>OPEN SOURCE TRANSLATION

The “Travels of Marco Polo” depicts the great adventurers 24-year and 24,000-kilometer journey through Asia, and gave Europeans their first glimpse into the exotic inner workings of the Far East. The Marco Polo Project, founded in 2011, is an apt name for an online translation website with similar ambitions. In the words of its founder, Julien Leyre, its mission is to “improve cultural and linguistic understanding between China and the World”—but this time using social media. Join other amateur translators to decipher Chinese texts on topics ranging from family relations to alternative arts and culture. The site employs a wiki-style open-edit system that encourages a translator free-for-all. Or, if youre eager to read a Chinese text thats yet to be translated, you can even submit your own suggestions to the site. Check it out at marcopologroject.org– JIM NORTON

>LIGHTS, CAMERA, MANDARIN ACTION!

The Internet is chockablock with Chinese learning blogs, but FluentFlix offers that little bit extra. It transcribes popular online videos from across the Web and adds Chinese subtitles with pinyin and English definitions. The interactive and innovative approach lets you watch current videos and learn the language of contemporary China, rather than rely on the fusty language typical in textbooks. It caters for all levels and has a range of topics—from science and tech to traditional culture—and includes other novel features such as a vocabulary manager and a range of quizzes. Unfortunately for those eager to give it a go, the designers are still perfecting it, but reviews of the beta version so far have been positive. Soon there will be no more need to feel guilty of neglecting your Chinese language studies while procrastinating and watching your favorite shows—youll be able to do both at the same time! – J.N

>THE CRAY WAY TO LEARN SLANG

Its not always easy to acquire slang, the final aspect of fluency. The solution:

Jessica Beineckes fresh and engaging OMG! Meiyu (OMG美语), which is totes an excellent way for eager Chinese students to learn useful American English. Appealing to a young audience with a thirst for Americanisms, Beinecke has secured a “cray” (crazy 疯狂 f8ngku1ng) fan club with her short webcasts on YouKu and other Chinese online forums. Followers send in suggestions, resulting in unconventional lessons performed with a mix of English and Chinese, including one drool-smeared video on “Yucky Gunk,” which basically refers to any fluids that emanate from your face. The linguistic exchange goes both ways as her students correct her (few) mistakes and add phrases and even tongue twisters in Chinese, as well as translations of Americas vibrant slang culture. Bai Jies (Beineckes Chinese name) linguistic ability is full of“swag” (有范儿 y6u f3nr), making her the perfect video host for you to elevate your slang game. – MARIE CAHALANE