EP12 | Chinese New Year vs Lunar New Year | Chinese New Year 還是 Lunar New Year？

每年農曆新年前夕，「Chinese New Year」和「Lunar New Year」的用法總會引發討論。這一集，我們用簡單英文帶你了解兩個詞的差異，為什麼有人堅持使用「Chinese New Year」，也有人主張更包容的「Lunar New Year」。我們也會介紹迪士尼與英國博物館等國際爭議案例，比較台灣、韓國、越南、馬來西亞及西方媒體的用詞習慣，並思考語言如何反映身份與價值。 Should we say Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year? In this episode, we explore the meaning behind these words, real international controversies, and how different countries and media use the terms. Learn how language reflects culture, identity, and values. Transcript: Hey guys, I’m your English teacher, Miss Y. Welcome to the podcast made for intermediate English learners who want to listen to English and learn about different topics in a fun and easy way. Today, I want to talk about a question that comes up every single year, usually around January or February. Should we say “Chinese New Year,” or should we say “Lunar New Year”? I mean, they have more or less the same meaning, just different wording, right? But once you look a little closer, you’ll realize this question is actually about culture, identity, history, and even power. And in recent years, especially on international media and social media, this debate has become much louder. So before we get into the arguments, let’s slow down and start with the basics. When people say “Chinese New Year,” they’re usually talking about the traditional New Year celebration that comes from Chinese culture. “Chinese” 這個字當然就是中國的或中華文化的. Historically, this celebration originated in China, and it has been celebrated for thousands of years. So from a historical (歷史的) point of view, calling it Chinese New Year actually makes a lot of sense. Now, let’s look at the other term: “Lunar New Year.” The word “lunar” comes from the word “moon.” This word originate from Latin lunaris, which means the moon. We can still see this word in other latin related languages. For example, in French, the moon is called “lune,” and in Spanish, it’s “luna.” The reason we use the word “lunar” is because this New Year is celebrated based on lunar or lunisolar calendars (陰曆, 根據月亮軌跡而定的曆法). And this kind of calendar is used in multiple Asian cultures, not only Chinese culture. Many countries in the world celebrate this holiday. Besides China, in South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, this holiday is celebrated nationwide. These celebrations usually happen around the same time, but they’re not exactly the same thing. The traditions can be different, the food can be different, and even the meanings behind the holiday can be different. That’s the basic difference between the two terms. Now, let’s talk about why people argue about this so much. This question becomes emotional because names are not neutral (中性). The words we choose show what — and who — we decide to highlight. Generally speaking, there are two main ways people look at this issue. Some people strongly prefer the term “Chinese New Year.” They often say this festival comes from Chinese history, and that using “Lunar New Year” erases Chinese cultural origins. (erase 好像橡皮擦; 擦掉; 抹去). It erases Chinese origins. For many Chinese communities, especially people from China, the name “Chinese New Year” represents visibility and pride. So when the name changes, it can feel like someone is saying, “This isn’t really Chinese anymore.” On the other hand, people who prefer the term “Lunar New Year” usually see things differently. They point out that many cultures celebrate this holiday, not only Chinese culture. They feel that using “Chinese New Year” excludes Koreans, Vietnamese, and others. Especially in international spaces, they believe inclusive language matters (inclusive 有包容性的), and that “Lunar New Year” feels more inclusive, respectful and more accurate. So both sides feel like they’re protecting something important. And that’s why this debate keeps coming back year after year. To see how real this debate is, let’s look at a couple of international media argument. In January 2023, Disney Parks posted a message online celebrating Lunar New Year. Soon after that, Disney received strong criticism on social media, especially from Chinese Internet users from China. Some people said Disney should have used the term “Chinese New Year,” and others felt that using “Lunar New Year” was a way of avoiding the word “Chinese.” Another example comes from the British Museum (大英博物館). In 2023, the museum used the term “Korean Lunar New Year” in a public message. Some Chinese internet users, they again, reacted very strongly and accused the museum of ignoring Chinese origins or even “stealing” Chinese culture. This controversy (爭議) shows how international institutions or companies are often caught between cultural sensitivity and political or identity-based reactions. Now, let’s look at how different countries in Asia use these terms, starting with Taiwan. In Taiwan, media usually use 農曆新年, which means Lunar New Year, or simply 過年, which just means New Year. In English-language Taiwanese media, “Lunar New Year” is much more common than “Chinese New Year.” This choice often comes from a focus on local culture, and it’s also a safer way to talk to international audiences without touching political issues (政治相關的議題). In South Korea, the holiday is called Seollal — forgive my Korean pronunciation. Korean media almost never call it “Chinese New Year.” They use Seollal in Korean, and “Lunar New Year” when explaining it in English. That’s because Koreans see this holiday as a Korean tradition, deeply connected to Korean history and Confucian culture (儒家;孔子的). Calling it “Chinese New Year” would feel inaccurate to many people. In Vietnam, the holiday is called Tết, or Tết Nguyên Đán, let me know if I say it wrong. Vietnamese media always use Tết in Vietnamese, and in English they usually use “Tet,” “Vietnamese Lunar New Year,” or simply “Lunar New Year.” Vietnamese sources strongly emphasize that Tết is Vietnam’s own cultural event. It’s related to Chinese traditions, but it’s not the same thing. Malaysia is a very interesting case because it’s a multi-ethnic society (multi是多, ethnic 種族. multi-ethnic 多種族的). In Malaysia, how the holiday is named really depends on language and audience. Chinese-language Malaysian media use both 農曆新年 (Lunar New Year) or 華人新年 (Chinese New Year). Within Chinese Malaysian communities, “Chinese New Year” is still widely used and carries strong cultural meaning. But English-language Malaysian media usually prefer the term “Lunar New Year,” because they are speaking to a mixed audience that includes Malay, Indian, and Chinese communities. Now let’s talk about Western countries like the United States, the UK, and Australia. In the US, media use both terms, depending on context (脈絡, 講這句話的脈絡或背景). Government offices, schools, and universities often use “Lunar New Year,” while community events in Chinatowns may still say “Chinese New Year.” So “Chinese New Year” is still widely used by the general public, but “Lunar New Year” is becoming more common in official and inclusive settings. In the UK, major media outlets like The Guardian (英國的衛報) often use “Lunar New Year,” especially when reporting in multicultural contexts. This reflects a preference for neutral and inclusive language. Australia is a very clear example. Media outlets like SBS, which is a multicultural broadcaster (是澳洲一個很大的多元文化公共媒體), almost always use “Lunar New Year.” SBS explains the holiday as something celebrated by Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities. So in Western media today, “Lunar New Year” is often the default (default 就是一個預設值;默認用法;一個基本用法), and “Chinese New Year” is added only when extra explanation is needed. Now, let’s step back and look at the bigger picture. Language is never just language. When people choose certain words, they’re often showing who they identify with, who they want to include, and what values they care about. You’ve probably heard people say, “Does it really matter what we call it? Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year — it’s the same thing.” And honestly, I get that. Some people truly feel that word choice isn’t the main issue. As long as communication happens, that’s enough. It’s kind of like clothes. Some people think, “As long as I’m wearing something, it’s fine. It doesn’t what I wear. What matters is who I am inside.” And you know what? That’s totally valid (means reasonable and logical). It’s a valid way of thinking. But here’s where I see things a little differently. Even if you don’t care what you’re wearing, do you think other people might still read something into it? That’s exactly how language works. You might choose a word and think, “I didn’t mean anything by it.” But the person listening might still think, “Hmm. Why did they choose that word?” or might get some impression on you, subconsciously (潛意識的). So even if the speaker feels neutral, the listener might not. There might be a gap between what you mean and how you’re understood. For me personally, I’m pretty conscious about word choice. Not because I want to be “correct,” but because words are one way I show who I am. When I choose a certain term, I’m saying something like, “This is what reflect my thinking. This is what I care about. This is how I see the situation.” So when I say “Chinese New Year” or “Lunar New Year,” I’m making a small decision about showing who I am, and what kind of awareness I want to show. And let’s not forget something important. Language doesn’t just express our ideas. It can slowly shape them (shape可以當動詞, 塑造;形塑). Language shapes our idea. The words you use again and again can influence how you see people, change what feels “normal,” and affect how you see the world — without you realizing it. This happens quietly, in the background. You’re not doing it on purpose. So language and thinking are kind of in a loop (一個循環 一個迴路). You change the words you use, and your thinking shifts a little. Your thinking changes, and your word choices change again. They feed into each other. So what do I want you to take away from this? I’m not saying everyone has to use the same term. And I’m definitely not saying one word is “right” or “wrong”. What I am saying is that words always send signals (訊號). Even saying “I don’t care” sends a signal. And being aware of language gives you more control. You get to decide how people might read you, what kind of values you want to show, and how intentional you want to be with your words. So next time you make a word choice, maybe pause for half a second and ask yourself, “Why am I choosing this word?” or “What might other people think when they hear it?” There’s no perfect answer. Just awareness. And sometimes, that’s already a pretty powerful place to start. I’m Miss Y, and I really hope you enjoyed learning English with me today. If you liked this episode, come back next time for another fun 15 to 20 minutes of simple, clear English and a brand-new topic to explore. Stay curious, learn the world in simple English with Miss Y, and I’ll talk to you again soon.Leave a comment and share your thoughts: Powered by Firstory Hosting