Shi Zi 1: Learn Chinese Characters (Simplified & Traditional Chinese) 识字基础（简繁体）
- App Store Info
DescriptionMost Chinese characters consist of components that represent physical things. This app uses animations to teach 88 Chinese characters that are components in many other Chinese characters. Mastering these characters will provide a good foundation for Chinese language learners. We developed 3 apps to teach a total of 264 characters. This is the first app.
SHI ZI FEATURES:
√ Animations help learners memorize the characters by making a connection between the shapes of physical objects and the characters that they represent.
√ Related characters are grouped into manageable sets of 6 to 11 characters. Each set takes a few minutes to learn. Frequent practice improves memorization.
√ For each set of characters, learners view a description of how a character represents a physical object and then are tested to assess their learning of the meaning and pronunciation of each character.
√ For each character, learners may record their own pronunciation and then compare it with the correct pronunciation.
√ Learners are awarded an image of a Chinese artifact or work of art after correctly completing the test for a set of characters. Awards are given to encourage the learner to revisit the set and retake the test several times in order to master the characters.
√ The learners choose a Peking Opera character to represent themselves.
√ Learners and parents may keep track of the number of times a test is taken for each set of characters.
√ Learners may choose either English or Chinese versions of the audio instructions so non-readers can use the app.
√ This app introduces learners to Chinese culture, arts and aesthetics. The background images, graphics used in animations, user icons, and rewards are all Chinese artworks.
√ Shi Zi supports multiple players.
√ Learners may choose simplified or traditional Chinese when the iPad language setting is set to English.
*** Important ***
iPod Touch owners without a built-in microphone: You will be unable to use the record feature unless your earphones have a microphone.
HOW TO USE SHI ZI
One the most challenging aspects of studying Chinese is to learn Chinese characters because they are not alphabetical and there are thousands to be memorized. The following are some tips for learning Chinese characters using this primer.
√ Chinese characters are not patternless scribbles. Understanding how Chinese characters evolved may make it easier to memorize the characters. For each character in the app, watch the animation and observe the similarities and differences between the shapes of physical objects and the characters that represent the objects to help remember the character.
√ Revisiting each set and retaking tests may help improve long-term memory. For each new set of characters, study the animations and take the test for the set. Keep taking the test until the learner reaches the perfect score for that set. Wait for a day or two to review and retake the test. Increasingly space out the study session for that set as the learner passes the test a few times.