A few weeks ago we put out a question to the Facebook page asking if users would be interested in a monthly column that responded to reader questions about Chinese and Japanese. Many replied with …
Using Time Tracking With Language Studies
There is something truly wonderful about being able to track stats and progress during the language learning process. In fact, this was one of the things that originally drew me to studying online with Skritter …
Matsuri: Japanese Festivals
When reading Japanese stories or watching T.V. shows (or living in Japan!) I’m sure you have noticed that there seems to be a lot of festivals （祭り（まつり）） that take place in various prefectures. The reason …
The Legend of Meng Tian
Legend claims that while Meng Tian (A general from the Qin era ~210 BC) was garrisoned in the northern boarder regions of the great Qin empire, he took great issue with his inability to send …
Open Course Lectures and Finding Material Relevant to One’s Interests
I’m a firm believer in making language learning as fun, interesting, and engaging as possible. There is almost nothing better for one’s motivation than content that meets those needs. While movies, comics, novels etc. are fun, …
Skritter Guys On The Road
I’m getting married in a week, so George, Scott, and I will be out of touch starting tomorrow as we head for the mountains for some bachelor hiking. Jeremy, Evan, and Jake will be here …
梅雨： Rainy Season in Japan
Rainy season began this month for most of Japan, known as 梅雨 or “tsuyu”. The two kanji selected to make this word should give a visual: the first character meaning “plum” usually pronounced “うめ”, (I …
Read More or Die: Join the Challenge Today!
With 30+ degree weather here in Taiwan (that’s 90+ for those using Fahrenheit) it would appear that summer is finally here. For lots of Skritter users that means classes are over and the next exam …
Culture Corner: 世间无难事，只要有心人
Learning is a lifelong process of discovery, exploration, and ever expanding knowledge. Learning something new oftentimes has more to do with one’s attitude and determination than one’s inherent ability… although a little of that never …
Honest Enjoyment of a Chinese Novel
“Humans don’t know what makes us happy”… or at least that is the way Nick Winter (Skritter co-founder) opens the section On Happiness in his new book The Motivation Hacker. He goes on to explain, with …