While many find it a revolutionary way to demystify characters, reviewers frequently note several drawbacks: Review: Remembering the Hanzi (Book 1)
: Each character is assigned a single, distinct English "key word" to serve as a mental anchor. Common Criticisms & "Gripes" Remembering Simplified Hanzi: Book 1, How Not t...
: You associate "primitive elements" (radicals or components) with a unique English keyword to create a vivid story or mental image. While many find it a revolutionary way to
: Characters are arranged by their visual components rather than frequency or utility, allowing you to build complex characters from simpler ones you've already "learned". deliberately omitting pronunciation (pinyin)
The book focuses exclusively on the of 1,500 characters, deliberately omitting pronunciation (pinyin), tones, and grammar.