Understanding Chinese Characters - An introduction for newbies

Last time we discussed the basic linguistic characteristics of spoken Mandarin. This time we'll talk about reading and writing Chinese characters.

I would like this to be more interactive than last time, so please bring paper and writing tools to practice as we go along.

After discussing the nature of characters, we'll practice writing some simple characters.

If you like, you can print out a character practice grid, like this one:

http://mandarinposter.com/wp-content/downloads/paper/drills_us_letter.png

or you can simply use regular paper.

Topics will include:

Stroke order and basic components Radicals Meaning and sound within characters Learning characters by creating stories

Please watch these videos before the meetup. They'll help give you a basic understanding of characters in a fun way. We'll go over this stuff again briefly, before we practice writing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0h18Rdhb44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udlCJGQZkwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-qRr_lXps0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VhOCX5WLpw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4bwDfO2h28

Also, I'll be preparing a pdf, similar to the last one, that contains some basic information about reading and writing Mandarin.

If you have any feedback about the last meetup, suggestions for the next one, or you want to host a meetup of your own, please send me an email.

Thanks,

Jesse