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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSkritter fills a niche for me by focusing exclusively on reading and writing. Some longer words and multiple definitions are given, but the focus is on building fluency with characters, not grammar or usage. Spaced repetition is used to practice characters already learned, meaning those already mastered are reviewed only occasionally to maintain knowledge, while newer or poorly remembered characters are practiced more often to build mastery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I find the mobile context is ideal for this kind of application. The learn and review stages are short enough (and can be varied in length) that it is a way to make use of otherwise dead time (waiting in a doctor\u2019s office for example). The touch screen input is used to practice \u201cdrawing\u201d characters, giving a feel for the stroke direction, size, location and order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As much as I like Skritter, there are some caveats. First, it admittedly doesn\u2019t do everything that a language learner would need, so it is likely part of a suite of tools one would use. That\u2019s fine, but with a $100 annual subscription for this app alone, that may put some people off. There are also limited references available: more definitions, example sentences, etc. would make it a more robust literacy tool. Finally, drawing characters with a fingertip is not the same as drawing them with a pen. For me this is fine since my objectives are to be able to read Mandarin but primarily write using technology. But for someone who wanted total native level fluency and writing ability, it\u2019s probably too superficial.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of my long-term projects is learning Mandarin. An element of the language that many people find intimidating is the writing system, in that is…<\/p>\n