Mandarin Companion does a great job of modernizing “Emma”《安末》
If Jane Austen could read Chinese, I think she’d be delighted with this rendition of “Emma” (《安末》). Whereas the original “Emma” is set in early nineteenth century England, 《安末》is set in modern Shanghai.
Generally when Mandarin Companion adapts a famous novel into a Chinese graded reader, they avoid awkward transliteration of the main character’s names. This time they make an exception and it makes a lot of sense. “Emma” sounds pretty close to “安末”。
And two of the main characters even have English names: Elton and Jane (Philip Elton and Jane Fairfax respectively). Since many young Chinese professionals take on English names in the workplace and with friends, Mandarin Companion decided at least a few characters would readily identify with the original counterparts.
I have not read the original “Emma”, but did watch the 2009 BBC miniseries starring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller (who plays Sherlock Holmes on another modernized adaption “Elementary”). Assuming the BBC version is close to the original book, I have to say that 《安末》 follows the plot quite closely.
In this version 安末 works in a Shanghai fashion design company. She took great pride in fixing up her 30-something auntie (姑姑）with her boss. Even though she has no designs on marriage herself, after all, she’s a busy career woman, she thinks she has a knack for matchmaking.
Her long time friend 石文正 (George Knightly) cautions her against meddling in other’s affairs. 安末 hints to 芳芳 (Harriet Smith) not to date 小周(Robert Martin) because she had designs of matching her with Elton.
Oops, didn’t see that coming!
As it turned out, 安末 was oblivious that Elton had no interest in 芳芳 because he set his sites on 安末. A fitting word is introduced 不好意思 (“embarrassed”) into the story. Not only is 安末 embarrassed that she has to turn away Elton, but even more embarrassed that she gave 芳芳 the wrong impression and ruined her opportunity with小周。
Moreover, Emma realized she should have listened to 石文正！
Jane and 陈燃
Jane is安末’s colleague and she’s not too fond of Jane because she mistakenly thinks her boss favors Jane. Midway through the story,陈燃 (Frank Churchill ) is introduced. He’s joins the same fashion company and actually attended the same university as Jane, but they both claim they don’t know each other.
安末 has a party at her house and invites coworkers and friends. At the party陈燃 pays attention to安末. When 陈燃 accidentally spills a drink on Jane’s dress,安末 offers to give Jane one of her expensive French made dresses. Jane declines and suddenly leaves the party.
After the party,石文正 and安末 have an argument about the matter.安末 genuinely believed she had good intentions, but石文正 sensed that there was something deeper going on than met the eye. 安末 told石文正 to leave.
You have to read the rest of the book.
The story does have a happy ending. Just as in “Emma” 安末 and石文正 become a couple. As do Jane and陈燃, and 芳芳and 小周。
How reading 《安末》 helped my Chinese
This book is rated as level 1, which assumes knowledge of 300 basic Chinese characters. A student with about two semesters of college Chinese should be able to enjoy it without much difficulty.
I’m at a higher reading level, but I still benefitted from reading 《安末》. I already knew most of the vocabulary in the key words list, but I did learn some useful terms such as 自拍(zìpaī – to take a selfie)， 叫外卖(jiào wàimài – order take out)， 出钱(chū qián – put up money)。 To date, I haven’t seen such words in my Chinese textbook.
Mandarin Companion is publishing a growing collection of graded Chinese readers, aimed at helping students learn Chinese naturally using “extensive reading”. By carefully choosing level appropriate words and using them in repeatedly in a story, one will reinforce grammar and vocabulary learned in the classroom.
Mandarin Companion now produces their books in both simplified and traditional Chinese.
What an enjoyable way to learn Chinese! Try reading 《安末》，click here to get your own copy.
