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Memorizing Language / Spelling Techniques?

Posted by timothy on from the save-up-for-neural-implants dept.

NotesSensei writes "My kids are learning Chinese in school. While the grammar is drop-dead simple, writing is a challenge since there is no relation between sound and shape of the characters. I would like to know any good techniques (using technology or not) to help memorize large amounts of information, especially Chinese characters. Most of the stuff I Googled only helps on learning speaking."

4 of 237 comments (clear)

  1. Flashcards by Fjandr · · Score: 5, Informative

    Flashcards are great for learning Chinese or Japanese characters. There are also many characters, or parts thereof, that have a mnemonic relationship to the idea that they are used to impart. I can't think of any decent books offhand, but they're out there.

    Still, flashcards are awesome in this regard.

    1. Re:Flashcards by schnipschnap · · Score: 5, Informative

      Yes, use flash cards, but not the dead tree type. Use anki. I use it to study Japanese, and I'm sure it's almost as good for Chinese.
      http://ichi2.net/anki/

  2. Try flashcard software by i-like-burritos · · Score: 5, Informative
    I've been studying Japanese for years, and flashcard software has really helped me with the Chinese characters. iFlash for OSX is an excellent tool.

    As others have said, there's no way around the need for repetition and a lot of practice.

    Also, diligence is extremely important. If you're not using them, then you forget the characters very quickly. If you're not careful you might actually find that you're forgetting characters as quickly as you're learning new ones.

  3. sounds familiar by Punto · · Score: 5, Funny

    since there is no relation between sound and shape of the characters

    so it's sort of like in English then?

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