Frequent Q & A
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- Traditional characters vs. Simplified characters
- When teaching in Chinese, we take the stance of using traditional Chinese characters. Chinese characters mostly originate from graphics, and in some cases you could tell the meaning of the words by their shapes. Simplified characters sacrifice much of it on this level of connotation. Strictly speaking, simplified characters contain only several thousands of words, far from enough to cover the whole Chinese characters. All ancient classic Chinese literatures were written in traditional characters. If you are learning Chinese only as a language tool, it is all right just to learn simplified characters. However, if you are extending your interest to classic literature level, traditional character is highly recommended. Basically speaking, it is easier to comprehend simplified forms with the knowledge of traditional forms, but not vice versa. In Rockland Chinese School, we mainly teach traditional characters, however, we also offer simplified characters to those who??d need it.
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- Which is the better way for learning mandarin pronunciation, Han Yu Pin-Yin or phonetic symbols?
- At the first look, it may seem that Pin-Yin is easier than phonetic symbols simply because of the former uses of the already known English alphabets. However, confusion arises when one starts to pronounce different sounds through the already familiar alphabets. This is particularly true for children whose brains have been imprinted by a system and yet having to cope with an incoming new system and trying to correct their old memories. This is probably why Pin-Yin seems to be inferior to phonetic symbols when it comes to correct and authentic pronunciation. However, familiarity usually gives us a sense of security, even though it might be an illusion. Today, Pin-Yin is the mainstream for foreigners to learn Chinese pronunciation. In Rockland Chinese School we will take Pin-Yin as the main while phonetic symbols as the accessory.