Social Distance
Is it "social distance" or "physical distance?" What's the difference and why does it matter to language and culture learners?
Chinese Language
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We Live in Different Worlds
How does a student of language enter another culture? It takes more than classroom experience.
How to Learn a Language, Part 2
Working hard is vital to effective language learning—but you have to know how to work hard.
How to Learn a Language, Part 1
What is essential for successful language learning?
Language vs. Attitude
If you intend to live and work in China, France, or wherever, check your attitude. With an attitude of acceptance, participation, immersion, you will not only develop meaningful relationships, but language acquisition will be enhanced.
Building Bridges through Language and Culture
Faith Wanjiku Mworia founded the Discovery Chinese Cultural Center in Nairobi, Kenya for the promotion of cultural and language exchanges between Kenyans and Chinese. She tells how the Center began and describes its outreach and desired outcomes.
In Everything Give Thanks
The cultural pitfalls of saying thank you.
Denomination Names in Chinese
What, you might be wondering, are the Chinese names for some of the various denominations and sects in China?
Mastering Mandarin Pronunciation
You can learn to pronounce Mandarin accurately!
Thoughts and Tips on Learning Chinese
Why had Chinese proven to be so intractable?
Putonghua: Uniting a Linguistically Fractured China
During my travels around China people often said to me “Your Chinese is better than mine.” When I adamantly denied even the remote possibility that their assertion may be true, they would clarify: “Your Putonghua is better than mine.”
9 Language-Learning Resources Online
Today there are almost unlimited resources for learning Chinese, and many of them are available online for free. Herewith is my list of nine recommended online resources.