Mandarin Chinese Workflow

Per-Word Encoding Workflow

1. Pick target word from your current source list.
2. Identify the first character’s radical.
3. Use that radical locus as the word anchor.
4. Add sound-alike cue for pinyin at that locus.
5. Add tone marker and meaning image in the same scene.
6. Add component breakdown notes for each character.
7. Recall immediately without looking.

Session Structure (30 min)

• 5 min: review previous loci
• 20 min: encode 5 new words
• 5 min: full walk and test

Lookup Stack

1. MDBG: quick radical/component lookup per word.
2. Written Chinese (or another dictionary): cross-check when breakdowns conflict.
3. ArchChinese: radical study and reference ordering.

PA + Radical Example

One thread-based pattern (Lynne Kelly style):

• initial -> person/creature (d -> dragon)
• final -> action (-ian -> magician/magic action)
• tone -> action direction (for example, 4th tone = downward)

Example: 电 (diàn) can be encoded as a dragon doing magic and firing electricity downward at the radical anchor locus.

Mullen Variant (Initial/Final/Tone Grid)

Alex Mullen’s Part 1 model uses:

• initial -> preset person/character
• final -> preset location
• tone -> sub-area within that location

Reference: Learning Chinese with Memory Techniques, Part 1

Mullen Part 2 (Compound Words + Practical Refinements)

Part 2 adds practical usage rules:

• expand tone zones into larger spatial paths when tiny fixed spots feel cramped
• encode only what needs encoding (skip already-solid words)
• use Anki reviews to stabilize recall, then retire mnemonics as words become automatic

Compound-word handling:

1. Method 1: encode each syllable fully (better component transfer, slower).
2. Method 2: encode one syllable fully and attach a compact cue for the other (faster default).

Reference: How to Use Memory Palaces to Learn Chinese: Part 2

Gorodish Variant (Marilyn Method)

Serge Gorodish’s original architecture uses:

• initial -> person
• final -> location
• tone -> fixed sub-location inside that location

Reference: Mnemonics for Pronouncing Chinese Characters (the Marilyn Method)

Related Technique

PAO System

Historical Sources

End-of-Session Check

• Can you recall all new meanings?
• Can you state each tone confidently?
• Can you name the anchor radical for each word?
• Which scenes feel weak or vague?

If weak, rebuild the scene immediately with stronger imagery.