What methods should I add to study Chinese more efficiently?

[crazillo]

Hey,

I have been studying Chinese since October 2008 (at University), now I am studying at Beida until August. I'm not so sure what HSK level I am at, but I guess I am somewhere around 'not-verylow-intermediate' ? I want to make the most of my time here, so please help me:

Right now my studies consist of:

- 20 lessons per week (6 课文, 4 口语，2 语法，4 经济，4 古汉)

- meeting up with my language partner 1-2 twice a week

- got some more Chinese contacts, so I try to sneak in a third meeting with someone

- We have 1-2 听写 in 课文 every week so I focus on these words mostly, although I feel the 口语 and 经济 vocabulary would be more useful sometimes...

- trying to chat with some Chinese friends in the evening

What can I add? I've heard of Chinese pod but never tried. Is it worth the money? Also, I sometimes got trouble revising words 'cuz it's just too many of them. I try to face this problem buy studying the ones I consider important more carefully.

I was thinking about reading newspapers but I'm not sure if my level is sufficient for this. Normal conversations work for me now, but when it comes down to special topics I often don't know how to express myself correctly.

Anyone who can recommand something useful to me?

One last question: how do you organize talking to your language partners? Do you do free talks (1 h Chinese, 1 h English), or prepare topics (like small 报告) or do you speak Chinese only and he speaks English only or do you try to build a conversation around 生词 to memorize them better? Would love to hear your experiences on this matter.

German Greetings from Beijing,

Sascha :-)

[Sarevok]

If facing a problem of too many new words, using a SRS might help - a lot has been posted about this method here on CF (including comparison of various SRS software, some strategies etc.), so just search around...

Chinesepod is good as a supplementing listening material for your studies, they have 1-week free trial, you can sign up for that and see for yourself whether it suits you or not. Other than that, there are also many free podcasts like Slow Chinese or CSLPod. Although they might not have the "fun factor" of Chinesepod, they still serve their purpose as a material for listening practice and expanding vocabulary (often focused on special topics, so you can choose the lessons according to your interests).

You should also take a look at our Grand First Episode Project, we already have around 70 series covered (and sorted nicely by captain renzhe). And it's free

Good luck with your studies!

[wrbt]

Also = imandarinpod.com

[xiaotao]

I am no expert but I think daily short reading and writing material suited your level and interest is very helpful. I have found Aesop fables in Chinese are short enough to read through, translate with the help of MDBG, and write out. I like that Aesop fables has lots of practical words in a short humerous story. I have a book that has several hundreds of fables, enough to last a few years.

[deathtrap]

Do you happen to know where I could find some of Aesops fables in Chinese Mandarin online? (not a physical book) , I searched wikibooks and google using the term 伊索 but since I can't understand much Mandarin yet I couldn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks very much.

[xiaotao]

deathtrap,

I don't know where aesop fables would be online for free viewing. I bought these books at my local chinatown. I have seen aesop fables by different publishers but to me these are the most suitable for my family. This is the book that I have:

http://shopping.windmill.com.tw/bookcomment-2.aspx?BOKNO=10155366

This set has a total of 356 fables!!

[crazillo]

thanx guys, i appreciate your help a lot. i really love cls pod, i think they do an almost perfect job, something available for everyone!

funny enough, i have a friend here in beijing who is very good friends with the creator of "slow chinese". i had just left him a comment the other day, then i met up with my friends yesterday, cooked together and found out that they are friends! 世界非常小！