Used – This new edition of “Chinese: An Essential Gramma”r is an up-to-date and concise reference guide to modern Chinese (Mandarin) grammar. Refreshingly jargon free, it presents an accessible description of the language, focusing on the real patterns of use today. This Grammar aims to serve as a reference source for the learner and user of Chinese, irrespective of level, setting out the complexities of the language in short, readable sections. It is ideal either for independent study or for s
Archive for July, 2009
New – Yuan Mei was not only the most popular poet of the 18th century Ch’ing Dynasty, but the most popular poet in the 2500-year history of classical Chinese poetry. A male feminist who dared to promote poetry by women at a time when it was suppressed, and a poet who wrote on forbidden subjects, he retired from public office in his mid-thirties and enjoyed a successful career writing for the newly-formed urban class. Deeply influenced by Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, while he does
The history of the dominant languages that the world uses has changed consistently throughout time, depending on which civilisations lead in language and culture in that age. However, speaking more than one language fluently has always given a jobseeker the competitive edge, in the market place.
The study of German has seen a huge decline in the last three years in the UK as many pupils move to learn Spanish instead. Maybe this is because so many UK home owners now have second homes in Spain, however one would like to think it could be that the Spanish speaking people currently represents a major population in the modern world. Other languages currently in vogue in business apart from English are Chinese, Japanese and Russian.
This serious and no doubt to be regretted decision on the part of the Government to make language learning an optional part of the curriculum, will impact on this country’s competitiveness in business in time. Although English will no doubt last as a leader language for the foreseeable future, especially as it is still the main language of the US (although California is now officially a Spanish speaking State.) However how will we feel when we go into a business meeting and the discussion is in French or Spanish.- could be rather uncomfortable? No English spoken. It does happen, but there is generally a business linguist present. It will happen, when there isn’t a linguist present – much of Africa is French speaking and if the representative from the UK or US does not speak the language, they will be at a distinct disadvantage.
The old adage “oh they will speak English” is not quite as true as it used to be. Face facts and recognise that there are other people in this world, who don’t speak English and “get with the programme”.
©languagejobs4u.com 2006
Jane Merrow
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/get-with-the-programme-of-learning-a-language-74947.html
Software for Home Schooling
Jul 30
Many parents feel that home schooling is the best option for imparting quality education to their children. The reasons may be different, such as the falling status of public schools or the ever-increasing costs of education at private schools.
Home schooling requires the continued involvement of the parents in the education of the child. To aid the child in home schooling and to provide the necessary guidance and support to the parents in the various activities, there are many companies that manufacture different types of Home schooling software.
Study-star
This is a program designed to help parents to organize the necessary paperwork, reports, homework and notes. It enables the parents to create self-tests using the notes. It even helps in tracking the time spent on tasks involving the homeschooling and records how much time is spent using the entire program. This data is necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of the State Government. It also helps when you spend time in designing transcripts for your child and would like to have the time spent, converted into credits. This software has been created by Able Plus Systems.
The Homeschoolers companion
This also is a program that helps to plan, organize, track and document the home school activities. It is available with Franwell Corporation.
Super Tutor Series
These are different series of homeschooling software created by Accurate Research Incorporated. There are different titles in the series, like English, Biology, Physics, Middle School and High School mathematics.
Reading memory and comprehension software
There are a number of software available, to improve the memory, reading and comprehension skills of your child. Alarice Multimedia is one such company that specializes in the production of the software.
Interactive reading and writing software
Realizing the power and need for personalized education, there has been a dedicated effort to develop computer software that would enable a varied approach to students at different levels. For example, the slow student would receive help to concentrate on reading, while the smart and faster one would be able to absorb literature. The special design of the software has been created, after taking into account the various concepts of home schooling. These include immediate child to parent feedback, since the lessons are designed to offer instant feedback, regular reinforcement of academic lessons, creation of a personalized curriculum and greater time flexibility and economy. One company that creates such software is Baggetta Ware Teacher Tech. It also offers free samples of lesson plans, software, tutorials and many related tips on their website.
Software for building fluency in facts and terms
Think Fast is a program that has been specially created to strengthen the fluency in facts and terms, in the homeschooling child. The software package is marketed by Celebration Technologies.
Educational Software
For home schooling kids in the age group of five to ten years, there are software in language arts, phonics, early learning, reading, science, social studies and geography. The software packages are available with Comp Ed, Inc.
The School express website has a number of homeschooling software packages that are available free of cost.
Foreign Language software
Specialized software in foreign languages is available for your child, while he goes through homeschooling. He can learn Spanish, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Russian and Chinese. These software packages are available with The Rosetta Stone Company.
Software for home schooling is available at many places. The cost of these home schooling software packages vary according to the type of program selected and also the company. There are certain websites that offer a number of programs that can be downloaded for free.
Kris Koonar
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/software-for-home-schooling-87755.html