[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
Come in and wash your hands and faces, how do you say?
Please get in to wash your faces and hands. Please get in to wash your faces and hands.
[Commentary] On March 31st, an online English class for senior citizens was going on at the home of Zhang Minghe, a 90-year-old man in Taiyuan, Shanxi.
When Zhang Minghe was young, he was a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering of Taiyuan Institute of Technology. Later, he was transferred to a factory to work as a power transformer engineer. In 1983, he served as the president of Taiyuan Mechanical Workers University.
Although engaged in the electrical industry, the old man has always had a strong interest in foreign languages. He taught English by himself, translated and published several scientific and technological documents in English, Japanese, and Russian.
[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
After retiring (I) went to Ningbo to work, mainly as a translation of English science and technology materials, and translated more than 1 million words.
But I am half-sleeve English, I see foreigners have no problems with basic communication, but I can't talk in depth, and I can't understand it.
[Explanation] At the age of 75, because they were too old, the children were worried that the old man would continue to work in the field, so they took the old man back to Shanxi.
After returning to Shanxi, Zhang Minghe, who couldn't take any time off, continued to learn English.
[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
Sitting at home is very boring. It is very important for the elderly to integrate into society.
So why am I still so old and still need to learn? I have defects. Since I have done an English translation, I must take down the entire written translation.
Do nothing for this. Life must have a purpose and a goal to strive for.
[Explanation] After that, the old man began to explore his own oral English learning method.
[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
Generally speaking, Chinese people have learned English. From elementary school, junior high school, and high school, he is not the endorser. He is studying, so he can't change the habit of studying. You can study in other textbooks, but spoken English is not good.
Must get rid of this book.
A book is a walking stick. When you learn it well, you will get rid of it. You can blurt it out. This is the ability (to learn spoken English well).
【Explanation】During his studies at the Open University, Zhang Minghe participated in the National Open University English Contest and won a special award.
In 2020, he also won the honorary title of "2020 Common People's Learning Star" by the China Adult Education Association in the lifelong learning activities for all people.
In 2020, affected by the epidemic, senior colleges have temporarily suspended classes. Zhang Minghe organized a WeChat group to teach students from senior colleges "English Conversation Abroad for the Elderly" for free.
There are a total of 9 students in the class. The oldest is in his 70s and the youngest is in his 50s.
[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
Another thing I can do is not only do I learn it by myself, I drive a class younger than me, and they want to go abroad in the future, it is very useful for them, I don’t charge any money, I teach for free, and everyone works together. progress.
I am very happy for everyone to improve together.
A happy mood is happiness, and happiness can lead to a long and healthy life.
[Explanation] As the oldest student in the school, Zhang Minghe's persistence in learning inspires other seniors in the school.
[Concurrent] Zhang Minghe
I may not be able to do other things in this life, but I have been constantly pursuing my studies.
As long as my mind is not confused, I must continue to study.
Qu Lixia and Zhang Licheng report from Taiyuan, Shanxi
Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]