Unit 4 Section 1 Listening 2 and 3

Interviewer: Today, we have a special guest in the studio. Li Yan is a paper-cut artist from China. She lives in Toronto now. She also teaches people how to make paper-cuts. Li, can you tell us how you got started?

Li: Thank you for having me. Paper-cutting is great fun, and I first discovered it when I was five years old. My parents took me to a Chinese art and culture centre for dance lessons, but there was a paper-cutting class next door. It looked really interesting, and I wanted to try. I was so happy when my parents said yes!

Interviewer: Do you think anyone can learn to make paper-cuts, or do you need any special talents?

Li: I think that anyone can learn to make paper-cuts. It's a form of storytelling, and all you need is patience and practice. Talent is helpful, but not necessary.

Interviewer: Are paper-cuts popular in Canada?

Li: Not yet, unfortunately. This art form is still not very well-known in Canada. However, things have started to change recently. Now, more and more people are interested in traditional Chinese arts.

Interviewer: That's interesting. You also teach people how to make paper-cuts. Can you tell us more about that?

Li: I give paper-cutting classes to people in the local community. Many seniors take my classes, and they think paper-cutting is relaxing. I also have some Spanish-speaking students. They love making paper-cuts! I don't make much money from teaching, but I love it. It's a great way to help people experience and understand Chinese culture.