my kids (ages 3 and 6) are beginning to learn chinese. i am looking for useful materials and strategies to get them fluent. i don't speak chinese. one thing that helped a lot in learning spanish (their second language) was spanish language education software that targets native spanish speakers ages 3 to 5. does anyone have any recommendations both for the chinese educational software of this type and how to buy it when you don't speak chinese. there is absolutely nothing more daunting than a chinese language web site.
posted by alcahofa on Nov 21, 2009 - 20 answers

Chinese Translation Filter: What is the best translation of, "a woman ahead of her time." [more inside]
posted by hybridvigor on Sep 16, 2009 - 3 answers

I'd love to get tips/resources for 1) learning more about the Chinese language and culture for work travel, 2) doing graphic design for a Chinese audience and 3) learning more about working with Chinese writing (this was helpful, for example).* Thoughts? *Bonus points if anyone can tell me if there are any Chinese typefaces I could access that have a particularly whimsical, fun, or child-like feel. [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster on Apr 12, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm on a Chinese-language computer and want to use Windows XP and Windows Vista in English. How can I do this? [more inside]
posted by catburger on Jun 12, 2008 - 1 answer

Where can I buy the Japanese version and a Chinese version of Microsoft Vista Business online for use in the United States? Media and license. [more inside]
posted by schnee on May 1, 2008 - 4 answers

What are your experiences in taking Chinese as a language in college? How difficult is it really and did you learn enough for it to be useful? [more inside]
posted by hazyspring on Apr 25, 2008 - 19 answers

Which Chinese dialect should I learn to best survive in Shanghai, and how? Difficulty: I have 6 weeks. [more inside]
posted by 0xFCAF on Mar 23, 2008 - 10 answers

Can anyone recommend some good Mandarin programs in China? [more inside]
posted by Dr.James.Orin.Incandenza on Feb 9, 2008 - 5 answers

Could you help me reach out to the predominantly Chinese elderly voters in my neighborhood? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat on Jan 9, 2008 - 3 answers

I'm looking for a cool Kanji/Hanji nickname that I will use to identify my Kendo/Kumdo equipment bags. [more inside]
posted by forforf on Jan 3, 2008 - 8 answers

I want to read a book in Chinese to keep myself from getting rusty. What is a good novel for doing so? It has to be modern Chinese (classical Chinese twists my brain into noodles), and preferably available online. [more inside]
posted by jasminerain on Dec 20, 2007 - 11 answers

What Spanish-language audio materials are out there on the Internet - aimed not at English-speaking, but at Chinese students of Spanish with little English? [more inside]
posted by Holly on Nov 15, 2007 - 1 answer

Help me find college-level Chinese language programs in China. [more inside]
posted by mjklin on May 22, 2007 - 9 answers

What language should I study? [more inside]
posted by ad4pt on May 7, 2007 - 25 answers

In Chinese, the meaning of a spoken word can change depending on where stress is applied. Can you think of English words which embody this characteristic? I can only think of one at the moment: invalid. [more inside]
posted by Clementines4ever on Dec 7, 2006 - 37 answers

How do I pick a good university and course to learn Mandarin in China? [more inside]
posted by spiff101 on Nov 9, 2006 - 7 answers

How do I install support for East Asian languages in Windows XP without the Windows installation disk?
posted by monsterhero on Nov 3, 2006 - 2 answers

Need help pronouncing some Cantonese (preferably audio) [more inside]
posted by beammeup4 on Sep 5, 2006 - 10 answers

I'd like to learn a new language to help improve my skills in the IT field. I manage multiple teams in a support environment, both desktop and server. A foreign language seems to be a good way to improve my offerings to employers and help broaden my mind. [more inside]
posted by zymurgy on May 18, 2006 - 18 answers

I'm thinking of enrolling in a program at Portland State University called Master's in International Management. The program has a year of five days a week Mandarin instruction. Is this really enough time to become proficient in the language?
posted by josher71 on Apr 10, 2006 - 6 answers

I've given up. I can't seem to find this anywhere. Perhaps MeFi can do it? I'm looking for an English-Chinese dictionary for my Nokia N70 phone that has pinyin pronouncations listed for the characters. I want characters, too, but the pinyin is pretty key if I'm actually going to be able to say anything. I'm running Symbian 60 OS. You would think this shouldn't be that hard to find but everything I find either doesn't have pinyin or is for the wrong Symbian OS.
posted by riverjack on Mar 19, 2006 - 0 answers

Can anyone steer me to an image of a Chinese character suitable for expressing "Good Luck!" (as in, good luck on your exams)?
posted by Wolfdog on Nov 30, 2005 - 10 answers

Help with basic Chinese calligraphy: I'm typesetting a book for kids that includes the "Seven Mysteries" (the basic strokes of Chinese calligraphy). and I need some help finding the characters in a computer font. [more inside]
posted by Alt F4 on Nov 17, 2005 - 4 answers

Any suggestions for a good Mandarin Chinese class in Chicago for someone with some Mandarin experience (not an absolute beginner)?
posted by rabbitsnake on Oct 4, 2005 - 3 answers

What are the best software (Windows XP) and books for learning Chinese? [more inside]
posted by pracowity on May 2, 2005 - 6 answers

I'm interested in going to China next summer (summer 2006), and have been looking for language school/summer programs. [more inside]
posted by jare2003 on May 2, 2005 - 6 answers

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced (i.e. less $ than an iPod) MP3 player that has BIG, EASILY-MANIPULATED CONTROLS? I have 20 CDs worth of Mandarin language instruction that I want to rip to MP3 and use as a companion on a daily walk. Because I'll be playing language instruction instead of music, I expect to need to pause, back up, and restart a given section frequently. I'd like a player that can be manipulated easily by feel without stopping to look at it. If it can be set to loop a particular track over and over that's a big plus (though I expect that's an uncommon feature because how many people want to hear the same song again and again?) Thanks very much for any and all suggestions!
posted by jfuller on Feb 19, 2005 - 9 answers

Language programs abroad. I'm a university student, I'm Canadian, and I'm wondering if anyone could recommend a good immersive program aboard for studying French or Chinese. I doubt I can be proficient in either in one summer, and I already have a very basic grasp of both. What I'm looking for instead is a chance to go aboard to develop my french or mandarin further. Any suggestions other than commercial programs geared for Business-persons?
posted by phyrewerx on Nov 17, 2004 - 7 answers

I'm a white guy trying to shop for food in Chinatown. Are there any resources to help me with some key vocab? [mi] [more inside]
posted by mkultra on Oct 11, 2004 - 14 answers

How do you sing in Chinese and other tonal languages? Does the music follow the notes as usual but deviate a little bit to express tones (which could explain the sort of warbly psychedelic sound of the Chinese singing I've heard), or does the music itself dictate what tones are used - in which case I'd guess lyrics are mostly limited to flat tones since singing is mostly level notes.
posted by abcde on Sep 4, 2004 - 18 answers