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Posted on | September 11, 2009 | 3 Comments
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How to Study Chinese Guide (433)
Free Chinese language study guide available for download in pdf format. This useful guide covers topics such as learning strategies, learning styles, maintaining motivation, overcoming barriers, memorizing vocabulary, and other issues in the study of Mandarin. Now freely available online with hard copies available at our Chinese language school in Beijing. Tell all your friends!
Wubi and Pinyin – Which Chinese Character Input Method?
Posted on | July 28, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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Writing Chinese characters by hand is a confusing task of memorizing strokes and characters, but the use of computers has made it slightly easier- perhaps an unfortunate blessing since I’ve heard time and time again from local coworkers how their grasp of writing out Chinese characters has regressed because they only now need to recognize characters due to their constant use of Chinese input methods. There are many types of input methods available; some which are based on pronunciation, while others on character structure, character set or a combination of pronunciation and character structure. I’d like to talk about two of the popular Chinese character input method editors (IME): Pinyin and Wubi.
Pinyin (拼音输入法)
The Pinyin IME (拼音输入法 pin1yin1 shu1ru4fa3) allows users to input Chinese characters by typing in the pinyin of a Chinese character, and the Pinyin IME then presents the user with a list of characters with that pinyin pronunciation. The advantage of the pinyin input method is that it’s very easy to learn for Mandarin speakers, since those who are familiar with pinyin will already be able to input Chinese characters with almost no training, which is not the case with other input methods. The Pinyin IME is very popular in mainland China, since children are already required to learn pinyin in school. However the Pinyin IME was created based on the pronunciation of standard-Mandarin so native Mandarin speakers who speak with accents will have a hard time distinguishing a number of similar sounding syllables, such as c and ch, s and sh, z and zh, n and ng, h or hu and f, or n and l. Moreover, Chinese dialect speakers who don’t know pinyin, or speak Mandarin, will not be able to use this input method at all.
Wubizixing (五笔字型输入法)
The Wubi IME, short for The Wubizixing (五笔字型输入法 wu3bi3zi4xing2shu1ru4fa3) allows users to input Chinese characters based on the structure of characters rather than their pronunciation, making it possible to enter Chinese characters even when the user doesn’t know the pronunciation, or if the user speaks a dialect of Chinese. As the name suggets, the Wubi 五笔 (wu3bi3) IME divides the keyboard into five regions, which is assigned a certain type of character stroke, which allows for the user to efficiently write characters with at most 4 keystrokes. Another efficiency in using Wubi over phonetic character input methods, is that users don’t have to select characters from a list of similar homo-phonic choices, and so there’s a greater ability for a Wubi typist to ‘touch’ type without having to look at the computer screen. However, a major drawback to learning Wubi is that it has a high learning curve, and requires memorization and practice for a user to use it proficiently.
Which Input Method?
My recommendation for choosing between these two Chinese character input methods would be to consider your goal for typing Chinese. If you aim to be a professional Chinese typist, and need to input Chinese characters at a high rate, then it may be well worth your time to learn the Wubi IME system. However, if you are a standard-Mandarin speaker, and only need to input Chinese for casual computer use such as online chatting and surfing, then the Pinyin IME system will be more than sufficient for your needs.
Are you a well versed Chinese typist? Share your views on these two Chinese character input methods, or any other input method that you may be using already, in the comments below.
How to Deal With Traveler’s Diarrhea in Beijing
Posted on | July 21, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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Hopefully this subject won’t be too uncomfortable of a read, but traveler’s diarrhea (拉肚子la1du4zi0) is a real issue that many of our students at 1on1Mandarin have experienced on arrival to China, and it even affects permanent expat residents in China every now and then- though perhaps you might want to save this read for a time when you’re not eating or snacking on something.
Traveler’s diarrhea is usually caused by eating unclean food or water, though normal diarrhea can also be caused by anxiety, stress, allergies, fatigue, and changes in diet- all of which are things that a new visitor to Beijing will encounter as they adjust to this densely populated city, and experience the culture shock of adjusting.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea are four to five loose or watery stools per day, though vomiting can also be a symptom. Traveler’s diarrhea usually lasts 3 or 4 days, and only a few cases does it last longer; in some rare cases, it can last more than 3 months.
Treatment:
Two of the popular drugs that many travelers take are bismuth subsalicylate (which is found in Pepto-Bismol), and Imodium. Taking Pepto-Bismol tablets before travel, and during travel, can help to prevent many cases of diarrhea, though some travelers like to carry the liquid form with them and take a dose before a meal (I would recommend that you read the CDC site for Traveler’s Diarrhea on recommended usage though). Imodium can also be taken to provide quick relief by reducing the muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Unfortunately, Pepto-Bismol is not easy to come by in Beijing, and is only sold by some of the international clinics and hospitals in the city. Imodium, however, is more commonly found among the pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. It’s best to prepare well, and bring some from your home country before arriving in Beijing, to avoid having to search around the city when you need it the most.
If you’re really having trouble finding these drugs in the city, you may find some willing and helpful incoming expats on the forums thebeijinger and Chinese-forums.com that are may offer a helping hand to bring some extra in with them, provided you pay them back, of course.
Finally, don’t forget to rehydrate if you’re experiencing traveler’s diarrhea. Dehydration is very common result of the fluid loss, and a useful recipe for fluid replacement is:
Two glasses of fluid: the first glass containing 8 oz. of fruit juice, 1/2 tsp. of honey or corn syrup, and a pinch of salt, and the second glass filled with 8 oz. of purified or carbonated water and 1/4 tsp. of baking soda, and the traveler should drink alternately from each glass until their thirst is quenched.
For additional reading on traveler’s diarrhea:
Wikipedia: Traveler’s Diarrhea
Center for Disease Control: Traveler’s Diarrhea
University of Maryland- Medical Center: Traveler’s Diarrhea
Do you have any tips or advice? Let us know in the comments!
World Cup Chinese Vocabulary
Posted on | June 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment
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If you are in Beijing, Shanghai, or even other cities in China, I think you have noticed that China has huge number of soccer fans excited over the World Cup. Here around Wudaokou, almost every bar or cafe is open until all hours for the World Cup games as well. Your Chinese friends are probably talking about the World Cup all the time now. We put together some useful Chinese vocabulary so you can talk about the World Cup soccer games with your Chinese friends.
1. The World Cup-世界杯-（shì jiè bēi）
2. South Africa-南非 -（nán fēi）
3. Fan-球迷-（qiú mí）；Big Fan-铁杆球迷-（tiě ɡǎn qiú mí）
-他是意大利队的铁杆球迷。
He is a big fan of Italian team.
4. Goal-进球-（jìn qiú）-德国队的第一场比赛踢进了4个球。
The German team scored fours goals in the first game.
5. Penalty Kick-点球-（diǎn qiú）
6. Hand ball-手球- (shǒu qiú)
7. Header-头球-（tóu qiú）
8. Coach-主帅-（zhǔ shuài）
马拉多拉是阿根廷队的主帅。
Diego Maradona is the coach of Argentina.
9. Foul-犯规-（fàn ɡuī ）
10. Yellow Card/Red Card-黄牌（huánɡ pái）/红牌（hónɡ pái ）
-Maxi got a red card and been sent off.-Maxi被红牌罚下。
World Cup news, schedule and updates in Chinese: worldcup.qq.com
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