SEO in countries which don’t use Latin script
Since 2009, Google has been the leading search engine in most countries in the world. This means that, on a global scale, whatever Google says about SEO goes. But the big exceptions to this rule are...
View ArticleChinese: simplified or traditional?
We are often asked what the difference is between Traditional and Simplified Chinese and when each should be used. The short answer is: use Simplified for mainland China (PRC) and Singapore, and use...
View ArticleShould you translate into your native language?
Some people will wonder why I have asked this question. Isn’t it pretty much given that translations should always be done by native speakers translating into their own language? Yes, but… The orthodox...
View ArticleManifold Chinese
I’m often asked what I mean when I refer to the Chinese language. Which Chinese? Do you mean Mandarin?, they say. Well, yes, the standard language of the People’s Republic of China is what has been...
View ArticleMusic and tone languages
Most people are probably familiar with the basics of tone languages, and Mandarin Chinese is the usual example. Briefly, such languages use pitch to contrast vowels (including diphthongs and...
View ArticleChinese – one language or many?
I’m often asked what I mean when I refer to the Chinese language. Which Chinese? Do you mean Mandarin?, they say. Well, yes, the standard language of the People’s Republic of China is what has been...
View ArticleTone, languages and music part 1
Most people are probably familiar with the basics of tone languages, and Mandarin Chinese is the usual example. Briefly, such languages use pitch to contrast vowels (including diphthongs and...
View ArticleTone, languages and music part 2
Part 2 Some common misconceptions: Singing in Chinese must be impossible because you use important phonetic information contained in the tones. Partly TRUE; sung Chinese has to rely on other contextual...
View ArticleTraditional or Simplified Chinese?
When to use traditional versus simplified Chinese: I'm often asked what the difference is between Traditional and Simplified Chinese and when each should be used. The short answer is: use Simplified...
View ArticleTips for translating Chinese
Tips to keep in mind when translating Chinese: Historically, Chinese was written either vertically, from top to bottom and right to left, or horizontally, from right to left, but for many years now the...
View ArticleTone, languages and music part 1
Most people are probably familiar with the basics of tone languages, and Mandarin Chinese is the usual example. Briefly, such languages use pitch to contrast vowels (including diphthongs and...
View ArticleTraditional or Simplified Chinese?
When to use traditional versus simplified Chinese: I’m often asked what the difference is between Traditional and Simplified Chinese and when each should be used. The short answer is: use Simplified...
View ArticleTips for translating Chinese
Tips to keep in mind when translating Chinese: Historically, Chinese was written either vertically, from top to bottom and right to left, or horizontally, from right to left, but for many years now the...
View ArticleVisiting China? Learn the basics!
Chinese is considered by most westerners to be one of the most difficult languages to learn. Certainly the pronunciation and intonation can be challenging… and let’s not even consider the immense...
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Top five language learning questions answered
Learning a new language can seem like a difficult task. But when you go through the process you will enjoy the rewarding experiences that a new language will offer you. However, next time you come...
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Gender in language
Gender in language – A mysterious thing For most native English speakers, gender in language is a mysterious thing. Why is an inanimate object like a chair feminine in Italian but masculine in...
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Traditional or Simplified Chinese?
Traditional or Simplified Chinese? We are often asked to explain the difference between Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and when each should be used. Mostly, clients want to know which is the most...
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We are Family! Language Families
Language Families Linguists classify languages into different groups to study them more effectively. Grouping languages together allows us to study their common features, how they function, as well as...
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