Often times the new year comes with lots of self-reflection, the desire to do more, and to be greater. Once the ball drops and we start scratching out 2013 to write 2014 in our checkbooks …
Skritter for Android–Alpha Preview
If you’ve wanted to use Skritter on your Android device since time immemorial, then rejoice, for your wait ends today! An open-source, HTML5-based, Android-compatible Skritter client has just opened its doors for alpha testing. Read …
(Even More) Expressions in Japanese ③
I’m not sure if it’s a heightened awareness due to studying Japanese closely that makes me feel like there are a ridiculous number of expressions versus nonchalantly learning English and gradually picking them up my …
Bridging the gap to real Chinese
Last week I had the honor of being one of the guests featured on Hacking Chinese for the sites first “Expert Panel” article. If you’ve never heard of Hacking Chinese, please do yourself a favor …
(More) Expressions in Japanese ②
Learning idioms is a great way to not only improve ability, but also gain understanding of the way a language’s mindset works. Here are some more expressions in Japanese leaving off from last post. 空気を読めない（くうきをよめない） …
Japanese Expressions ①
I imagine English learners come across phrases like “You’re pulling my leg, right?” or “Don’t let the cat out of the bag,” that might not make sense unless explained first. Japanese (as I assume every …
5 Quick Tips for Chinese 101 Students
Hello and welcome to another installment of the Skritter blog. This week I wanted to share five quick and easy tips that beginners can use to make the most out of the first few months …
Introducing the Skritter API!
Learning is a very personal experience. There are many methods, approaches and strategies for getting stuff into your brain and keeping it there, and their effectivenesses vary from person to person. When we set out …
Wabi-sabi: 侘び寂び
Wabi-sabi 侘び寂び（わびさび）is embracing the beauty found in simplicity, and things that are sometimes flawed, damaged, or incomplete. It’s an aesthetic philosophy originally derived from Zen Buddhism. The concept of 侘び寂び is said to be difficult …
Dear Skritter: 2013/09/10
Welcome to the weekly Skritter blog! This week we’ll be kicking off our “Dear Skritter” column and looking into questions readers like you have about learning Mandarin and Japanese. I’m sorry to say this, but …