Chinese Grammar Wiki vs. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Chinese Grammar Wiki
This was my go-to page at the early stages of learning Mandarin. Chinese Grammar Wiki has an articles of each of the main aspects of Chinese grammar. For example, there are articles on how to use 一下, 在, 要, 就是, 才and many other Mandarin grammar points. Each word gets its own article with examples in pinyin and characters and, of course, English translations. You can also get website as a physical book or an ebook.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is Trevor Noah’s autobiography, published in 2016. It tells the story of his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The title comes from the fact that his birth—he had a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father—was literally considered a crime under apartheid laws that banned interracial relationships at the time. The book is a mix of humor and tough truths. Much of it focuses on Trevor’s relationship with his mother, Patricia, who plays a huge role in his life. She’s portrayed as tough, religious, and fiercely independent—someone who dragged him to multiple church services every week, even during times of violence and unrest. Her strong influence shapes his character, often through strict discipline and sharp lessons about right and wrong. Trevor shares stories from his childhood that range from funny to intense. There’s a scene where his mother throws him out of a moving minibus to save him f...

Reviews
Reviews
Reviewed on 2/25/2025
I'm a sucker for audiobooks read by the author and this is one of them. Trevor Noah is a skilled comedian and his stories of his growing up in South Africa are genuinely hilarious. It's like listening to a book-length stand up show.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chinese Grammar Wiki is specifically designed for learning Mandarin, providing detailed articles on various grammar points with examples in pinyin, characters, and English translations. In contrast, 'Born a Crime' is an audiobook that offers entertaining stories from Trevor Noah's life in South Africa, but it is not focused on language learning. Therefore, if your goal is to learn Mandarin grammar, Chinese Grammar Wiki is the better resource.
'Born a Crime' provides cultural insights and personal anecdotes that can enhance understanding of South African history and society, which may be valuable for broader educational purposes. However, it does not provide language instruction or grammar lessons like Chinese Grammar Wiki does. If your primary interest is in learning Mandarin, Chinese Grammar Wiki is more educationally relevant, while 'Born a Crime' offers entertainment and cultural context.
The audiobook format of 'Born a Crime,' read by Trevor Noah himself, can be more engaging for those who enjoy storytelling and humor, making it feel like a stand-up comedy show. In contrast, Chinese Grammar Wiki is a text-based resource that may not provide the same level of engagement for auditory learners. The choice between the two depends on personal preference for learning style—whether you prefer listening to stories or reading structured grammar lessons.
Chinese Grammar Wiki is a comprehensive resource for learning Mandarin grammar. It features articles on various aspects of Chinese grammar, including how to use specific words like 一下, 在, 要, 就是, 才, and many others. Each article includes examples in pinyin, characters, and English translations. The website content is also available as a physical book or an ebook.
The main features of Chinese Grammar Wiki include detailed articles on different Mandarin grammar points, examples provided in pinyin, characters, and English translations, and availability as both a physical book and an ebook. It serves as a go-to resource for learners at various stages of their Mandarin learning journey.
Yes, you can get Chinese Grammar Wiki as a physical book or an ebook. This makes it convenient for learners who prefer offline studying or need a portable reference.
'Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood' is Trevor Noah’s autobiography that recounts his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The book explores themes of race, identity, and resilience, focusing on his relationship with his mother and the challenges they faced due to the apartheid laws that deemed his very existence a crime.
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, and political commentator, best known for hosting 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central. He gained international fame for his insightful and humorous takes on current events, and his autobiography 'Born a Crime' has been widely praised for its storytelling and humor.
Pros of 'Born a Crime' include that it is read by Trevor Noah himself, making it an engaging audiobook experience. Many listeners find it funny and appreciate its easy listening quality. There are currently no cons listed for the book.
'Born a Crime' has an engaging and warm ambiance, as Trevor Noah uses humor to navigate serious topics. His storytelling style creates a relatable and entertaining atmosphere, making listeners feel as though they are part of his journey.
Readers have praised 'Born a Crime' for its humor and authenticity. Many enjoy listening to the audiobook version, especially since it is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, which adds a personal touch to the stories he shares about his childhood in South Africa.