Learning Chinese Characters Without Rote Learning
To learn Chinese characters, first of all we will need to know some history and features about this ancient writing. The history of Chinese characters can be traced back into more than 3000 years ago, and at the very beginning of its development most Chinese characters are “pictographic”, which means you can easily guess the meaning by looking at the shape of the characters. The examples are 木(mù) (wood or tree)，目(mù) (eye). Both characters have the same pinyin. The former character ‘木” used to be looking like 
, which by the shape looks like a tree. The top horizontal stroke imitates the branches of a three whereas the bottom two strokes imitate the roots of a tree. The latter character “目” originally looks like 
and is actually a picture of an eye.
As time goes by, only using picturesque characters could not meet the increasing demand of Chinese characters. There then came other groups of Chinese characters. One of those groups is called “indication”, which means you can guess the meaning by looking at different parts of the characters. For example, the character “林(lín)” has two trees in one character. The word “林” means “forest”, which actually indicated by the parts of the character. Instead of using rote learning to remember Chinese characters, we can learn characters much more efficiently by analysing the development of the characters and their features.
Another important group, which represents a very characteristic feature of Chinese characters, is called “picot-phonogram”. The characters in this group are often composed of two parts (mostly left-right structure), and the left part indicate meaning of the characters (usually pictographic characters) whereas the right part indicate the pronunciation of the characters. For example, the word “淋(lín)” (meaning “get wet”) has its meaning part 
in its left and the phonetic part “林” in its right.
Why Chinese characters?
After learning Chinese for a while, many students feel that the more they learn, the more confused they sometimes get about this language. For example, pinyin “tā” can mean “he”, “she” or “it”，and “jī” can either mean “chicken” or “machine”. However, when we have a look at their according Chinese Characters, we will find though they have exactly the same pinyin, they actually have different Chinese characters to go with them. That is the reason why start from pre-intermediate course, we are introducing more and more Chinese characters during the lessons.
Moreover, through learning Chinese characters, it will not only help the students get a better understanding of the Chinese language, but also introduce them cultures and ways of thinking of Chinese people. Let me take an example of the word “女(nǚ)” (meaning woman or women), which is actually a pictographic word whose ancient form looks like 
. This original form for woman depicted her in a bowing position with two arms crossed together like a servant. It is shows humbleness and inferiority position of women in Chinese culture when the word was created. In ancient Chinese culture, women neither went to school to receive education nor went out for work. Instead, they were the group who are doing the housework and serving their husbands. Of course, things have been changed for so long and in modern China women generally have the equal right for education and work as men do. But still, in some parts of China, especially in rural areas, people still believe only sons can carry the family lines and therefore much more important than daughters.
Would it be interesting and helpful to learn some Chinese culture through learning Chinese characters?
By Anne Ma (Mandarin Language Consultant)
Some stories about our Japanese Courses 7
Hi everyone,皆さん、おげんきですか。
In my Japanese classes, as usual, apart from regular activities of speaking, reading, listening, writing and dialogues making and performing, with use of the course book, “Genki 1”, I used flash cards that had letters, words and/or pictures. Also, audio-video based materials and had singing activities. One of the visual aids was a DVD borrowed from the Japan Foundation. (The DVD was made by the Ministry of Primary Industry of Japan.) It discusses fundamental merits and features of Japanese diet and its traditional food. Some experts in the industries and scholars also spoke in the DVD. It was very interesting.
Our newly started Intermediate 1, we began Kanji learning systematically apart from other aspects of the language learning. We use “Kanji-no Hon” (by K. Aitchson, 2001, MacMillan). The learning includes reading, writing and exercises of applying Kanji words and the idioms into sentences. In future, occasional homework of writing an essay, diary or letter with use of such Kanji words will be given to consolidate their knowledge and competence. The students are quite keen to increase Kanji and sometimes even ask me to write new Kanji on the board when we are studying with other book or materials.
As for Japanese society, technology, economy, etiquette etc, I introduced or informed with the articles about the following.
1. Reports from a Japanese magazine “Nyuusu ga Wakaru” (Mar. 2012):
The magazine shows the pictures of some dogs and cats that are or were in Japan. Nowadays, cats and dogs live for many years just like their owners. Last December, a dog, Buusuke died at the age of 26 years and 9 months. The dog lived for the longest lifespan in the world according to the Guiness Book. Also the magazine shows the picture of a cat, Tomonari-kun. He is 26 years old and he still lives happily.
One of sources, which I read and showed in classes, reports that the Ward Office (government) of Suginami-ward of Tokyo, gives the Certificate to pet-owners whose pet lived longer than 16 years old, to encourage looking after the pets well.
2. News from a magazine Jenta Sydney (9.3.12):
(a) The World’s tallest tower Tokyo Sky Tree celebrates its completion and it will be open for the public soon.
(b) Japan leads the world in cloud computing readiness, in trade industry. (News originally from Singapore, Feb. 22 Kyodo)
(c) Toyoto dominates the U.S. consumer magazine’s 2012 top car picks. (News originally from TAMPA, Florida, Feb. 28 Kyodo)
( – So much of amazing/inspiring news!!)
Japanese Teacher, Toshiko Jackson
5.4.12
Methods for Learning Mandarin
Visual Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
• Use textbooks, flashcards
• Make notes, lists and diagrams
• Watch Mandarin-language videos
• Use coloured highlighters for various language functions like verbs, nouns, measure words etc.
Auditory Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
• Use audio materials like CDs and MP3 files
• For classroom study, ask if you can record the lessons
• Watch Mandarin-language videos and listen to Mandarin radio
• Record all your written notes
Kinaesthetic Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
• Use flashcards and interactive software
• Play role-playing games and practice dialogs with a partner
• Study in the language lab and with other people
• Find a language-exchange partner
How to Improve Your Language Learning
1. Practice makes perfect
Always keep in mind that learning a language is a gradual process – it doesn’t happen overnight. Therefore, the more time you spend studying, the better you will become.
2. Define your learning objectives
What do you want to learn and why? Once you set your goal and know exactly what you want to do, it becomes easier to reach it.
3. Make learning a habit
When learning becomes a habit, it will become part of your daily routine so when you don’t do it, you will feel like something is missing. Creating positive study habits can mean great advantages for you.
4. Choose appropriate learning material
Once you have the right learning material, you will find it much easier to acquire the knowledge that you need. Learning a new language can be time consuming, so having appropriate reference books and resources can help you save plenty of time.
5. Efficiency
How often do you study? One hour a day or once a week? Sometimes, spending more time studying does not necessarily mean you can learn more compared to someone who studies less. The key is how efficiently and effectively you do it.
6. Group work
Some people find it quite boring or lack motivation when they study alone. Studying with a partner or in a group may be a good choice because you can discuss and help each others while working as a team.
7. Move your mouth and say it out loud!
Sometimes, understanding a word doesn’t mean the muscles of your mouth can pronounce that word correctly. Therefore, it is essential to practise speaking loudly so that your mouth can get used to the new vocabulary
8. Make the most of the Internet
The Internet is actually the most interesting, unlimited source that you could take advantage of and it is right at your fingertips. Just type the thing you want and click “Search”. There will be a whole world of material which is quite useful for your language learning.
9. Write a news diary
Daily writing about one’s own routine can be boring, but what if you write about the news that you read and listen to everyday instead? There will be a big difference! You will improve your vocabulary and grammar for sure!
10. Move out of your comfort zone
When I say move out of your comfort zone, I literally mean move. Get up out of your chair, hop on a bus, hop in your car or put on you walking shoes and just go. Take what you have learnt in your language study and try and put it into use by visiting a restaurant or supermarket and ordering something to eat or even exchanging a simple greeting. It may feel awkward at first but you will be amazed how people will open up and help you when they see you are making an effort to speak their language. You may even find a new friend.
11. Reading
Read anything that you can get your hands on; it doesn’t have to be a book. Magazines and graphic novels with lots of pictures can be really useful. You may not understand the word but will get a feeling for it through the pictures.
12. Writing
Write a simple story with the words that you already know and add pictures to help you associate the two. It doesn’t matter if the story is silly but it is fun to have a go and will definitely help you remember new words.
13. Listening
Try listening to the radio in the language of your choice (eg. BBC World Service), watch a movie or something fun like YouTube that can be spontaneous and harder to understand than a usual language learning CD.
14. Speaking
Practise your new vocabulary out loud by making up simple sentences and phrases with the words you have learnt. It doesn’t matter if the cat is the only one listening!
Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
I am very pleased to introduce one of my Korean students, Mr. Johnny Yuen, who has proudly accomplished his very first TOPIK test later last year. Johnny was only a beginner2 student when he took the test. Thus, I would like to share this information with more potential candidates who wish to get it for studying / working in Korea in the future. Furthermore, it is still worthwhile to diagnose your learning progress.
TOPIK, or Test of Proficiency in Korean is a Korean language test offered twice annually to foreigners in Korea and people studying Korean in other countries. TOPIK is administered by the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation (i.e. 한국교육과정평가원).
The test is divided into four parts: vocabulary & grammar, writing, listening, and reading. There is currently no oral section. Two versions of the test are offered: standard (S)-TOPIK and the business (B)-TOPIK. There are three different levels of S-TOPIK: beginner (초급), intermediate (중급), and advanced (고급). Depending on the average score and minimum marks in each section it is possible to obtain grades 1-2 in beginner, 3-4 in intermediate and 5-6 in advanced S-TOPIK. In B-TOPIK the scores in each section (out of 100) are added together to give a score out of 400.
In addition to Korea, TOPIK is available in the following countries: Japan, Taiwan, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Paraguay, Argentina, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Czech Republic, Egypt, Belarus, Russia, Brazil and Cambodia. Please visit www.topic.or.kr for the latest updates and news. Good luck to you, all!
– Ashley Jang (Korean language teacher)
Korean Names
Traditional Korean names typically consist of only one syllable, due in part to the Korean Naming Laws of 1812. There is no middle name in the Western sense. The three most common family names are often written and pronounced as “Kim” (김), “Lee” (이), and “Park” (박). Unlike English style, Surname comes first, followed by First name. First names can be started from single letter such as “박봄” and “김범”. The most common style for first name would be the one with two letters, such as “이민호” and “이승기”. Rarely, some people have more than three letters as you can find it from “박산다라”.
Many Koreans have their given names made of a generational name syllable and an individually distinct syllable, while this practice is declining in the younger generations. Married men and women usually keep their full personal names, and children inherit the father’s family name.
Korean names can be either sino-Korean names which have adapted from Chinese letters (e.g. 장은경: 張恩京) or pure-Korean names (e.g. 朴봄).
Why don’t you give yourself one cool Korean name? It will facilitate your Korean learning!
– Ashley Jang (Korean language teacher)
Some stories about our Japanese Courses 6
Hi everyone,皆さん、おげんきですか。
In my classes, apart from regular learning activities of speaking, reading, listening, writing and dialogues making/speaking with use of the course book, “Genki 1”, I used interesting flash cards that had letters and pictures (and with words) and other audio-video based materials and had singing activities. And one of the interesting books that I used was “Hatena? Hakken! Book” (Benesse Corp. Japan). It is an educational magazine for children who start the grade 1 in primary schools. I used some pages of that book for classes. The book is written in Hiragana and Katakana only and it has “many lovely pictures” that are interesting even for adults. The pages that I used for classes included the topics of “secrets of animals that we have in our life”, e.g. a cat, dog, hamster, turtle, rabbit, goldfish etc. That is about those animals’ behavior, emotions and functions that often people do not know or notice. Many plain forms of verbs were used in all of those pages.
Also, I talked about the following things with the handouts/copies of the information from the relevant sources.
1. (Source: Nikkei newspaper, 25.1.12, p.1)
Japanese IT multinationals such as Fujitsu, NTT Communications, NEC etc are increasing investment to India that including a large number of job creations in India. Fujitsu will have 8000 experts in coming 2 years; NEC will have 100; Ntt Data will have 9000. Those firms previous major focus was China in the recent years, but that is shifting to focus in India. Also, NTT Com plans to establish a large data centre in Singapore soon this year and one in Hong Kong next year.
2. (Source: the Japan Times Online, 28.2.12)
The most highly regarded (state-run) university in Japan, The University of Tokyo is opening its office in India. The same with a private university, Rutsumeikan University is taking the similar actions in India.
3. I informed about a film “Zatoichi” (or “Zatooichi”) (2003) that was shown on SBS 1 on 29.2.12. That version of “Zatoichi” is different from old days’ version of “Zatoichi” played by Shintaro Katsu (well over a few decades ago). As for one made in 2003, Takeshi Kitano (“Beat” Takeshi) plays the hero, blind and brilliant swordsman in the setting of the samurai period (i.e. a few hundred years ago). Kitano also took directing, writing and co-editing roles for the film. That film is partly more westernized (than old days’ version) and has more lively elements that include great tap dance of young people wearing kimono. It is the excellent film that earned numerous awards both internationally and in Japan. I loved Zatoichi’s words when he said, “Mekura dakara, hito no kimochi ga motto wakarun da.” (= Because I am blind, I can perceive people’s feelings/mind better.) There are many interesting websites about the fascinating film. I hope you will enjoy visiting them.
– Toshiko Jackson (Japanese Language Teacher)
Simple Listening Tips for IELTS
The Dos and DON’Ts
You SHOULD DO following thing while taking IELTS Listening Test:
• Listen carefully to the introduction to each section. This will give you useful information about the situation and the speakers.
• Use the time at the beginning of each section (and in the middle of Section 1-3) to look through the questions and think about the topic.
• Read the instructions for each task carefully, remember to check the maximum number of words allowed.
• Write all your anser as you listen – remember you won’t read the recording a second time.
• Check that what you write makes sense in the context.
• Answer all the questions even if don’t feel sure about an answer – you may have understood more than you think.
• Wait until the end of the test to transfer your answers. You have ten minutes for this which is plenty of time.
• Write clearly when you transfer your answers. If an answer isn’t clear on your answer sheet, you will lose the mark.
• Check your spelling (and grammar where necessary).
You SHOULD NOT DO following things while taking IELTS Listening Test:
• Don’t worry if you have to cross out or change an answer.
• Don’t panic if you miss one question. Look ahead and concentrate on the next one.
• Don’t try to rephrase what you hear. Write down the words you hear which fit the question.
• Don’t write more than the maximum number of words or letters allowed for each answer.
• Don’t copy any words that were printed on the Question Paper when you transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet.
Test Reading Tips and Strategies designed for the intelligent test-taker
1. Predict! Predict! Predict!
Step 1 is always to get a good idea of what the passage is about by quickly looking at the heading and sub-headings. This speed up and facilities understanding and comprehension.
2. Know what you have to do! Quickly look through the questions. Get a general idea of the question types. Perhaps underline some keywords in the questions at the stage.
3. Read through the passage fairly quickly to form a general picture-is there a line of argument? If so what is it? Essentially find out what is the write trying to do.
4. Go straight to question.1. What kind of answer is required? Skim the passage and then scan for the exact information you are looking for and need.
5. Move to question 2 and repeat this process of understanding the question first. You can underline instruction or key words in the question to help you focus on the specific task at hand. Follow this by skimming and scanning to hopefully get the right answer.
6. Are the questions in the same order as the information in the passage? Yes/No? Knowing this is important as it makes things easier.
7. If the question asks for the exact words from the passage give them exact words.
8. If the question asks for no more than 3 words give them no more than 3 words.
9. If looking for 3 experts and their views or opinions highlight their names in the text. It makes things easier.
10. Looking for parallel expression ”eg.”flight for “ becomes “ struggle”
“problems” becomes “ concerns”
“results in “ becomes “consequences of”
11. In a gap fill look for parts of speech that fit in. is it a adjective or a noun requires? Give them what they want.
12. Matching headings with paragraphs can be tricky. Look for key information in paragraphs not minor details.
13. Always study an example if one is given in the question so you know exactly what they want.
14. Don’t let one tough question stump you and make you upset and angry. Stay cool headed. The next question might be an easy one.
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