Education

CHINEASY: CHINESE LEARNING METHODOLOGY

06/03/2018,

Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language globally, and China’s economy is the second-largest in the world, so many experts recommend learning Mandarin Chinese, the primarily spoken dialect. The Chinese language has long been considered the most difficult major language to learn due to the complexity and vast number of characters.

Standard Chinese, which is also referred to as “Mandarin“, is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and and one of Singapore’s four official languages. It is also one of the most frequently used varieties of Chinese Chinese diaspora communities internationally.

There seems to be an “explosion” of Chinese programs right now, as many families desire their children to learn Chinese. Savvy parents recognize that students who learn Chinese today may discover new and exciting ways to succeed tomorrow.

My two kids speak Mandarin as we thought that it would be very positive for them to learn this language: they can broaden their horizons, discover one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, and the possibility of forming international friendships. They both love everything related to this language. Perhaps it might be that the language’s tone sounds to them like a song, or that the written characters look like pictures.

During these past years, I have bought lots of materials: books, picture dictionaries, flashcards, memory games,  CD’s and movies… but I have just recently discovered Chineasy, which is a genius idea and an inspiring company. Created by ShaoLan, her aim is extraordinary: “bring down the great wall of Chinese language and allow Eastern and Western cultures to communicate freely“. This new way to “read” Chinese characters is brilliant, fun, and easy. Chineasy “helps bridge the cultural gap by demystifying the Chinese language“. Chineasy allows children to learn Chineasy easily by recognizing characters through simple illustrations

Her methodology is based in explaining Chinese in an engaging way to children.  Learning Chinese should be just like playing, as the language is also made up of building blocks.

As ShaoLan explains: “Chineasy will become the first step for anyone in the world who wants to understand China, Chinese culture, and its language. It is educational, social, cultural, and inspirational. I am demonstrating the beauty of this deep and broad culture with a modern interpretation by creating a sleek modern design. For me, it is also an art project, as I grew up in an artistic family. I am connecting the dots- bringing me back to my artistic upbringing- and connecting my life journey of being in both the East and the West”.

Chineasy Everyday: The World of Chinese Characters: 

This book is edited by  Thames & Hudson and “demystifies Chinese characters through attractive graphics and imaginative activities“. The beautiful illustrations help children recognize these fundamental characters. The book has been written by ShaoLan, founder of Chineasy, and illustrated by Noma Bar.  What I value most about this book is that it covers not only 100 words of key vocabulary (numbers, family members, animals or food), but also many aspects of the Chinese culture (zodiac, geography, traditions), being the natural step that allows children to understand China, Chinese culture, and its language. The book includes games and activities, as well as eight practice pages for children so that they can try out writing the Chineses characters.

Chineasy: The New Way to Read Chinese.

This book is also part of this new visual method to make reading Chinese fun and easy. Children can swiftly grasp basic concepts and words, by learning how one or more characters form a compound character or a phrase.

Flashcards:

This boxset contains 60 flashcards that help children develop their Chinese vocabulary and pronunciation, practicing the key characters of this revolutionary visual method.

Postcards:

100 beautiful illustrated postcards with Chinese characters. This set would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in the Chinese culture.

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