Enhancing Learning

Exploiting cognition through Semantic Knowledge Management and writing practices

Semantic Knowledge Management for Enhancing Learning - Categories of a personal terminology database

Terminology databases in language learning

Vocabulary acquisition is a succes key in language learning The rapid acquisition of vocabulary has always been paramount in language learning. In fact, the number of words a language learner master in a foreign language indicates her/his level of language competence. Different learning techniques and approaches have been developed throughout the centuries to enable efficient…

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Homophones

Homophones in Chinese

Chinese has a high number of homophones. This means many words in Chinese have the same or a very similar pronunciation. For example: chéng jì [成绩 ] (result, achievement, success) or chéng jì [承继] (to inherit), with exactly the same tones; guǎn lǐ [管理 ](supervise), guàn lì [惯例] (attend a ritual), guān lǐ [观礼] (officer). Learners…

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Set expressions of four characters 成语

As a child in Italy teachers forbid us to use proverbs. People without critical thinking would use proverbs.  It is a pity, because as all languages also Italian has meaningful proverbs. Chinese pupils, on the contrary, are forced to learn proverbs. The use of proverbs is considered the highest expression of eloquence and wit. I…

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Choosing a language school: instructions

Please note that some language learning books of Chinese publishers sometimes lack of good grammar explanations. 请注意,中国的一些中文图书出版商有时缺乏良好的语法解释。 Enquire about the teacher’s academic degree 关于教师的学历查询。 Language teaching is a complex activity which requires, language knowledge, knowledge of teaching methods, cognition science and psychology. 语言教学是一项复杂的活动,需要,语言知识,教学方法,认知科学和心理学知识。 Enquire about the placement method and ask for the warranty that you…

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Chádào: The Chinese art of brewing tea

Chádào 茶道 is the art of making tea. The making and drinking of tea which shows good manners, personality, taste, and aesthetic understanding, and which began in the Tang dynasty, became popular in the Song-Ming period, and was introduced into Japan and Korea, where it developed into local forms. Explanation from nciku. Brewing tea. Gongfu Tea ceremony….

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Shanghai Tea Markets

There are many tea markets in Shanghai. A couple of places which I have visited and I could recommend are the Tea Palast in 516 Zhong Shan Xi Lu , Puxi (天山茶店,中山西路516号, 铺西), crossing Changning Lu 长宁路 and RiXiangCha (日春茶业in 537-539 Yuntai Lu, Pudong, near the T-Junction Dezhou Rd-Yuntai Rd, Tel: 58835519. The Tea Palast is a five-floors building situated next…

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My "What to buy in Shanghai" list

Red lanterns, a lot of red lanterns… (from about 10 Yuan per piece); where: Yuyuan, fake markets a red qipao (woman dress in vogue in Shanghai during the 20ies)… (from 200 Yuan); where: cheap tailors market Yixing tea pots (from 300 Yuan); where: Yixing set for the preparation of tea (water boiler and cups warmer); where:…

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