User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Focus and Specialization

Zhen,

My only real point was that, (in my opinion), the inclusion of a Hanzi version of the native interlocutor's comments in intermediate and Upper intermediate lessons would be very helpful.

Posted on: Focus and Specialization

The reason the lesson discussion transcript vs no transcript argument never ends is because both sides are partially right. It all depends on context of the argument presented, learning style, and where one lands in the hierarchy between and within levels.

In the cpod world a lesson is presented in the target language followed by explanation of important points in a language you already understand. In this case, English or a level of Chinese you have alredy mastered. This way one can pull themselves up, level by level using language they know, to learn language they dont, reinforcing what one has already learned as they go. This is not typically what happens though, the banter (discussion) is often more advanced than the lesson and includes vocabulary that is new and unfamiliar. Yes one should listen 5 maybe 10 times and try their best to understand, but if you dont know a word, you dont know it and there is no magic going to happen by playing it over and over again. It is often difficult to correctly identify initials or finals just by listening, especially if its a word you dont know. Distinguishing between a T, P, D, B, N, NG, "qiao me" or "chao me" etc can be difficult. Even if you guess right there may be several character choices. If you have a transcript to reference at this point, you learn a new word, learn a new character, reinforce your listening skill in picking out initials and finals, and breathe understanding into the explanation of the original lesson material that you were intended to have.  I find this a much better option than just walking away losing some percentage of what should be available information. The lower your skill level, the more you lose. This is the opposite of what is needed. It is also much easier to function without a transcript if you are missing 1 character out of 25 vs someone at a lower skill level that cant understand 10 or 15 out of 25.

Yes it is benefitial to transcribe audio as a learning exercise but it is also a painstaking labor intensive process highly dependent on ones level and their proficiency within their level. Is it any wonder that those that enjoy this activity the most, are the more advanced students. I would prefer to have a transcript I can reference, if and when needed, and if I am so moved, I can transcribe the discussion myself and validate the correctness of my efforts using the official version. Im not suggesting that English or even pinyin be provided, just the hanzi, thereby preserving the discussion as an additonal teaching resource. Transcribing a discussion would only take a CPOD native speaker a few minutes whereas it takes a student much longer. It can take many hours in fact. A beginner to intermediate or UI would find it very difficult.

I dont buy the fear of a crutch theory either. If someone doesnt have the motivation and self discipline, or is not inclined to use a transcript to their best advantage, why should I be punished for that?  Mandarin on your terms. I would also suspect that a visual learner is going to feel more strongly about the benefits of a provided transcript than a primarily auditory one.

I dont expect things to change so my thanks to Chris and the others that do provide transcripts. I know they are doing this primarily for their own benefit but they do also post the transcripts for the benefit (not detriment) of others. I for one, use them to my benefit.

I find it hard to understand comments that suggest its better to walk away without knowing than to use a provided transcript, and that looking something up in the dictionary is ok but looking it up by checking a transcript is a sin. Its faster, but the principle is the same. I am also confused by those that consider roll-overs a crutch but dictionaries as wonderful. A roll-over is a dictionary. Its just an efficient one. I get tired of hearing "sink or swim" from people who are already great swimmers. Our teachers should be committed to provided whatever tools that may be beneficial to any significant number of students. Dont like i,t dont use it, but even a crutch is a good thing if you have a broken leg.

Posted on: Christmas in Chinese

Oh my, here I thought it had something to do with Jeff Fenech where youse all got together and watched boxing matches. :-) As far as cricket matches go, I prefer the kind they have in China. Cricket vs Cricket. Its all good though, except the speedos that is.

Posted on: Christmas in Chinese

"It's funny about Christmas bliss - most happiest memories are from your childhood"

Now you have hit the nail. Its just hard for me to imagine that for you, Xmas is a mid-summer activity. Here everybody hopes for snow on Xmas to set the mood. My memories are of snowmen, turkeys, ham, Xmas cookies, visiting relatives and neighbors, presents, a Xmas tree and drinks by the fireplace, but mostly it was a time when everybody treated everybody else just a bit better than usual. Some watch American football on TV but I have never been much of a sports fan. Anyway its all part of the holiday season that starts with Thanksgiving and ends with New years. Boxing day is quite foreign to most Americans, I always thought it was a Canadian thing but never realized it was an official holiday. Still not quite sure what it's all about. btw- whats a tog? :-) You have a Merry Xmas. May this one and all the rest live up to your childhood memories.

Posted on: Christmas in Chinese

History of the poinsettia may surprise you

http://www.stcharleschristmas.com/poinsettia.htm

Posted on: Christmas in Chinese

阿门

Posted on: Christmas in Chinese

Your description of xmas bliss is quite foreign to me. Sounds more like a 4th of July picnic. Have you read Dickens? No mention of buying the largest lobster so they could run down to the beach and throw it on the barbie :-). I think most xmas traditions started before Hallmark or Coca-Cola.

Posted on: No Hot Water

Your suspicion is correct. In China "air conditioner" refers to a device that both heats and cools. It conditions the air.

Posted on: National Stereotypes

baba is of course trying to transliterate Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which is his ring tone btw hehe. I do like your literal interpretation much better. Always hated Mary Poppins.

Posted on: National Stereotypes

yes but everybody knows, a little vegemite behind each ear will protect you.