In every issue of China Daily (the English paper here in Red China) there is a column entitled Language Tips. I typically find it quite useful. For example in the Better Chinese section of the column today, I learned how to say, “Don’t speak ill of others” (don’t we all need this reminder from time to time) and “Think before you speak.” I think we can all agree that these are common helpful phrases.
It was actually today’s Better English section that threw me for a loop. It is seriously one of the oddest passages that I have read since moving to China (and that is saying a lot!). I mean – of all of the buzzwords they could select…they picked this one. Plus, they described it in such a Debby Downer way. There is no doubt in my mind that there has been a rise in educated and talented women who choose to live life as they please – but is this really how it needed to be explained to non-native English speakers?
Excerpt from today’s China Daily (12.29.11)
LANGUAGE TIPS: BETTER ENGLISH
Freemale
A freemale is a woman who opts for a single life, valuing friendships rather than pursuing extended romantic relationships. Some freemales also choose to live childfree, choosing not to have children for a variety of reasons, while others decide to become single mothers.
There are a variety of reasons to choose to live as a single woman, including a desire for an unencumbered lifestyle, the rising divorce rate and an inclination for asexuality. The freemale demographic is very intriguing from a real estate perspective. Single women are putting pressure on housing markets to provide homes that are comfortable for single women living alone.
I mean is there truly “an inclination for asexuality”. I find this hilarious. Please send me your thoughts…
