a. Write a one-paragraph introduction which gives some background about a nursery rhyme (could be a lullaby, folk song, or playground song) which you remember from your childhood.
(These questions might help: How did you learn it? Do you still hear it in your home or neighborhood? As an adult re-visiting one’s childhood, what did you like about this nursery rhyme?)
b. Write down the nursery rhyme. Please use the English alphabet and write it as it sounds.
c. Write an English translation or explain what it means.
d. Post everything (a,b, & c) here.
Donye By- Koh Yhih Huua Rachel
ReplyDeleteNursery Rhyme in My Mother Tongue:
Title: Ke Ren Lai
Ke Ren Lai Kan Papa, Papa bu zai jia.
Wo qing ke ren xian zuo xia, zai jing yi bei cha!
English Translation: (Visitor comes for a visit)
Visitor came to visit daddy, but daddy isn’t home.
I invited the visitor into the house first, and then I offered him tea.
I learnt this nursery rhyme from my singing lessons at a music school. I often hear it in my home as my mother had bought the tape and I was singing it every day.
I like this nursery rhyme as it was very easy to remember as compared to others. It had only two lines and there was a very catchy tune. On top of that, I was able to relate to it very well as my father was frequently out of town for work purposes.
HI Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI remembered learning this in my kindergarten times in the 1970s. I didb't know the meaning then, but I liked the tune! Tks for sharing ;)
pst.. cd u indicate your TG please
Mdm Siti Zakiah
Task1
ReplyDeleteI still remember this folk song called "Chan Mali Chan". When I was about 5-6 years old, my mother bought this cassette that compiled some English and Malay nursery rhymes and since then, after listening to it for a few times, this folksong became one of my favourite. When I got to primary 1, they made us sing this song during music lessons.
Nowadays, we can still hear this song being played, especially in schools and sometimes during National Day parade. I enjoyed this song very much because it's a happy song, especially when it comes to the "Oi ! Oi!" part. I really enjoyed that part. The P2 pupils that I taught during my contract teaching enjoyed it as well, that "Oi ! Oi!" part especially. It definitely brought back good memories of the song.. :)
I guess most of you are familiar with this song. If you aren't, the tune goes something like this : Chan Mali Chan-Fir.mp3
Chan Mali Chan (Malay)
Di mana dia anak kambing saya?
Anak kambing saya yang makan daun talas.
Di mana dia buah hati saya?
Buah hati saya bagai telur dikupas.
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Di mana dia, anak kambing saya?
Anak kambing saya main di tepi sawah
Di mana dia, cinta hati saya?
Cinta hati saya yang pakai baju merah
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
(English)
Where is he, my little goat?
My little goat is eating taro leaves.
Where is he, my loved one?
My loved one is like a shelled egg.
Chan mali chan, chan mali chan,
chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Where is he, my little goat?
My little goat is playing by the paddy fields.
Where is he, my loved one?
My loved one who is wearing red.
Chan mali chan, chan mali chan,
chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
Chan mali chan, (Oi Oi!) chan mali chan (Oi,Oi!)
Chan mali chan, ketipung payung.
The verses of chan mali chan are structurally a four part rhythmic pantun or Malay poem. The first two lines of the pantun are called the pembayang and the last two lines of each pantun are the messages that the poet really wants to convey. The pembayang lines of the song chan mali chan refer to anak kambing, suggestively because the lamb is symbolic for its mischievousness and friskiness.
This symbolism is compared to the poet’s buah hati (loved one) in the message lines of the poem, who is apparently playing hide and seek with the poem. it should be inferred here that the man in the song is looking for the woman who is hiding (and is deliberately letting herself be found!).
I am still unsure of the meaning of Chan Mali Chan. Is it a phrase in Chinese? Anyone? Apparently, it's not a Malay word. Probably, it's just a name... Just like Woo Won Ton.
Done by: Lee Ke Hin (TG3)
ReplyDeleteI choose to document this Chinese children song "Two Tigers". I guess I learnt this song when I was in kindergarten or even younger. Can't really remember. I like this song because its tune is very catchy. The lyrics are funny, cute and easy to remember. I do still hear it being sung to my little cousin.
How it sounds in Chinese:
Liang zhi lao hu
liang zhi lao hu
liang zhi lao hu
pao de kuai
pao de kuai
yi zhi mei you yan jing
yi zhi mei you wei ba
zhen qi guai
zhen qi guai
English translation:
Two Tigers
Two Tigers
Two Tigers
Running fast
Running fast
One of them has no eyes
One of them has no tail
Very strange!
Very strange!
Done By: Noorashikin Binte Yahya TG07
ReplyDeleteUp to this day, I can still sing this song without looking at the lyrics. It has a very nice and soothing tune that is very enjoyable to me. Even when I am singing it now, I have a smile on my face which makes me wonder why. If I could remember clearly, this nursery ryhme was sang to me by my family members and during my pre-school. I do not hear my cousins singing to this but I sometimes do sing this to them, just for enjoyment.
Burung Kakak tua
Burung kakak tua
Hinggap di jendela
Nenek sudah tua
Giginya tinggal dua
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Burung Kakak Tua
English Translation:
Cuckatoo, Oh Cuckatoo
Cuckatoo, oh Cuckatoo,
Perching by itself,
Grandma has turned so grey*,
Has only two teeth left.
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Lechum Lechum Lechum
Mu la la
Cuckatoo, oh cuckatoo
*Her hair has turned gray - also meaning she's grown old.
Hi Firdaus,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you regarding the part where we have to sing the "OI!" OI". It definitely brings out the energy of the person singing it as it is a happy song. I do remember singing it during my lower primary school days.
Noorashikin Binte Yahya
I love love love this song. Also, I like your description for the use of some of the words chosen in the song. It makes me understand why the writer chooses a lamb instead of other animals.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSandy Tan (TG7)
ReplyDelete走走走走走，我们小手拉小手
Zou zou zou zou zou, wo men xiao shou la xiao shou
(We went on a walk, holding each others’ small hands)
走走走走走， 一同去郊游
Zou zou zou zou zou, yi tong qu jiao you
(We went on a walk, together to a field trip)
白云幽幽，阳光柔和
Bai yun you you, yang guang rou he
(the clouds are clear, the sun is warm and soft)
青山玉水，一片清秀
Qing shan yu shui yi pian qing xiu
(The mountain is green, the scenery is awesome)
走走走走走，我们小手拉小手
Zou zou zou zou zou, wo men xiao shou la xiao shou
(We went on a walk, holding each others’ small hands)
走走走走走， 一同去郊游
Zou zou zou zou zou, yi tong qu jiao you
(We went on a walk, together to a field trip)
I learnt this nursery rhyme when I was 5 or 6 years old while attending my kindergarten school. My Chinese teacher taught us how to sing the nursery rhyme in a song and we would form into a circle and do a few dance moves based on the words of the nursery rhyme. This rhyme is about going to a field outing hand in hand with your friends. The weather and the scenery were awesome during the trip and everyone enjoyed themselves. When I was younger, I find this rhyme very cheery and happy. I like it when my teacher would get us together hand in hand and go around the circle to sing the rhyme. I never get to hear this song taught to children in schools now. When I hum or say this rhyme, my younger cousins could not recognize this rhyme that had been taught in school. As an adult now and re-visiting my childhood, I realized that learning was fun and I really enjoyed learning the nursery rhyme which is why it is intact with me till now.
to Rachel's Ke ren lai:
ReplyDeleteI like this nursery rhyme too!It is very catchy and I would always sing this rhyme with my set of tea cups. Sometimes I would change the father's character to my mum or other family members. It is a simple rhyme but children and adults are singing it now (:
to Firdaus's Chan mali chan:
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite song during children's day! the lyrics are catchy, and I finally know the meaning of the song after you had posted it up (:I can see all the students getting hyped up and excited over the song when it is played.
When I was nine (I think), my parents sent me to an audition for a Malay kids variety show, Aksi Mat Yoyo. Over at Mediacorp, they taught me this folk song "Potong Bebek Angsa" along with the hand movements. The song is easy to learn as it is very upbeat and I remembered having fun singing this song up to this date. I have always thought the song is an Indonesian song because of the words used (i.e. "bebek" and "nona"). Nevertheless, I have put forth this short song for you to learn and have fun. =)
ReplyDeleteFolk Song...
(1) Potong bebek angsa
(2) masak di kuali…
(3) Nona minta dansa
(4) dansa empat kali…
(5) Sorong ke kiri
(6) sorong ke kanan…
Lalalalalalalalalalala…
(7) Sorong ke kiri
(8) sorong ke kanan…
Lalalalalalalalalalala…
Transalation...
(1) Slaughter a goose [potong = slaughter, bebek angsa = goose]
(2) cooked in a wok [masak = cooked, di = in, kuali = wok]
(3) Ladies ask for a dance [nona = ladies, minta = ask for, dansa = dance]
(4) Dance four times [dansa = dance, empat = four, kali = times]
(5) & (7) Move to the left [sorong = move, ke = to, kiri = left]
(6) & (8) Move to the right [sorong = move, ke = to, kanan = right]
Hand Movements...
(1) One hand to hold a geese while the other hand to cut the geese
(2) Both hands move as if cooking in a wok
(3) Hands put together as if requesting for something
(4) Move one complete round dancing
(5) & (7) Move to the left
(6) & (8) Move to the right
You may want to check out the videos on youtube! Simply type "potong bebek angsa".
Hope you tried singing the song!!! Have fun...
~ Noora TG03
~ to Ke Hin's Liang zhi lao hu
ReplyDeleteI remembered hearing this catchy song when I was in kindergarten, if I'm not mistaken. Cause I remembered the teacher asking the whole class to act the song out too! And yes, we learnt it in Chinese. I love the "running fast" verse as that was the part where we have to run on the spot as fast as we can. This can be a very good tuning-in song to prep the class for any boring lesson. =)
~ Noora TG03
~ to Noorashikin's Burung Kakak Tua
ReplyDeleteI simply love folk songs! This was one of the songs I often sang when I was a kid. Each time I sing it, I will move my head to the right and left according to the rhythm of the song. At the same time, I would also pretend to be the character or the bird or the grandmother when I sing the verses. I miss my childhood days, don't you? =)
~ Noora TG03
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI still remember this nursery rhyme which my grandmother and my parents sang to lure me to bed when I was younger. In Chinese, it’s known as “三轮车”, when translated in English, it’s known as “trishaw”. I still remember that my sister and I would sing this rhyme and mimic the action mentioned in the lyrics. This nursery rhyme was quite popular then. Almost all my friends would have heard it. However, I do not hear children singing this song now. It is either I did not pay attention to it or the influence of media is so great that children now prefer to listen to pop songs.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult, I like this rhyme as it is catchy. It is also a short rhyme which can be memorized easily.
The Chinese lyrics is:
三轮车， 跑得快。
上面坐个老太太。
要五毛，给一块。
你说奇怪不奇怪？
When the lyrics is translated to English, it goes:
Trishaw, runs fast.
There’s an old lady on the trishaw.
When wanted fifty cents for the ride, she gave one dollar.
Isn’t if weird?
This rhyme, as seen from the lyrics, means an old lady giving one dollar to a trishaw man who demanded fifty cents.
Chen Yang (TG07)
Task 1
ReplyDeleteThe nursery rhyme which I remember from my childhood is Humpty Dumpty.
My mum taught me this rhyme. I had a poster of this rhyme. I always find it amusing because Humpty Dumpty is typically portrayed as an egg. I often wondered what's so special about this awful-looking egg such that there's a rhyme about it. I still hear it in my home as my 3 year old nephew learnt it at childcare.
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses, And all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!
Humpty Dumpty refers to King Richard III of England being defeated by enemies in Shakespeare's play.
By Joyce (TG07)
To Rachel's Ke Ren Lai...
ReplyDeleteI like this rhyme! It's simple yet extremely catchy! I remember most adults in my family always sing this to the little ones. It teaches young children values too....
To Joyce's Humpty Dumpty,
ReplyDeleteI always love this nursery rhyme.When I was first taught of this rhyme, there was an illustration of en egg on the book! I always thought that Humpty Dumpty is an egg. Now I know what it actually refers to
From
ChenYang *TG7
Task 1
ReplyDeleteHush, Little Baby was the first lullaby i heard my mother sing before bedtime. I have learnt it from my mother as she used to sing to me every night. It was the most soothing piece of music i have ever heard. Sometimes, i would still hear it when i pass by some children departmental store. I feel that it is the sweetest song as i felt like a princess listening to it, as if daddy would always be there for me and make me feel safe and warm. The kind of fatherly love is as big as ocean.
Hush, little baby, don't say a word.
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town
Done by Jelyn
Dear Chen Yang,
ReplyDeleteI used to enjoy this trishaw nursery rhyme as i was really amused by the generous old granny. Till now, i'm still wondering why she had to give the extra fifty cents to the trishaw rider. Was tipping popular then? ;)
Hello Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI have a special liking to ke ren lai as well. It gives me a feeling of happiness when friends or relatives visit our house and my family get to be the host. However, i do not like the part where the daddy had to work abroad. I wish he was home and had time for my siblings and i more often.
I remember I learn this song when I was in nursery. It was for my graduation ceremony’s performance. Till now I still have the set of cassette tapes that my teacher got my parents to buy from the school so that we can practice the moves for the song at home. The song’s name is 拔萝卜. When translated to English, it is known as “Let’s pull out the radish!” I believe most of Chinese friends would have known this song as it is derived from a children’s storybook. I remember when I was young, I often watch the music video of this song on the morning children’s programme and hummed to it. However, nowadays I do not hear children singing this song anymore. When I asked my little cousin, who is now in nursery, if she knows the song, she just shook her head. I think it could probably be that this song is no longer in the nursery syllabus.
ReplyDelete拔萝卜，拔萝卜
嘿哟！嘿哟！拔萝卜嘿哟！嘿哟！拔不动
老太婆快快来
快来帮我们拔萝卜
拔萝卜，拔萝卜
嘿哟！嘿哟！拔萝卜 嘿哟！嘿哟！拔不动
小姑娘快快来
快来帮我们拔萝卜
拔萝卜，拔萝卜
嘿哟！嘿哟！拔萝卜 嘿哟！嘿哟！拔不动
小花猫快快来
快来帮我们拔萝卜
拔萝卜，拔萝卜
嘿哟！嘿哟！拔萝卜 嘿哟！嘿哟！拔不动
小黄狗快快来
快来帮我们拔萝卜
English Translation:
Let's pull out the radish!
Let's pull out the radish. Let's pull out the radish.
Hey yo! Hey yo! Let's pull out the radish.
Hey Yo! Hey yo! Can't pull it out
Old Lady, please come quickly
Please come quickly to help us pull out the radish
Let's pull out the radish. Let's pull out the radish.
Hey yo! Hey yo! Let's pull out the radish.
Hey Yo! Hey yo! Can't pull it out
Little girl, please come quickly
Please come quickly to help us pull out the radish
Let's pull out the radish. Let's pull out the radish.
Hey yo! Hey yo! Let's pull out the radish.
Hey Yo! Hey yo! Can't pull it out
Little cat, please come quickly
Please come quickly to help us pull out the radish
Let's pull out the radish. Let's pull out the radish.
Hey yo! Hey yo! Let's pull out the radish.
Hey Yo! Hey yo! Can't pull it out
Little yellow dog, please come quickly
Please come quickly to help us pull out the radish
I believe the moral behind this song is we should help our friends in need.
To Firdaus’s Chan Mali Chan
ReplyDeleteI like this song too, especially the part on Oi! Oi! If I’m not wrong, I also learn this song when I was in lower primary for some school concerts. It should be the second Malay song that I learn after the national anthem. It was fun to do those dance moves with the catchy melody of the song back then, though I do not remember the moves now. I believe the primary school students should still be learning this song.
To Chen Yang’s Trishaw
ReplyDeleteI love this song. I do not remember how I learn it but I know when I was young, I would act out the song with my sister. We would take a stool for one of us to sit and be the old lady while the other person would use a rope and wrapped around ‘the old lady’ and pretend to pull the ‘trishaw’. It was fun back then to act out the song and we would never get bored playing it over and over again
To Skikin..
ReplyDeleteHi Shikin, I remember singing this song in a choir during the Youth day celebration, when I was in Sec. 2. We had to wear this funny-looking attire with funny-looking hats. We learnt the movements while singing this folk song. Don't ask me to do the movements because I can't remember. :)
Anyway, 'Burung kakak tua' is a great folk song! It adds the elements of humour, as stated in "Nenek sudah tua, giginya tinggal dua" which means "grandma is old and only 2 teeth are left", just like Woo Won Ton. :p
I think it is important to preserve our very own folksongs, so that our future generations would learn them appreciate our culture and heritage.
Mama Hao
ReplyDeleteI would like to share 1 Chinese folk song that I learnt from my Chinese friends when I was younger. This song was also showcast in television advertisments long time ago. It is called "Mama Hao", which means.. Good mother, I think. (Chinese friends, correct me if I'm wrong):)
It sounds like a lullaby and I enjoyed it very much. I wish that we have an English / Malay version for this lullaby. I will sing you this song.. correct me if I'm wrong...ehem..
Si sang ce yo mama hao...
Yo ma ti hai ce siang ke pao...
To cin mama ti huai pao...
Sing fu siang pu liao..
Mei yo mama...(forget lyrics)
I like the tune very much. My Chinese friends, I appreciate it if you could post the meaning for this song, so that I could compose it in Malay and create a Malay version of it. :) thanks!
http://www.flash61.com/flash/8/294.htm
ReplyDeleteWo shi yi ge da ping guo.
Na ge hai zi bu ai wo?
Qing ni xian qu xi xi shou
Yao shi shou zhang bei peng wo
I am a big apple.
Which child would not like me?
Please wash you hands.
If your hands are dirty, please do not touch me.
My mother introduced this nursey rhyme to me when I was about 4 years old. She would always recite this to me whenever I want to have an apple.
I remember by the age of 6, she would make me recite this rhyme before allowing me to having my apple.
I feel that this is a good nursey rhyme to teach little children the importance of washing hands before eating.
When I become a mother in time to come, I will definitely teach my child this nursey rhyme and instill the importance of washing his/her hands before eating.
Muhammad Almanfalatih Marzat
ReplyDeleteMalay Nursery:
Satu satu, saya sayang ibu,
Dua dua, juga sayang ayah.
Tiga tiga, sayang adik kakak,
Satu dua tiga, sayang semuanya.
English translation:
One, I love my mum.
Two, I love my dad too.
Three, I love my siblings.
One two three, I love everyone.
Background:
This is the first song that I learnt as a child. The lyrics are simple to remember and it teaches you to love your parents, siblings and everyone around. As a result, I believed that the world was a happy and peaceful place (which we know is not true). I believe we should not give our children these optimistic songs. I would rather let my child listen to songs that are based on reality.
The tittle of the nursery rhyme is "Lompat si katak lompat". I remembered singing it when I was in kindergaten. It has a catchy tune and there's a dance that follows it. The lyrics are also in poem form. For example, "katak lompat" we would act as a frog and jump like a frog whenever that phrase was sung. Other than that, the last two sentences for each part has a teaching to the young ones.
ReplyDeleteMalay nursery rhymes:
Lompat si katak lompat
Lompat dalam perigi
Cepat adik cepat
Pergi mandi cuci gigi
Lompat si katak lompat
Lompat di tepi pagar
Sekolah lekas dapat
Dan mesti rajin belajar
Lompat si katak lompat
Lompat di air tenang
Pergi sekolah cermat
Emak bapa hati senang
Lompat si katak lompat
Lompat di rumput muda
Belajar kuat-kuat
Buat ilmu hari tua
English Translation:
Jump the frog jump
Jump in well
Quickly brother, quickly
Go bathe, brush you teeth
Jump the frog jump
Jump by fence
Absorb quickly in school
And must be studious
Jump the frog jump
Jump in calm water
Be careful when you’re in school
Your parents will be at ease
Jump the frog jump
Jump in young grass
Learn diligently
For life-skill knowledge
Nooraidah (TG3)
ReplyDeleteThose hand movements are hilarious! I love that nursery rhyme. My nephew and niece loves it too. Although the meaning still escapes me until today.
Thanks!
Muhammad Almanfalatih Marzat
Alman:
ReplyDeleteThis song is an all-time favourite and it is easy to remember. It teaches children to love and appreciate their parents and everyone around them. Also, it expose students to the first three numbers in malay language.
Janice:
I really thought this song is so simple yet it teaches children to be hygienic. It also let children know that everyone loves apple thus making them to like fruits too.
DUE 201 TG03
ReplyDelete1. Document a Nursery Rhyme in your Mother Tongue or First Language Learned at Home
a. Write a one-paragraph introduction which gives some background about a nursery rhyme (could be a lullaby, folk song, or playground song) which you remember from your childhood.
(These questions might help: How did you learn it? Do you still hear it in your home or neighborhood? As an adult re-visiting one’s childhood, what did you like about this nursery rhyme?)
This nursery rhyme or folk song is one that I remember singing when I was very young. I learnt it during my time in the nursery or kindergarten and often sing with my sister at home. As I recall this song and its tune, I enjoy singing it because of the catchy tune. Adding to that, I like this rhyme because it involves a certain sentimental value and a thought to it. Nowadays, I doubt that this song is being taught in schools or at homes so it would be a surprise if I do hear it in my neighbourhood.
b. Write down the nursery rhyme. Please use the English alphabet and write it as it sounds.
San lun che, pao de kuai,
Hou mian zhuo ge lao tai tai.
Yao wu mao, gei yi kuai,
Ni shuo qi guai bu qi guai?
c. Write an English translation or explain what it means.
(San lun che, pao de kuai,)
The trishaw went fast.
(Hou mian zhuo ge lao tai tai.)
On it, sat an old lady.
(Yao wu mao, gei yi kuai,)
When asked to pay fifty cents, she gave a dollar.
(Ni shuo qi guai bu qi guai?)
Don’t you find it bizarre?
This song depicts a scene of our history, when people travel mainly on trishaws (three-wheels vehicles is the direct translation of san lun che). At that time, trishaws are considered an efficient transport in terms of speed as compared to walking.
An old lady who took a ride on the trishaw gave a dollar for the fare instead of the expected fifty cents fee for the ride. This act is something that is rather extraordinary to many thus it was asked at the end of the song, whether the listener finds the scenario strange.
The main idea behind the song is actually about the benevolence of old ladies (grannies) as she showed compassion for the hardworking pullers.
Huang Yuxin Joyce
ReplyDeleteCreated on Sunday, 10/03/2010 9:44 PM
This is a chinese folksong sang by children to remind them not to become a lazy worm but to learn to be hardworking like the busy bees.
I think it is very educational to teach the children values like being disciplined and diligent. The lyrics also explained that the bees worked hard in the summer so that they can enjoy a harvest in winter. This also teaches me not to procrastinate and whatever I do, I should work at it with my best. I still hear the Kindergarden children sing this song! It really brings back memories.
The title of the song is Xiao Mi Feng, or Busy Bees
I have included a link for you the listen to the song on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh76WBY5g0M
English Translation
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz (x2)
Let's work hard together
Flying here, flying there
With good interest at work
If we don't work hard in summer,
we will suffer in winter.
Buzz buzz buzz (x2)
Don't be a lazy worm!
Chinese Pronounciation
Weng weng weng, weng weng weng
Da jia yi qi qin zuo gong
Lai cong cong, qu cong cong
Zuo gong xing wei nong
Tian nuan hua hao bu zuo gong
Jiang lai na li hao guo dong
Weng weng weng, weng weng weng
Bie xue lan duo chong (x3)
Chinese Characters.
翁翁翁，翁翁翁
大家一起勤做工
来匆匆， 去匆匆
做工兴为浓
天暖花好不做工
将来那里好过冬
嗡嗡嗡，嗡嗡嗡
别学懒惰虫
Comments (2)
Thanks for sharing this JOYCE , i feel that some of it's value is lost in translation... haha...
ITs worth noting that some rhymes are best used in 1 language, wouldnt you agree? it;s like how when i ask friends to tarslate a chinese joke to english , most of the time it;s lost ... haha
and i liek this too because it teaches kids about hardwork. we may not notice it but we unconciously know the song, even till this age, and when we think about it, we are reminded to work hard :)_
Monday, 10/04/2010 11:18 AM by . SIM ZHU EN MATTHEW (DI0907)
Hey Joyce,
I remember this rhyme and the "dance". Especially in Pre School, the teachers would use this song to start the day. Thinking back, it served to remind us to work hard for the day (as all the Animals are working hard too) and also, letting us stretch ourselves (by "flying" around) made a nice activity to wake us all up at 9 am.
There is a PAP School underneath my block and on my way to school sometimes, i hear the students singing it still and I cannot resist peeping in and see all these 4/5 year olds buzzing around. Cuteness!
I agree with you that it is a good song to teach students about being hardworking only then they won't suffer in future!
:)
Tuesday, 10/05/2010 12:57 AM by . TAY HUI ZHEN GRACE (DI0907)
Comment on Janice's post:
ReplyDeleteI like the rhyme! It's so interesting. Though I have not heard it before, it's catchy to recite it. Now when I eat apple I may remember your rhyme about washing my hands. =)
Comment on Nadzirah's post:
It is such a 'rounded' nursery rhyme which touches on different aspects of a child's life from hygience to school to parents to being learners. It seems it could be fun to act out as frogs as it is recited. =P
Introduction:
ReplyDeleteI still remember this nursery rhyme as this is my mother's favourite nursery rhyme. My mother recited this to me when I was young, recited to the babies she baby-sat, and up till now, she is still reciting this to my 19-month-old niece. The tune is easy to remember and the lyrics is interesting. My mother would do some actions to illustrate the lyrics and end off with a tickle under the arms which will make the babies laugh. Sometimes, we would add our own verse by changing the lyrics.
Nursery Rhyme in Hanyu Pinyin (Bracket: English translation):
San lun che (Trishaw)
Pao de kuai. (goes very fast.)
Shang mian zhuo ge lao tai tai. (There is an old lady sitting on the trishaw.)
Yao wo mao, (Instead of fifty cents,)
Gei yi kuai. (she gave a dollar.)
Ni shuo qi guai bu qi guai? (Don't you think it's weird?)
Eileen's post
ReplyDeleteI remember this song too. Children rhymes are great shared experience that binds people together. Although, we only know each other in NIE, but these children songs n rhymes just reminds us of how we grew up in ways of similarities yet different.
Janice's post
My first recollection of this song was watching the children in the children's programme sing this song. One of the reasons for this rhyme was to convince children to eat apples I guess. Many children dislike eating fruits and vegetables, I guess this song was written to entice young children like you and me (back then) to eat apples.
Hey Sandy,
ReplyDeleteI have totally forgotten about this nursery rhyme until I see it here. Thanks for bringing this up again. I believe this is a good rhyme to remind little children the importance of friendship.
Hey Nad,
It is a very interesting rhyme! :) It seems so all-rounded to me. Parents, brother, school etc.. are all mentioned! Thanks for sharing!
A Chinese Nursery Rhyme (in Han Yu Pin Yin)
ReplyDeletexiao bai tu, bai yiu bai,
ai chi luo bo, ai chi cai,
beng beng tiao tiao, zheng ke ai
Introduction
This nursery rhyme is a playground song. Children may dramatise it.
I learnt the rhyme from a pre-school teacher. The rhyme is commonly used in pre-schools and at lower primary levels during Chinese language classes.
The nursery rhyme has a few words that rhyme and these make it pleasant to recite and listen to. It also depicts a rabbit’s adorable characteristics which appeal to most children.
A literal English Translation
Little white rabbit, white and white,
Loves to eat carrots, loves to eat vegetables,
Jumping and skipping around, so adorable
Hi Faizah,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good rhyme for bedtime as it makes the child feel secure. It also teaches family love.
Hi Chen Yang,
I think this rhyme is also good for helping children develop motoring skills as they dramatise the rhyme.
at Firdaus - ma ma hao.
ReplyDeletehey there, that's a classic song. all chinese should know this song. it's very meaningful and full of emotions. :) i'm glad even non-chinese know this song too :) thanks man.
I remembered this nursery rhyme being introduced to me when I was a little girl by my grandmother. She would sing it to me while my mother and father were at work. I think I remembered it really well because it is a simple rhyme and I understood the lyric unlike some other nursery rhymes. It is sad to say that I do not hear it anymore. However, when I asked my siblings about this rhyme, they could still recall it. This nursery rhyme tells us that it is important that we love one another. What I like most about this nursery rhyme is its simplicity and how it carries a deep meaning on how we should love our mother, father, family members and everyone else.
ReplyDeleteSayang Semuanya.
Satu, satu,
Saya sayang ibu.
Dua, dua,
Juga sayang bapa.
Tiga, tiga,
Sayang adik kakak,
Satu dua tiga,
Sayang semuanya.
Translation
One,
I love my mother.
Two,
I also love my father.
Three,
I love my brothers and sisters,
One, two, three,
I love them all.
Here it means, above all, you should love your mother first. Secondly, love your father followed by the rest of your family members. Lastly, we should love all.
This tamil nursery rhyme is a song about the moon. Our teacher used to teach this to us in primary school and it was a fun way to learn how to use some of the more difficult tamil words. I believe the song is also a bed time lullaby that parents sang to children. I have not heard it in a long long time but I assume they still learn it in primary school.
ReplyDeleteA tamil nursery rhyme:
Nila nila odi va
Nillamal odi va
Nila nila odi va
Nillamal odi va
malai yeri kondu va
Malligai poo kondu va
Pattam polay paranthu va
Pambaramy sutri va
English Translation:
Run to me, run to me oh moon
don't stop, just run to me
Run to me, run to me oh moon
don't stop, just run to me
Climb the mountains and come to me
bring a jasmine flower and come to me
Fly to me just like a kite
or spin like a top and come to me
Hey Chen Yang, Elizabeth and Jowie,
ReplyDeleteI too find your nursery rhyme weird.. But it sure brings back the trishaws.. This would be interesting for the children nowadays, for there are not many trishaws left.
Hey Nad,
I have never heard of that Malay nursery rhyme. It's really interesting. It's definitely a good reminder to the children about their hygiene. It also tells them how their behaviour in school has an effect on their parents.
Document a Nursery Rhyme in mother tongue or first language learned at home
ReplyDeletea. Write a one-paragraph introduction which gives some background about a nursery rhyme (could be a lullaby, folk song, or playground song) which you remember from your childhood.
(These questions might help: How did you learn it? Do you still hear it in your home or neighborhood? As an adult re-visiting one’s childhood, what did you like about this nursery rhyme?)
b. Write down the nursery rhyme. Please use the English alphabet and write it as it sounds.
c. Write an English translation or explain what it means.
d. Post everything (a,b, & c) on your very own TG’s Blog Site under ‘Course Documents.
Introduction
I will be introducing a popular nursery rhyme sang during my childhood. It is titled, Where is My Friend? I learned this favourite nursery rhyme in kindergarten. Childhood days are so long ago as I am forty one now. I no longer hear this song sungin the neighbourhood neither are my nephews and niece singing this song in their play schools. I like this nursery rhyme because it is easy to sing. The tune is catchy and the lyrics are not difficult to remember. It is a happy song that sings about the joy of friendship.
Wo De Peng Yo Zhai Na li (Where is My Friend?)
Yi Er San Shi Wu Liu Qi, Wo de peng yo zhai na...a li
Zhai zhe li zhai zhe li, Wo de peng yo zhai zhe li
La la la zhen huan xi, tong chang ge lai tong yo xi
xiao xi xi duo tian mi, wo de peng yo jiu shi ni
Where is My Friend?
One two three four five six seven, Where is my friend?
He is here, he is here. My friend is here.
La la la It is fun, together we sing, together we play.
Sweet is our laughter, my friend is you!
LYNNETTE TAN TG 3
ReplyDeleteTask One: Document a Nursery Rhyme in your Mother Tongue or First Language Learned at Home
This is a playground song that my mother taught my sisters and I. In those days, our neighbours and us would gather at the void deck and playground below our homes to play every evening, and it was common to sing playground songs like this. However, I do not see the children playing together nowadays. I guess they play more by themselves, on their Wii or Playstation sets at home. I like the rhythm of this rhyme. It is best sung at the merry-go-round, because of the circular, driving feel of the words and how they sound.
Dang Wo Men Tong Zai Yi Qi
Dang wo men tong zai yi qi
zai yi qi, zai yi qi
Dang wo men tong zai yi qi
Zhen kuai le wu bi
Ni dui zhe wo xiao xi xi
Wo dui ni xiao ha ha
Dang wo men tong zai yi qi
Zhen kuai le wu bi
The More We Get Together
The more we get together,
together, together
The more we get together
the merrier we'll be.
You smile at me merrily
I smile at you merrily
The more we get together
the merrier we'll be.
Done by Wong Sally (TG07)
ReplyDeleteTask1
The first nursery rhyme which I was familiar with will have to be 外婆桥 (Grandma's bridge). In fact, I would say it is a nursery rhyme that many Chinese should be familiar with. It is basically telling the story of a little child rowing his/her boat to visit his/her grandmother and being good child, the grandmother gave him/her a bag of candies, nut and cooked a fish.I remember vividly how my mother used to chant this to me whenever she rocked me to sleep.
摇啊摇，摇到外婆桥，
yao ah yao, yao dao wai po qiao
外婆叫我好宝宝。
wai po jiao wo hao bao bao
糖一包，果一包，外婆买条鱼来烧。
tang yi bao, quo yi bao, wai po mai tiao yu lai shao
(The song has been modified many times over the years. There is no one definite version. You can continue singing the first verse and probably just change the lyrics of the rest to suit the varying scenarios.)
English translation
Row and row, row to Grandma's bridge
Grandma said that I'm a good baby
One packet of sweets, one packet of nuts, grandma bought a fish to cook
I still remember vividly how my mother will chant this to get me to fall asleep when I was young. The reason why I love this nursery rhyme is because she would rock me as though I was the boat when she sang the part "row and row". Till now, this nursery rhyme is still a favourite in my family as I hear my aunties or even my sister singing to their children.
Comments
To Firdaus:
ReplyDeleteChan Mali Chan is the first and only Malay song I learnt which I can remember the lyrics! I think what makes it interesting and memorable is that there are a lot of repeated phrases and when I was in Primary school, the classes will compete to see who can sing the loudest "Oi Oi".
To Eileen:
I like the song "ba luo bo" because there are a lot of actions that are required to do while singing the song. It also makes the song easy to remember. Furthermore, some of the words mentioned in the song are basically the sound that is expected to hear while pulling the carrot.
Rock-a-bye-Baby.
ReplyDeleteRock -a-bye baby, on the tree top.
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all.
Hush a bye baby, up in the sky,
On a soft cloud tis easy to fly;
When the clouds burst the raindrops will fall
And down will come baby to mother once more.
Rock-a-by baby, on the tree top,
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all
'm not proficient in my 2nd language,soi shall post one in my first.
Rock-a-bye-Baby.
Rock -a-bye baby, on the tree top.
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all.
Hush a bye baby, up in the sky,
On a soft cloud tis easy to fly;
When the clouds burst the raindrops will fall
And down will come baby to mother once more.
Rock-a-by baby, on the tree top,
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all.
This rhyme needs no introduction. everyone has heard this at least once. i hear it every now and then as well, especially when trying to put a baby to sleep. in my opinion, the lyrics arnt as fastastic as the tune, it sounds smoothing and relaxing, thats possibly why its still being used today.
An interesting point to note, most people only know the opening paragraph.
I learned it by hearing it. it;s really easy to learn.
i like the tune.
Translation not needed.
Name: Nur Zakiah Binte Ahmad
ReplyDeleteTutorial Group 03
Children's song (Malay): Naik Beca
Kring, kring ada beca,
Beca beroda tiga,
Ku naik dengan bapa,
pergi keliling kota.
Kring, kring ada beca,
Beca beroda tiga,
Ku naik dengan ibu,
pergi keliling kota.
Kring, kring ada beca,
Beca beroda tiga,
Ku naik dengan kakak,
pergi keliling kota.
Children's song (English): Ride a Rickshaw
Kring, kring, there's a trishaw*,
It has three wheels,
I take a ride with my father,
Going around the city together.
Kring, kring, there's a trishaw*,
It has three wheels,
I take a ride with my mother,
Going around the city together.
Kring, kring, there's a trishaw*,
It has three wheels,
I take a ride with my sister,
Going around the city together.
The very first time when I hear this song was when I am still a preschooler. I remembered there was a time when my teacher sang this particular song to the class during the introduction to a new topic/theme which was either transportation or families. My teacher even brought in a real bicycle bell into her teaching and used it as part of her learning aids. We could hear the sound ‘kring, kring’ clearly and all of us got excited over the sound. She even used it during nap time to put the malay boys or girls to sleep. It was after all, a calm song to hear.
In this modern society, I rarely hear this song being played in primary schools especially during mother tongue classes. However, when I was back in primary school, this song was quite popular. Even today, my parents could still sing this song out to me when I got them to recall.
As an adult re-visiting such song, i felt that it is a good source to use it especially when teaching them about family values.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Eileen's pulling raddish.
ReplyDeleteI remember that I was introduced to this rhyme by my chinese teacher when I was in primary 1 or 2. She was teaching us how this particular grandma (or was it grandpa??) could not pull the radish out. She received a lot of help from people and animals before she pulled the radish out.
After the story, our teacher played and taught us this rhyme. I remembered how my friends and I then loved this song. We sang almost every day.
It's surprised me now due to the fact that we could actually remembered the lyrics even though, we were still so young.
Chen Yang (TG7)
To Rozi tg03:
ReplyDeleteThe song Sayang Semuanya, is a popular one in the past as well as today.I could still hear people around the neighbourhood singing such songs to their little ones. It is basically about loving the families and people around us. It does teach good values to children through this song. Last week, this song was sang by one of the Dj in radio(Ria, 89.7FM) :)
To Jowie tg03,
The song that you posted regarding trishaws would be a good one to introduce to our students today. This was because they were brought up by the easy way and through this song, they would be able to know how people in the past live and what was their frequent mode of transportation. It seems quite strange for me as I have not heard of the song unlike a few of the other nursery rhymes in Mandarin.
"Rasa Sayang" is a popular folk song sung by many children and adults in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The title "Rasa Sayang" means "to feel love". Tracing back, although it is a folk song, I will classify it as a form of poetry. Reason being - the words are arranged in quatrain or stanza consisting of four lines each and it incorporates patterns of sounds to spark emotional and intellectual response from us.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I have no idea where or when I learnt it. I believe it is possibly back then in primary school during one of those music lessons. There are many versions of the lyrics of the folk song. However, the first stanza is rather standard but the second stanza usually has a message or moral to be sent across. The music is very lively and children can catch the repeating stanza very quickly due to its relatively simple words although it is in the Malay language. I remember, during our GESL project, our team actually chose this song as a sing a long for the old folks at the hospice. Sure enough, they knew the lyrics well showing that this song has been immersed in them as part of their upbringing.
Feel like singing along? Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQnSM7_kssM&feature=related
Rasa sayang, hey!
Rasa sayang sayang hey!
Hey lihat nona jauh
Rasa sayang sayang hey! (2x)
Buah cempedak di luar pagar
Ambil galah tolong jolokkan
Kami budak baru belajar
Kalau salah tolong tunjukkan
English Translation
I feel love, hey!,
I feel love love hey,
Hey when I look at that girl,
I feel love love hey!,
The cempedak tree is across the fence,
Please take a stick and poke it down for me,
We are just students trying to learn,
So if we are wrong then please tell us.
To Noorashikin Binte Yahya TG07 - Burung Kakak tua
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I find this song rather hilarious...talking about the grandma with only two teeth left due to her old age. Looking at the words in the Malay language, the song makes use of the word “tua” to create a rhyme. However, when translated to English, it does not make any meaning as a cockatoo does not relate to a grandma in any way. So, I guess, it is best preserved in the Malay language!
To Siti Nooraidah - "Potong Bebek Angsa"
I love this song when I was a child as like you said, it involves singing along together with hand and leg movements. Could the purpose of this song meant to teach children to differentiate between left from right? Possibly, I guess.
This nursery rhyme was sung to me in Chinese by my grandmother who was taking care of me. It has a catchy tune to it and I remember learning it from her. There were even actions to go along with the nursery rhyme. Surprisingly, this nursery rhyme can still be heard from the families with young children. My neighbour, who has 2 young girls, still sings this nursery rhyme for them to learn and sing along with. Until now, this song can be heard, and its tune is also adapted to fit other lyrics to it.
ReplyDelete两只老虎，
Liang zhi lao hu
两只老虎，
Liang zhi lao hu
跑得快！
Pao de kuai
跑得快！
Pao de kuai
一只没有眼睛，
Yi zhi mei you yan jing
一只没有耳朵，
Yi zhi mei you er duo
真奇怪！
Zhen qi guai
真奇怪！
Zhen qi guai.
Translation:
Two tigers,
Two tigers,
Running fast!
Runnign fast!
One has no eyes,
One has no ears,
Very strange!
Very strange!
Name: Nor Azlin
ReplyDeleteTutorial Group 03
When I read this eLearning task, the first nursery rhyme that came to mind was 'Enjit Enjit Semut'. This nursery rhyme is actually a popular playground song that children of my era always sing,complete with a hand game to go along.
Basically, you need two people to play the hand game. As you sing the rhyme, one person will pinch the back part of the other person's hand and vice versa. This continues until one party can no longer withstand the pain of being pinched. Because you have to sing the rhyme as your hand gets pinched, more often than not, you will see cramped faces of the two players as they try to withstand the pain and at the same time, trying to sing the rhyme.
I cannot exactly remember where I learnt the rhyme from but I do remember singing and playing it with my cousins every time we meet, when we were younger of course. Up till now, this rhyme is still being sung and played by my young nephews and nieces.
Looking back, what I like most about the rhyme was that it was simple thus easy for me, as a child, to remember it. It was also another game for me to play with my cousins as we didn't have iPods and PSPs back then :)
Original nursery rhyme:
Enjit Enjit Semut
Siapa sakit naik atas
Enjit Enjit semut
Siapa sakit naik atas
English Translation:
Step, step ant,
If you are hurt, climb up
Step, step ant,
If you are hurt, climb up
To Noora:
ReplyDeleteThe rhyme that you choose really brings back fond memories of my younger days! I remember dancing with my hands mimicking the wings of the goose as I sing along to the song :)
Like you said, I always thought that the rhyme was of Indonesian origin because of the word 'Nona' and 'bebek'. Till now i'm not sure.
To Alman:
One of my favourite rhymes too. :) I always hear this rhyme being sung to babies when it is time to rock them to sleep. Maybe because of that, I myself rock my child to sleep using this rhyme almost every night and I guess it works because he normally falls asleep soon after. :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCreated on Tuesday, 10/05/2010 1:10 AM by . DIYANA BINTE HARUN (DI0907)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite nursery rhyme when I was a child was “If you’re happy and you know it.” My classmates and I would sing that song during our Music period or when we’re stuck in class on a rainy day. The song is still popular now as we can hear young children singing it. Some learnt the song from their peers, teachers or educational videos like ‘Barney and friends’. My 2-year-old nephew loves this song and he’s able to perform the actions well. As such, this song is actually a good way of teaching young children verbs and nouns as the action part can be improvised. e.g kick the ball, jog on the spot. The song is also versatile as it could be translated to other languages and still achieve the learning outcome of the song.
Kalau rasa gembira tepuk tangan...(2x)
If you're happy & you know it clap your hands (2x)
Kalau rasa gembira dan ingin menunjuknya
If you're happy & you know it & you really want to show it
Kalau rasa gembira tepuk tangan
If you're happy & you know it clap your hands
(Clap your hands)
(Stomp your feet)
(Say hurray!)
*yes.. it may be boring but I still sing this song when I'm happy!! =)
My mum used to sing it when I was younger and because it has a rhythm in it, hence it was easy for me to follow and sing along.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think that this is a common nursery rhyme thus I have not heard any child humming it either.
This rhyme is basically a conversation between two little girls on a phone.
What I love about this nursery rhyme is the part where the 2nd doll would reply what she is doing with any nonsense she wants.
Two little dolls
Are always on the phone.
“Hello, Hello, Hello,
What are you doing?”
“Hi, Hi, Hi
I’m on the phone with you.”
(PS: i posted this on bb on 5th oct =) Sharon cheng )
To Joyce (TG07):
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce, my mum would read this nursery rhyme to me when i was young..and i could never get the complete set of lyrics right. I used to always recite the first two lines as: "Humpty dumpty had a great fall, humpty dumpty had a great fall.."
Lynnette
1a) The nursery rhyme that I remembered from my childhood days would definitely be “Potong Bebek Angsa”. The reason why it still resonates with me until now is because of the title itself. I found it funny and that made me remember this rhyme with fond memories of when I was learning about it.
ReplyDelete1b) Potong Bebek Angsa
(Bahasa Indonesia)
Potong bebek angsa
masak dikuali
nona minta dansa
dansa empat kali
sorong ke kiri
sorong ke kanan
lala lala lala lala la la la
sorong ke kiri
sorong ke kanan
lala lala lala lala la la la.
Potong Bebek Angsa
(English Version)
Cut the swan duck
Cook in the pan
Missy requests to dance
Dance for four times
Push to the left
Push to the right
Lala lala lala lala la la la
Push to the left
Push to the right
Lala lala lala lala la la la.
When I was young, my mum used to sing this song to me before bedtime. Now that I am a mother of 2, I still sing this song to my kids. They love it a lot. I like this song as it places an emphasis to love your parents, sibling and everyone in your life.
ReplyDeleteSatu satu, aku sayang ibu,
Dua dua, aku sayang abah.
Tiga tiga, sayang adik kakak,
Satu dua tiga, sayang semuanya.
English translation:
One, I love my mother
Two, I love my father
Three, I love my siblings.
One two three, I love everyone.
To Diyana Harun
ReplyDeleteHi Diyana. This is one of my favourite nursery rhyme too. THis song is full of actions and we can varied the lyrics to make it more fun.I agree that this song is still popular now as we can hear young children singing it. Those educational programmes like ‘Barney and friends' used this song too.
Nurfaizah Ismail
To Fadzilla
ReplyDeleteHi Fadzilla, nice english translation :-).
I like this nursery rhyme too.This nursery rhyme brings me to those times I spent with my cousins during gatherings. We sang this song with actions and laughter! We had lots of fun!
Nurfaizah
Title : It’s I who build community
ReplyDeleteMany of you may have heard this Nursery Rhyme “It’s I who build community”. I first learnt this song during kindergarten. During that time, we would learn one new Nursery Rhyme every week. However, coming from a monolingual family, I can only remember this nursery rhyme offhand. This nursery rhyme still rings in my head not only because of the repetitive tune to it, but also the words. While growing up, I have heard this song being used in many occasion. In church, we would have groups who wanted to strengthen their faith. They too would use this song. As an adult I have also heard this nursery rhyme used during team building exercises as well as community gatherings at our local Residents Committee. As an adult, what I like about this rhyme is that it is quite meaningful and the actions that we have to follow in tune with song, somehow binds us together. It also reminded me of the good times I had with my fellow classmates during nursery.
Lyrics: It’s I who build community.
It’s I, it’s I, its I who build community (3 times)
It’s I who build community
Roll over the ocean, roll over the sea
Go and do your part to build community
Roll over the ocean, roll over the sea
We must do our part to build community.
It’s you…
It’s we…
It’s love…
Explanation of the rhyme.
No one has explicitly taught me about the meaning of the song. However, in my opinion, the song teaches us that we are responsible for the outcome of society in general. We have to do our part in building community. It also points out various factors who can also contribute to the development of society. ( e.g you, we, love).
The most ambiguous portion would be “roll over the ocean, roll over the sea”. There are two possible suggestions this may mean. The first, could mean across the seas, everyone across the oceans and sea, i.e the whole world. The second possibility could mean that we should overcome obstacles like the oceans and seas. Of course it doesn’t literally means oceans and seas. It means we should overcome challenges and troubles in life which may jeopardize the building of society.
I'm Christopher btw. I dont know why my name appears as Event.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is to Faizahis.
Although I have never heard that rhymes before, I think the whole idea of rhymes teaching values and attitudes towards family is a virtue. It also somehow is part of National Education as well. It is no wonder, why many of my Malay friends have close family ties with their family.
Comment from Christopher to Firdaus.
ReplyDeleteChan Mali Chan was taught to me in Kindergarten. Of course most of the main phrases, we ( my classmates) I think would just mumble the words as it was quite difficult to understand. The only phrase we knew and sang out loud was "Chan Mali Chan Oi Oi". I never understood the meaning of the rhyme, but it was so much fun when we were shouting out the chorus.
Now i feeling like eating mutton rendang. lol
Hi all!
ReplyDeleteJustin here. This children song is from the Philippines. I recently learnt it when I went back to Philippines recently. I have to admit I never learnt this song when I was young as I grew up speaking English and English nursery rhymes. This song is well known across all filipino children and it talks about the simple life of living in a nipa hut and the vegetables that grow around. I find this interesting because if you ever have a chance to go to Philippines this nipa hut is a common sight and you could see all types of things growing around.
Bahay Kubo
Children's Song
(Tagalog)
Bahay kubo, kahit munti
Ang halaman doon, ay sari sari
Sinkamas at talong, sigarilyas at mani
Sitaw, bataw, patani.
Kundol, patola, upo't kalabasa
At saka mayroon pang labanos, mustasa,
Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya
Sa paligid-ligid ay puno ng linga.
Nipa Hut
Children's Song
(English literal translation)
Nipa hut, even though it is small
The plants it houses are varied
Turnip and eggplant, winged bean and peanut
String bean, hyacinth bean, lima bean.
Wax gourd, luffa, white squash and pumpkin,
And there is also radish, mustard,
Onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger
And all around are sesame seeds.
To Muhammad Almanfalatih Marzat:
ReplyDeleteI love this song as it teaches young kids to love their family members. It works on my 2 year old nephew. He used to have this 'hatred' towards one of his grandmother. So I borrowed a book, 'I love my family' by Joy Cowley from NIE lib, read it to him, and ended of with the song. (brainwashing. hahah) but yes. it worked! =)
To Nadzirah:
ive never heard of this song but from the lyrics i can see that its a good song for kids! it teaches them to be hygienic and also be hardworking in school so as to have a good life in the future.I think these values should be taught at a young age. =)
Mahalakshmi TG3
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of nursery rhymes that I have learnt from childhood. One that I could remember is the Nila nila odi va rhyme which I learnt from my kindergarten teacher. I still do hear my niece and nephew reciting that rhyme to me. The one thing l like about nursery rhymes is that it is very catchy and sometime it involves actions that we need to do when we sing the nursery rhyme.
Nila, Nila, Odi Vaa rhyme
Nila, Nila, Odi Vaa
Nillaamal Odi Vaa
Malai Mela Eri Vaa
Malligai Poo Kondu Vaa
Moon, Moon, Come Running to Me rhyme
Moon, Moon, come running to me.
Don’t stop while you run.
Climb over the mountain and,
Bring a Jasmine Flower when you come to me.
Firdaus to Justin,
ReplyDeleteJutin, I've heard that song before. Bahay Kubo is a traditional philippines folksong. I did research on it when I was doing my contract teaching and was involved in ASEAN day presentation. I think it's a great children song!
Nur Dhamirah (TG 07)
ReplyDeleteI can still remember vividly how my mum used to sing this song to me every morning when she showered me. I would normally sing along with her. It had thus became a routine for us to sing this song in the shower, especially when she helped me to brush my teeth! :)
Now that my mum is babysitting a baby girl, she does the same to her. I would also sing to the baby girl whenever I help out to shower her and I find such fun in singing the song. It becomes even more fun when the baby girl sings along with us. Although the words are simple, they portray the importance of hygiene by keeping not only your self clean but also your surrounding.
Song:
Pagi-pagi ku terus mandi,
Tidak lupa menggosok gigi.
Habis mandi ku tolong ibu;
Membersihkan tempat tidurku.
English translation:
I take a bath early in the morning,
Not forgetting to brush my teeth.
When I'm done I will help Mum out;
By making my own bed.
Dhamirah's comments to Janice's post:
ReplyDeleteHey Janice! That is indeed an interesting rhyme to teach young children about the importance of hygiene. It is a good way of telling them to wash their hands before eating without actually having to tell them. :)
Dhamirah's comments to Faizah's post:
Faizah, I can still remember that song you posted! My mum used to sing it to me all the time too. It certainly is a good way to remind kids to always love the people around them. :)
Dhamirah's comments to Fir's post:
Fir, I remember the Chan Mali Chan song first being introduced to me when I was in primary school. Back then, I did not understand the song. I knew the words but I could not understand what it really means. You're right, it is indeed a popular song in primary schools. :)
Sarina Sapari TG07
ReplyDeleteReading some of the nursery rhymes has triggered some fond memories of my kiddy days. A lot of those songs were taught to me in kindergarten. I can still remember the tunes because the teacher would ask us to sing and mimic some actions. What a happy life back then!
I believe learning of such songs has a significant purpose. They teach us values or in the case of the song I have listed below, it talks about the history of the immigrants coming to Singapore. So there is a lot of things we can learn from songs :)
Every time the teacher told us to sing this song, we were made to sit in rows and pretend to be rowing the oars. I look forward to the actions and the last part of the song where I can shout 'Oi' :)
Dayung Sampan
Dayung sampan, dayung dayung sampan
Barlabuh tantang bendar China sampai Singapura
Dayung sampan, dayung, dayung sampan,
Dayung mendayung sampan sampai ke Singapura
Dayung, dayung, ... hoi.
English Translation:
Row the Sampan
Row the sampan, row row the sampan
Anchored in the port in a Chinese town,
You have come to Singapore.
Row the sampan, row row the sampan,
An oar to row your sampan to Singapore.
Row, row, ... hoi.
Response to Dhamirah's post:
Yes I agree that the song teaches one about cleanliness in a daily routine. I remember doing exactly that when I was young. I would offer to make my parents' bed once I was done with mine!
Response to Fadzy's post:
That song was quite significant to me because in Primary One, I was asked by my teacher to sing that particular song for a mini competition. A group of us had to learn the song and mimic some hand signs. Although there were two other girls with me, we all felt scared. I still have the trophy though :)
These songs are age-less. My mom still can remember the lyrics and show me the actions!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Firdaus on "世上只有妈妈好",
ReplyDelete世上只有妈妈好
Mothers are the best on this world
有妈的孩子像个宝
A child with a mother is treated like a treasure
投进了妈妈的怀抱
Into the arms of mother
幸福享不了
Experience the endless bliss
没有妈妈最苦恼
without mother is most worrying
没妈的孩子像根草
a child without mother is like worthless grass
离开妈妈的怀抱
Leaving the arms of the mother
幸福哪里找
Where shall one find happiness
This is a rough translation for that song I can think of.
If anyone can think of a more appropriate translation, do chip in!
I remember the song Chan Mali Chan as well. Like many, I don't know the meaning and can only remember the chorus " Chan Mali Chan Oi Oi". But the shouting of the "Oi Oi", the energy was infectious.
ReplyDeleteTo Maswati,
ReplyDeleteI remember singing that song. It was very catchy and I remember my friends and I used to enjoy this song.
To Rozi,
I used to hear some of my Malay friends sing. I do sing with them sometime. However that time I did not understand the meaning of the song.
This Chinese song/rhyme was taught to me during kindergarten classes. I still remember it because the song actually teaches two times and four times multiplication table.
ReplyDeleteEveryone would sit in the circle and take turns to sing one verse of the song. It really tests one multi-tasking skill because you sing while trying count how many frogs there are, the number of eyes followed by the numbers of legs. So you have to work really fast remembering the two times and four times multiplication table while singing away.
Song/Rhyme:
一只青蛙一张嘴, 两只眼睛,四条腿
Yi zhi qing wa yi zhang zui, liang zhi yan jing, si tiao tui
扑通一声，跳下水
pu tong yi sheng, tiao xia shui
二只青蛙二张嘴, 四只眼睛八条腿
Liang zhi qing wa yi zhang zui,si zhi yan jing, ba tiao tui
扑通一声，跳下水
pu tong yi sheng, tiao xia shui
三只青蛙三张嘴, 六只眼睛十二条腿
San zhi qing wa yi zhang zui, liu zhi yan jing, shi er tiao tu
i
扑通一声，跳下水
pu tong yi sheng, tiao xia shui
Translation:
One frog has one mouth, two eyes, four legs
Jumps and Plops into the water.
Two frogs has two mouths, four eyes, eight legs
Jumps and Plops into the water.
Three frogs has three mouths, six eyes eyes, twelve legs
Jumps and Plops into the water.
(repeats)
To Azlin,
ReplyDeleteI remember in Malaysia when I was in primary school the kompang group used to sing that song. I thought it was "encik encik semut" thanks for making me know the real lyrics that it's actually "enjit enjit semut."
And yes I agree with Shi Hao that chan mali chan when you sing the oi oi with gusto it just makes the song so great to sing. And yea it's a silly song that relates back to the kampung days of yesterday.Anyway thanks for the explanation of the symbolism of the authors loved one to his goat. Can't imagine what the rhymes of the future will be? "Di mana dia psp saya?" AS in where is my PSP? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHi Ke Hin,
ReplyDeleteFrom your rhyme, you had made a good point. Catchy tunes are important aspects especially when it comes to children songs. This will allow young children to learn and memorize the song quickly. This can be helpful when this song has some moral values lesson to learn from and children can recite it from time to time.
Ming Rang
My first language learned at home is English. Everyone in my family converse in English. During my childhood, the nursery rhymes and children’s songs I learned were all in English. I have very fond memories of a particular range of songs which I learned in Sunday school.
ReplyDeletePsalty’s Pages
We’re washing Psalty’s pages. We’ll wash ‘em one by one. Because they got so dirty, the music isn’t fun. We’ll put in some soap and scrub it round and Whoosh! Until the music sound the way it should!
*Chorus
The way it should, the way it should. Until the music sound the way it should. The way it should, the way it should. Until the music sound the way it should.
I learnt this song in Sunday school when I was seven or eight years old. I have not heard it in a long time but those days were the best times of my childhood. I have very vivid memories of this song.
‘The Adventures of Psalty’ are musicals with children singing and acting. Psalty is a singing songbook who plays a fatherly figure to a group of children. There is a whole series on Psalty’s adventures and I remember watching the videos repeatedly as a child. I was so crazy about it that I sang the songs all the time. The songs are very catchy and the episodes were interesting and fun to watch. My siblings and I will gather to watch the videos and sing along. Those times were truly wonderful memories.
This is the lyrics for the song called Psalty's Shampoo. It is actually one of the songs in the album called Psalty's Christmas Calamity. I now found the lyrics for this song. Thank you for posting.
DeleteBackground
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, my mother used to sing me Nursery Rhymes to bed. The one that is still very vivid is a Chinese Nursery Rhyme that was told to me when I was 4. I was an only child back then and my parents and grandmother showered me with all the attention I wanted or needed. Thus, when the time came for me to go to Nursery and leave my comfort zone, I was reluctant. I remember crying and kicking up a fuss on the first day, clutching onto my mother’s clothes and had to be pried away by the teacher. In the end, I spent the first day sulking at 1 corner and when I reached home, I told my mother that if she sent me back there, I would never talk to her again. She just kept quiet, but that very night, she sang this Nursery Rhyme to me. When she was done, she paused and asked me if I understood what she was saying. I shook my head and said no, she explained slowly that this Nursery Rhyme was to give me courage to go to school and accept the challenges of growing up. That was not the first time she sang to me; at different stages of my life, my mother recounted the song and this story to me. As a matter of fact, I hear it very often even till today. I hear my aunties singing it to my cousins and my cousins singing it to their children. To me, the lyrics can be taken literally and it can be applied to many aspects of life, depending on how 1 interprets the lyrics. Now that I am grown up, sometimes I hum the song to myself to remind myself to keep persevering.
Wei Wei
Wei Wei bu yao pa
Ni shi hao wa wa
Zi ji die dao, zi ji pa.
Ni kan shan shang
Wei ni kai man hong hua
Ni men shi hao wa wa
Yao zi ji die dao, zi ji pa.
*NB: My mother’s version had “Wei Wei” translated to “Hui Zhen” which was my Chinese name.
Translated
Wei Wei, do not be scared
You are an obedient child
Pick yourself up when you fall.
Look up at the mountains
See the flowers bloom
You are a good child
You must pick yourself up whenever you fall.
Mother’s Translation (At Age 4)
Hui Zhen, do not be scared.
You are a very good girl.
You can always face new challenges, like when you fall down, you will learn to stand up.
Going to school is a stage of growing up (like the mountains).
At the end you will benefit (toys and friends like the flowers on the mountain top).
I know you are a good girl.
So you must be brave and go to school even though you were scared today.
Meaning
To me, this song means facing challenges, no matter how tough it may be, the end rewards will be sweet. There is a brave soul in everyone of us that will allow us to face the challenges in life.
Tay Hui Zhen Grace
To Sarina (TG7): I totally agree! Amidst the fun we had singing the songs when we were younger, litte did we realise that the song carries valuable lessons and values. I too remembered doing the actions and looked forward to the last part of the song(dayung sampan)where I can shout 'Oi' with gusto! :)
ReplyDeleteTo Grace: I really like the lyrics. Very comforting :)
Nurul 'iffa (TG 3)
ReplyDeleteMy first language learnt was English. However, when I was younger, my grandmother used to recite this poem to my cousins and I. It was a poem that her own mother taught her. As an adult, i now understand that the poem is a very meaningful one.
Pisang emas dibawa belayar
Masak sebiji diatas peti
Hutang emas boleh dibayar
Hutang budi dibawa mati
The first two lines of the poem talks of a type of banana (pisang emas) that is brought on a voyage. This banana ripens on top of a chest.
The second half of the poem gets to the real intent -- that one can repay a debt of gold, while the debt of gratitude cannot be repaid and is brought to the grave.