103 posts tagged with mandarin.
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Lost and gone forever?
It’s winter, and clementines should be in season, but I haven’t seen them anywhere in New York City. Plenty of California mandarins, but no true clementines. In fact, it’s probably been several years since I’ve seen them, maybe even pre-Covid. Has something happened to the clementine crop? Drought? Fungus? [more inside]
Shipping to China on eBay?
Do you have any experience shipping secondhand goods to China via ebay or indeed at all? [more inside]
Refinding book on basic Mandarin Chinese characters
About 25 years ago I borrowed a small book that explored the core set of Chinese characters. I think there were 32 or 36 characters, one per double page spread with the graphic character on one page and usage / words including the character on other page. [more inside]
Help! My Yahoo app is in Mandarin
Somehow I managed to change the language setting on my Yahoo Mail app on my iPhone from English to what I assume is Mandarin/Chinese. Can you help me figure out how to change it back? [more inside]
What language is being spoken here?
Was my melodic nature lost in translation?
I received an enigmatic fortune cookie fortune that I’d like to try to understand. Is it a poor translation of an aphorism that makes sense in the original Chinese? The fortune read, “Because of your melodic nature, the moonlight never misses an appointment.” [more inside]
Translation of recording in a dialect of Mandarin?
Is there an inexpensive way to get a personal recording translated from regional Chinese to English? [more inside]
Spanish or Mandarin immersion for our toddler?
We have an 18mo toddler and are trying to plan their future, as one does. Our current quandary is whether to send them to Spanish or Mandarin immersion schools (which will then influence our daycare/pre-K choices). [more inside]
Language learning for children too young for classes
Our four-year-old son speaks a little Mandarin, but only a little. We're considering taking him to Taiwan for a few weeks to practice and learn Mandarin. Have you done something like this? What has worked for you? [more inside]
Mandarin language podcasts?
What are some good podcasts for someone who is fluent/conversational in Taiwanese Mandarin but grew up in the US so would like to learn more about how "real" Taiwanese people speak (like slang, idioms) and more about Taiwanese culture and life in Taiwan?
seeking *durable* short sleeve mandarin collar shirt for men
I am a fan stylistically of various mandarin collared things, but specifically, want a *durable* short sleeve brand. They sorta look like polos but with mandarin collar. My last two purchases looked great for maybe 2 wears, then stared disassembling their stitching despite delicate wash and hang dry. Rec for hardy brands? [more inside]
Lingua francas for Cantonese-speaking communities
I live in an area of the US with a large overseas Chinese community (a historical Chinatown) that is mostly Cantonese/Taishanese speaking. I speak Mandarin, but unfortunately do not speak or understand any Cantonese. Is it better to use Mandarin or English when communicating? [more inside]
Practicing Mandarin pronunciation with speech-to-text
I'm learning Mandarin, and I'm trying to practice pronunciation, so that I don't need to think hard in order to read pinyin and say the correct sounds. I've been practicing a little using speech-to-text software. Is this a reasonable idea? Are there downsides I'm not aware of? What's the best speech-to-text software for this? [more inside]
Will you be my second opinion to Dr. Google Translate?
I need to make pins that say "I Speak [Language]" in said language, for multilingual staff to wear at events, without any access to the staff who speak the languages. I am wary of relying on Google Translate, so Mefites, I turn to you! Details and languages below the jump. [more inside]
Mandarin tutors or schools in Taipei
we're looking for an enthusiastic, engaging Mandarin teacher or school in Taipei for beginners. Any recommendations? [more inside]
How to practice speaking Mandarin tones quickly?
I'm learning Mandarin right now. I'm doing well at learning vocab and grammar, but I'm not great at physically enunciating strings of tones; my throat often feels tired after doing so for only a little bit. Are there recorded drills or some other way that I can practice this part? I read somewhere (so it may be apocryphal) that in schools in China, younger students spend time reciting the different initials and finals with varying tones to strengthen their diction, which sounds like the kind of thing I'm looking for.
Disconnected from Society?
Lately, I've been thinking about how I don't feel a strong connection to my culture (American-Chinese) but at a loss how to change it. [more inside]
Finding a Mandarin class that does not involve writing
Deets: I took a year of Mandarin in college so I have a basis, but not much, to go on. I am specifically looking for a class, not an app, because I think human interaction is really important for language learning. My brain is really not wired for the writing plus it's not my primary interest. Is a class that just teaches you the spoken part a thing that exists? I am in the the (east) bay area so there is certainly a Chinese population, which might work in my favor. I do not know if, as in NYC, however, the population here primarily speaks a language other than Mandarin.
Reverse engineer alphabetical English words to Mandarin?
How to organize a Mandarin vocabulary book to look up new vocabulary words easily, when the Mandarin alphabet is so different than English? [more inside]
Chinese language learning in Los Angeles
My spouse and I want to begin learning Mandarin. Can you recommend places, tutors, or websites that we can use to pursue that in the LA area? Details inside. [more inside]
Language learning for the rather hearing impaired?
I have long wanted to both learn Mandarin and increase my Japanese vocabulary, but now that I have moderate hearing loss I'm finding language acquisition challenging. With Mandarin I really can't distinguish between some of the tones, and am stymied by most language learning materials. Are there any materials geared more towards the written language? Also, could someone point me towards good tutorials on entering characters into Windows 10? [more inside]
Should I Eat This Eventually? Citrus Confit
Just for fun, I'm trying to make some citrus confit. Difficulty: I have never made or tasted this before. I have a jar of salt, sugar, olive oil, citrus, salt, sugar, olive oil, citrus, salt, sugar, olive oil in a jar in the fridge right now. Except half my citrus ended up above the olive oil, which has solidified, and the other half are suspended in it. Opening the jar, it smells like pickles.
So, AskMe, am I making confit or am I making poison?
Bay Area tech (or non-tech) companies with Mandarin language needs
In my inner circle is a 28-year-old Taiwanese-American man who will graduate with a B.A. from UCLA this Spring 2019 in psychology with a number of business courses. This person is both bilingual (completely fluent in Mandarin and English, also proficient in Cantonese) and bicultural (has lived in the US and in Taiwan, and has traveled extensively in Asia). He would like to start job hunting now for a position in the Bay Area for after college. [more inside]
Good Podcasts in Mandarin Chinese
What are some good podcasts in Mandarin Chinese? [more inside]
San Francisco (or Peninsula) Chinese Classes for Adults
What are the best in-person classroom programs for adult Chinese language students in San Francisco and the Peninsula (preferably north of San Mateo)? [more inside]
It's tricky to rock a rhyme (in Mandarin) (when I don't speak Mandarin)
Can you help me find the Mandarin version of "It's tricky" by Run-DMC? I have heard it, and i Must hear it again. [more inside]
Retaining multiple languages?
How do you work on maintaining all your lesser used languages? [more inside]
Has anyone experienced soreness when speaking a new language?
In this case, the language is Mandarin. I've been studying pretty intensely for 2 and a half years (at least an hour of speaking every day), but now I'm in China and am speaking even more. My throat has begun to get sore after I speak... my current theory is that my pitch range is hitting too many low notes and that has strained my vocal cords. That said, I don't really know what to do! Normally, I'd try to find a specialist doctor to take a look, but I'm currently in Guilin, China and don't know how easily I could find a specialist, and beyond that, I don't have great insurance atm (my insurance is more of the "we cover you if you break your leg" variety). That said, if you know of any experts I can talk to, I do have some money I can use to pay for that if it's not too expensive... [more inside]
Fun videos to teach Mandarin to a toddler?
I want my 18 month old baby to speak Mandarin. I myself speak a grand total of two words of Mandarin, and that's the end of my personal contribution to his language lessons. I'm happy to find classes for him (and happy to hear suggestions - I'm on the north side of Chicago...) but what I want is fun language videos we can have on in the background so he can start hearing the language. The challenge is that I need to be able to watch them too. [more inside]
Seeking translation from archaic Japanese & Chinese (re LGBTQ news)
Please help me translate these two snippets related to same-sex marriage in Taiwan: one in archaic Japanese and one in Chinese! [more inside]
How would you go about finding a mandarin tutor... WITH an accent?
I'm an upper intermediate mandarin speaker, focusing mainly on speaking/listening. Something that I think is really important in any language, but especially mandarin, is getting exposed to a wide range of how people ACTUALLY speak... not just the "neutral" language that a language teacher will strive for. I have a number of teachers from different parts of China, but they are just that: teachers. While their mandarin accents do vary, they all speak fairly neutral mandarin. What I'm looking for is a way to find Skype partners with heavier accents. I think this will really help develop my ear. Any suggestions? I've been using italki with great success, but everyone on the platform does everything they can to convince you their mandarin is standard, and there's no good way to search for people from Xinjiang or other places where an accent is more likely.
Chinese translation for chili cookoff
My dad would like a Chinese translation of this phrase, as you might see it on a sign: ALL HAIL THE ORANGE EMPEROR. Mandarin or Cantonese is fine, he just wants it to look cool as a sign and translate accurately if someone can read it. [more inside]
Help researching chinese schools/cities for language immersion
I'm starting to do preliminary research on spending 1-2 years in China studying Mandarin. I'm looking for any recommendations for schools to look into, or places that would be great to learn Mandarin in. Snowflake details within! [more inside]
iOS apps, websites and cartoons for a beginning Mandarin learner?
My 7-year-old took some Mandarin at school last year. I'd like to find something for him to continue to be exposed to it throughout the summer. Are there kid-friendly iOS apps (best), cartoons available on streaming (good), or websites (works for him some days) that I should point him towards?
How to find a real mandarin dub of Chibi Maruko Chan?
I'm learning mandarin and am looking for good shows at an appropriate level... My girlfriend has a dub that she got in Flushing (Chinese name is Xiao Wanzi), and it's fine enough, but he image quality is terrible... It's clear it's just a bootleg. I'm totally happy actually paying for this, but I have no idea where to find it! Finding even the English version these days is tricky, so I have no clue how to find a Mandarin dub. Extra credit is other Mandarin shows I should check out at a sort of intermediate working on advancing level!
Have oranges, want dessert. Help!
I have too many tangerines, and I'm hoping to convert them into a tasty dessert for my dinner party tonight. I've got most other dessert basics (flour, sugar, eggs, butter, etc) on hand, but I'm doing a grocery run anyway. What will wow my guests? Skill level: Martha Stewart and Bree Van De Camp's lovechild.
Number Generator for Foreign Language Learning
Is there a number generator that will read the number out in Mandarin? [more inside]
Resources for Mandarin learner?
I'm taking on the pain in the ass that is trying to get conversationally fluent in mandarin. I have a girlfriend (and her family) I can practice with, so obviously that's immensely useful. That said, I'm curious if there are any good resources people can recommend. [more inside]
Good Mandarin tutors in NYC?
This is a followup to this question.
I work in Manhattan, live in Forest Hills Queens. I'd prefer a tutor because they move faster, and for something like this I want the ability to really control my learning. Ideally it'd be someone who knows how to teach a very difficult language to native english speakers, and knows how to tech pronunciation. Goal wise, I want to focus much more on conversation than reading or writing (per the previous question). Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
State of Being Other
How to reconcile the differences between your origin and daily society? [more inside]
Mandarin Radio streams wanted
Hi
I would like to train my ears to listen to Mandarin but cannot find live streams on the Internet as I do not understand Mandarin. Can someone please help me with a few links? I can watch CCTV but cannot find the radio. VLC or iTunes compatible streams please.
Thank You!
BB
Recommended resources for intermediate Mandarin Chinese study?
I am looking for books and other resources to help improve my intermediate Mandarin Chinese skills! I'm at a point where a lot of the adult books that I try to read are stuffed with chengyu and obscure vocabulary, but I want something a little more advanced and a little more engaged with contemporary Chinese culture than translations of American children's novels. [more inside]
What are the rewards of studying Chinese language?
Hello,
According to Heisig, there is a high dropout rate for Chinese courses. According to another author, there will be high demand in future for people who have knowledge of Chinese language and business studies.
I was wondering if anyone had any more information I could use to boost my motivation when studying Chinese, e.g. the low cost of living in China?
Thanks.
Quick Mandarin Translation Help.
I have a 10" video with sub-titles that I would love a Mandarin speaker to tell me if they're correct or not. [more inside]
A Cilantro-Hater in Thailand, China, and Japan
Asking for a friend who does not share my intense love for cilantro: "Can someone please translate some simple cilantro-avoidance phrases into Thai, Mandarin, and Japanese for me?" [more inside]
Learning Mandarin in Japan and Korea
Would you happen to know about how Mandarin is learned in Japan and Korea? [more inside]
Automate the dub
China is on a major push to dub TV series into English, and I'm primarily a subtitle translator who's been dropped into the middle of this exploding industry. While I've found industry standards fairly easy to research, what I've found less than easy to locate are recommendations for specialized software used in the translation process. What I'd like to know, if anyone here can recommend anything, what are the software packages you use that help to automate or smooth the process, specifically tracking whether timing and lip sync are right, specifically free software, as it's going to be hell to convince my bosses to buy something they can't sample, and I've been assigned a squadron of three untrained non-native translators to do most of the heavy lifting for me.
Where can I find Potter fanfiction in Mandarin?
I'm looking for (well written, preferably) heterosexual (ie non-slash) HP fanfiction written in Mandarin/simplified Chinese, involving either any of the male Malfoy family members, Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Deatheaters, etc. [more inside]
Help me get my priorities straight re: learning Chinese
Which do I learn first--spoken Mandarin, spoken Cantonese, or written, or even all together? [more inside]
Can a 65-year-old guy with a tin ear learn Mandarin?
Still working for a living, and enjoying it, but beginning to think about doing some extended traveling, perhaps in China. But to travel lengthily and effectively, it behooves me to learn the language, a task that, whatever the language, has challenged me all of my life. Do I have a shot at all of success, at my advanced age, and, if so, what does the community recommend for method, school, etc.?