The Songbook alternative files link listed in recent Links emails is no longer working. For access to these files, please email D. Herrmann. I am still working on the next Links email update, which will include this change along with others.
Here is a message from the creator of CWPS:
A new version of CWPS (for Word 2000+) has been posted. Some improvements are:
- More extensive Mandarin and Cantonese dictionaries.
- Improved flashcards with 10 levels of difficulty.
- Easier installation.
- Improved dictionary searches.
- Built-in help file.
- Improved support for different Cantonese romanization schemes.
- Improved text conversion options to add pinyin and/or English to Chinese characters.
The installation password is unchanged. Existing usernames and passwords will continue to work with the new version.
Here is a message from the one who produced the pinyin songbook:
A revised version of the pinyin songbook is now available on the Publications (Mandarin) page. There is also a page showing corrections that can be made manually to earlier versions to save reprinting the whole book. A few corrections have also been made to tones and Chinese characters but these do not appear in the list of corrections as they will not affect the way the songs are sung.
The Mandarin audio file for the presentation for the Apr. 2007 g from the Apr. 2007 km has been posted to the km Presentations Audio Files page.
[UPDATE 2008-09-01: Input for this poll is no longer required. Thank you for your participation.]
A question has arisen regarding how fast to set the computer voice used to create the NWT audio files. So far, these files have been created with a slower-than-normal speed setting of 250 points below the default. The default speed is that with which a China national would speak. The slower speed makes it easier to follow the pace of the voice, but the faster default speed results in a smoother reading.
If you would like to provide input regarding which speed you find to be best to help you learn Mandarin pronunciation, please download this zip file containing sample files recorded at different speed settings, compare them, and tell me your preference using the poll below:
sloworsmooth.zip
(The password is the same as the one for the NWT audio files.)
Note: This poll requires Javascript to work. Most modern browsers have this enabled by default.
Adam & Rebekah McBeath, from Victoria, BC, Canada, are currently serving where the need is greater in the Chinese field in Trinidad. They share their experiences with us on their blog, McBeaths in Trinidad, at:
http://trinidadorbust.blogspot.com/
Fine experiences especially abound in the most recent posts—they are about the very successful Chinese Memorial meeting they just had, which was attended by 103, including 63 Chinese.
Do you know of any other blogs published by those serving in the Chinese field? If so, please let me know. Also, remember, whether you are publishing a blog or reading one, always exercise appropriate discretion.
Update: If you are interested in reading the McBeaths in Trinidad blog, email me and I will forward your request to Adam, who must arrange for access.