Westport has long been a strong advocate of providing students the opportunity to learn a second language. The acquisition of skills and cultural understanding are significantly improved through long, uninterrupted sequences of the study of the second language. A language learner’s proficiency level is a progression of that learner’s ability to perform in the target language in the five skill areas of: listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Language teaching has undergone a shift, over time, from a mental discipline of rote learning and translation to the practical emphasis on using language to better understand our world neighbors and transact business in an ever-growing global marketplace. Listening and speaking are again the primary modes of learning and assessment. Writing is increased using memorized material and forming simple sentences or questions. Working towards accuracy of expression continues and some formal grammar is presented.

Mandarin Chinese

Martha Murray, WL-Mandarin mmurray@westportps.org

Hong Chen, WL-Mandarin hchen@westportps.org

Summer to do list:

1. Set up your home computer so that you can input Chinese characters by typing Pinyin;
2. Review and use what you have learned so far so that you don’t forget all.

A few links to help you learn Chinese:

1. http://www.fluentu.com/
2. https://quizlet.com/
3. https://getkahoot.com/
4. https://chinesepod.com/
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwJooS34KpM

11 Tips for Mastering a New Language This Summer

• http://mentalfloss.com/article/64425/11-tips-mastering-new-language-summer

download sheet

Pinyin （拼音）

1. http://pinyin.quickmandarin.com (Pinyin table)
2. http://kidschinesepodcast.com/learn-pinyin/ (Kids Chinese Podcast) ***
3. http://pinyinjoe.com/ (Chinese/Pinyin related software)

Dictionary （字典）

1. http://www.archchinese.com/ (dictionary, flashcards)
2. http://www.nciku.com (dictionary)
3. http://www.yellowbridge.com (dictionary, flashcards)
4. http://www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php (dictionary and other learning tools)
5. http://www.dict.cn (Chinese online dictionary) ***

Online learning resources （网上学习资源）

1. http://howdoilearnchinese.com/ (How do I learn Mandarin)
2. http://www.ChineseClass101.com (online Chinese lessons)
3. www.ChineseNames.org (Chinese names)
4. http://www.languageguide.org/mandarin/vocabulary/ (vocabulary pronunciation)
5. www.trainchinese.com (word lists and flashcards, free application download for iPad/iPhone)
6. http://www.mandarinclickbyclick.com (online lessons on a variety of subjects related to daily life and culture in China)
7. http://www.pronunciator.com/ (free vocabulary and grammar lessons)
8. http://www.chinapictures.org/ (a free picture site featuring pictures throughout China)
9. http://www.fluentu.com/ (language learning site) ***
10. readchinese.nflc.org (online e-learning reading lessons) ***
11. https://www.tmall.com/wow/chaoshi/act/academy (Shopping and leaning site) ***
12. http://www.chinesecio.com/ (Confucius Institute online) ***

Cultural Organizations and Museums (文化组织和博物馆)

1. http://www.mocanyc.org (Museum of Chinese in America – Offers a variety of cultural events and exhibits for young people)
2. http://explorechinatown.com/ (Provides information on cultural events and places to visit in Chinatown)
3. http://www.china360online.org/ (China Institute – located in NYC.
4. http://asiasociety.org/new-york