Sunday, March 27, 2011

3 Recommendations for Learning Chinese

By Jason Nieder


Not a single person will say that it is easy to learn Chinese, especially when you are trying to do so as an adult. Still, it might be simpler than you think. Like most knowledge building, this particular skill needs to be built by taking it one step at a time. Learning Chinese takes patience, diligence and determination (and using the tips we're about to share).

Along with any other tools you may be using to learn Chinese, don't neglect the most simple one of all, a Chinese dictionary. You should have one or more handy dictionaries that you can take with you anywhere you go. This will be very helpful for reference, so if you're scrutinizing a book or listening to an audio program and you are blocked, you can refer to your dictionary. It may take you some time to get used to a Chinese dictionary, as you will be studying both the characters and the Pinyin (Romanized characters). The good thing about a dictionary is that it's a simple tool that you can bring wherever you go, which will encourage you to study Chinese during any free time you have during the day.

If you do take one of these trips it is better to take one with a tour that focuses on using the language (or to find a language school) because, with so many locals learning English, you'll find that most people you meet will want to practice English with you instead of letting you practice Chinese with them. Even though Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination it isn't good for practicing Chinese because most people here speak English well (it was ruled by the British for a long time) and the Chinese they use is Cantonese. If you are studying Mandarin, your best choice is to visit the mainland of China. Many people who are new to learning Chinese quickly discover that the idea of making mistakes causes them anxiety.

This can be the biggest block to picking up a new language. It is important that you learn to be okay with making mistakes or you won't ever make any progress with learning your language. If you are taking a class or get the chance to talk with someone in Chinese (who is fluent in the language) do your best and don't worry about making a mistake. In most cases, people who speak Chinese will be impressed that you are trying to speak their language, and they'll help and encourage you. If you try to wait until you are fluent in Chinese to practice saying the words out loud you are going to have to wait forever; making mistakes is part of the learning process.

With the ideas here you won't master Chinese overnight but you will be on the right track for speedy learning. With the use of many different techniques you'll have access to Chinese learning materials wherever you are. Learning any new language with the guidelines above can be not only enriching but also fascinating.




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