Learn to speak Chinese today
Besides moving to and living in China, what's the most practical, fastest, and easiest way to learn the basics of the (Mandarin) chinese language? I am not trying to master the language but rather be able to communicate day-to-day living phrases. Can anyone recommend any websites, products, schools ? Serious responses please.
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I wouldn’t use translation programs like Babelfish that pretend they know the language. They don’t work, and they don’t help you.
I’m studying Arabic and I’m Chinese-born and raised in the US so I’m also trying to make my Chinese more fluent. And my mother’s a language teacher so I’ve got a few tips.
I lived in China for a while and not only was I surrounded by Europeans (only way to communicate was through English) but also all of my Chinese friends were kind of using me as English practice…so in the end, I very rarely spoke Chinese. So living in China doesn’t help unless you get a job, go to school in Chinese, or get acquainted with non-English speaking Chinese people.
I have no idea what your level is so here are tips to satisfy all.
1. I usually review vocabulary and grammar right before I go to sleep and right after I wake up (like, looking at a textbook while I eat breakfast or brush my teeth). It really works (for any subject).
2. Repetition. Keep looking at the book :/.
3. Listening to things in that language. For example, I listen to Arabic and Chinese music and I watch Chinese television shows and as much Arab ones as I can. Even though I don’t understand the Arabic songs at all (except for the ocassional word), it gets me used to the language.
I know there are a few Chinese television shows that teach Chinese that’s geared towards English-speakers. Maybe you could find those.
I installed CCTV cable. It’s quite cheap compared to regular American cable. I try to watch the news in Chinese, it’s the ultimate challenge because the anchors talk extremely fast.
TV shows are good for day-to-day living phrases, unless you watch a historical or weird sci-fi show.
4. Labelling. I label things I’ve learned in Arabic (bookself, bathroom, table, etc.). I first start off with the romanization and then once I get that down, I move on to actual Arabic script.
5. Make new Chinese-speaking friends
. And speak to them of course! Plus, it also gets you a little closer to the culture. Aaand who can say no to more friends?
I signed up for an account on cyworld.com (the Chinese branch). It’s like MySpace but in Chinese and much more amusing. I just randomly befriend people and write to them in Chinese.
6. Children’s books. Find children’s books with really basic Korean and read them. It’s definitely far better to enjoy reading something. It also gets you more exposed to the culture. Children’s books are definitely really interesting to analyze. And it gets you in touch with your inner child ^_^!
7. If you’ve achieved a certain level, try to find good translations of your favorite books. For me, I’ve found a really great translation of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in Chinese. It’s a great way to learn and getting through an entire chapter feels like a huge accomplishment. Plus, it makes understanding a little bit easier because you’ll know the story already. Helps with getting used to the grammar, etc.
8. I respond to my mother and close friends in Arabic when I can even though they don’t understand a word.
I hope that helped!!
It really depends on your learning style. If you are just trying to learn some basics of the language and not the writing, I would recommend audio tapes/CDs. There are many out there, look on Amazon.com. I have not found one to be better than the other. But, practicing the language is what helps you learn it. If you know someone that speaks the language, I would practice with him/her, so he/she can help you with the different tones and pronunciations in the Chinese language…which is the hardest thing to adapt to if English is your first language.
Where about are you? Do you have any Chinese friend? Or friends’ friends are Chinese?
I am Chinese and all my family members are Chinese (and we live in Ontario, Canada). A lot of us are involved in teaching Chinese to neighbours, co-workers, and friends. Whenever we were asked if we could provide instructions to people who want to learn Chinese, we usually accept the invitation. So it doesn’t hurt to ask around yourself and see if someone can help.
Sometimes, which I think is a great idea, you can do a language exchange with a newly arrived Chinese person who needs help on English. If you do language exchange with a Chinese person for a couple of hours every day, it’s almost like moving to and living in China. Don’t you think? I have relatives who’s done it when they first arrived Canada. They found it very efficient in terms of learning English and their partners felt the same about learning Chinese. Though, in the exchange, it’s more spoken than written… so you won’t learn much about writing Chinese, but just speaking it….
I recomend a product called Babelfish for learning chinese. Also Pimsleur learning products are good too.
Both are kind of expensive, though. But well worth the price.
I suggest you visit http://dictionary.jongo.com to learn Chinese.
If you have any China related questions you also can ask at http://ask.jongo.com to get serious answers.
the website is a real friend when you are in China. wish you all the best in China.
watch Chinese movies and listen to Chinese songs,these are the best and fast ways to learn the language.when I started to learn the foreign language I tried every way and this is what I have learned,now I impart it to you
Learn the phonetics system. It’s in English and makes you able to speak immediately without recognizing the characters.
Phrase book/CD from library and watch your favorite Chinese movie with English subtitle to learn fast. Recommend comedies – probably more useful in daily life than Kung-fu movies.
Then, speak to a Chinese.
Schools, in NJ theres is a whole chain of Chinese schools. Plus, if you go to websites, you can’t hear them say it, maybe, but not as a good as a real Chinese person, who knows the language better than websites. They can speak it the right way, they also have textbooks and teach you how to write it.