Study Aids 學習資源
As Mandarin becomes a growing demand in the international community, more and more resources have been created. Thanks to the advancement of technologies. From interactive websites to podcasts for your iPod, it's unbelievable how these resources can enhance your learning. But let's not forget that books are still very updated and useful.
We have included in this section, a recommended list of websites and reading materials to complement your study here. When it's time for you to go home, we hope that you have established a foundation of Mandarin, a preferred way of learning, and the tools to help you maintain it.
Websites
Websites
Programs
Books
NID (Wifi)
Chinese 101
The website Chinese 101 by Dr. Tim Xie, of the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at California State University, Long Beach contains, as the title suggests, links to the course of elementary Chinese for non-native Chinese speakers. The site offers links to a number of more challenging activities, though. Check out the self tests, Games and Resources on the left of the screen; especially the last category offers a wide variety of practice and information about, among others, Pronunciation, Conversation, Characters, Grammar, Reading, Listening, Dictionaries, Translation, Testing, Chinese programs and Learning Materials.
ChinesePod
ChinesePod is a language training website that allows you to watch lessons on your iPod. It recreates the interaction of a classroom and allows you to communicate with the host. and others In addition to each podcast, there's a vocabulary list and further excercises to help you expand your learning. Sign up is free but there's a charge to fully access the site.
Zhongwen.com
One of the most complete and interesting sites for anyone with any kind of interest in Chinese language and culture is Zhongwen.com. Apart from being a fun site to explore characters (click on any Chinese character in the site, to see its pronunciation, meaning and composites on the right half of your screen), there is a host of interesting links to such things as Get a Chinese Name, Study Mandarin, M. Chan's China Links, Chinese Culture, Chinese Family Titles and Computing FAQ. Then there's Online Readings, links to practice Vocabulary and to learn Chinese online, Chinese News and even a Pinyin Chatroom. . . A fascinating site.
Chinese Tools
Chinese Tools is another very attractive site, with links to Learn Chinese, Use Chinese, Chinese Culture and Chinese Software. Lots of tools for people who are already studying and using Chinese. You could check out the Character Flashcards, the Chinese/English dictionary, the Chinese Namer, and the Western/Chinese Calendar Converter, just to name a few, because the links continue forever.
Chinese Language Information Page
The Chinese Language Information Page is a comprehensive navigational tool pointing you to Chinese language related resources. This site is more academic and scholarly than the previous sites, putting emphasis on computer-related Chinese
Unforgettable Languages
If you want to try out an experimental way to memorize Chinese vocabulary, you could check out the Unforgettable Languages website. They use their very own phonetic transcription system to add to the already existing confusion and teach you e.g. The Mandarin for BREAD is MEE-EN PAO, so Imagine me and pa ate all the bread. . . Well, if this helps you to learn Chinese, fine. . .
Orcat.com
For useful tips on how to study Chinese, check out the Chinese Language Learners Corner site. The site lists a number of articles about language learning in general and learning Chinese and Taiwanese in particular.
eChinese Learning
eChinese Learning offers one-on-one LIVE Chinese language online instruction to customers worldwide. Their teachers use real-time video/voice tools such as Skype and MSN messenger. They also have a lot of other resources and links.