华人 (huá rén)
A term referring to ethnic Chinese people, especially those living outside of mainland China; overseas Chinese.
Example:
Many 华人 communities around the world maintain strong cultural ties with their ancestral homeland.
培训班 (péi xùn bān)
Training class; a course or program designed to teach specific skills or knowledge, often for professional development.
Example:
After graduating, he enrolled in a coding 培训班 to gain practical skills for the tech industry.
小学 (xiǎo xué)
Primary school or elementary school; the first stage of formal education for children.
Example:
My younger cousin just started his first year at 小学, eager to learn new things.
成功 (chéng gōng)
Success; the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
Example:
Through hard work and perseverance, she achieved great 成功 in her studies and career.
补习班 (bǔ xí bān)
Cram school or test-prep class; an after-school institution where students receive additional instruction to prepare for exams.
Example:
Many students attend 补习班 on weekends to improve their scores on college entrance exams.
高中 (gāo zhōng)
High school; specifically refers to grades 10-12 in the Chinese education system, leading up to university entrance exams.
Example:
The pressure to perform well in 高中 is immense, as it directly impacts university admissions.