Memories of the neighbourhood
3 selected excerptsThese are excerpts from edited written oral histories. Time expressions follow the accounts; memories are not automatically verified historical facts.
001Personal recollectionChildhood
Childhood in the garden
My younger brothers and I used to chase one another across the lush lawn, sometimes playing football with abandon, sometimes swinging our badminton rackets. Back then, the garden was not enclosed by high, solid walls. Low bamboo fences separated it from its surroundings, open and simple.
Editorial contextFrom “My Home”. The location is generalised to Youai Road and the homes-and-gardens group; no house number is shown.
Read the Chinese original English translation: draft
往昔，我与弟弟们常于如茵草地上追逐嬉戏，有时酣畅淋漓地踢足球，有时身姿矫健地挥动羽毛球拍。那时，花园四周尚未筑起高大密实的围墙，仅以低矮的竹篱笆作为间隔，竹篱疏朗，尽显质朴之态。
English translation is a draft awaiting human review.
New Village Memories: Oral Histories of Guangzhou’s Huaqiao Xincun · Li Xiangliang · p. 49 (PDF page 61)
002Personal recollectionSchool years; exact year unspecified
Badminton in the hall
Young overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia loved badminton, so the hall was not only a meeting place but also a popular spot for students to play after class. Light, white shuttlecocks traced graceful arcs overhead, accompanied by the crisp sound of rackets. Everyone was absorbed in the pleasure of the game.
Read the Chinese original English translation: draft
东南亚华侨青少年很喜欢打羽毛球，所以这个礼堂除了用作开会会场外，更是学生们课余时间打羽毛球的热门场所。一个个洁白轻盈的羽毛球在礼堂上空划出优美的弧线，伴随清脆的击球声，场面一派热闹。同学们全都沉浸在运动的乐趣中。
English translation is a draft awaiting human review.
New Village Memories: Oral Histories of Guangzhou’s Huaqiao Xincun · Li Xiangliang · p. 56 (PDF page 68)
003Personal recollectionAfter-school hours in the past
A pitch without walls
There were no walls here; the grounds connected freely with the outside, and people were not cleared out. Everyone was considerate and did not interrupt PE lessons. Most came to play after four in the afternoon, except on holidays. With no floodlights, games usually ended at dusk without disturbing the neighbours.
Read the Chinese original English translation: draft
这里没有围墙，与外界相融相通，不会清场。人们都心怀自觉，上体育课的时候不会贸然干扰，大多是下午四点以后（假日除外）才来踢球。因为球场未设灯光，踢球的活动往往在天黑时分落幕，不会扰民。
English translation is a draft awaiting human review.
New Village Memories: Oral Histories of Guangzhou’s Huaqiao Xincun · Li Xiangliang · p. 57 (PDF page 69)
