Learning a language requires an investment of time. In order to learn a language, you have to make every minute count develop efficient learning habits, make realistic plans and have strong determination. Here are some general tips that will help you get started learning Chinese.
Learn Pinyin
As you might already know, Chinese is based on characters or symbols, and not an alphabet like in English. This makes it difficult to determine how to pronounce each word. As a result, pinyin, a system of writing Chinese with Roman letters, is taught to Chinese language learners. For example, 你好 in Pinyin is “ni hao,” which means hello. Pinyin helps you pronounce Chinese characters, and thus is important for speaking and listening. You can read Introduction to Pinyin – Pinyin Alphabet Guide for Children for more details.
Practice Chinese tones
Many beginners don’t understand the importance of pronunciation in Chinese, particularly the five tones in Chinese. It is essential because the same word with a different Chinese tone can have a totally different meaning. You probably have heard this well-known example. The tones of the same syllable “ma” represent “mom”, “numb”, “horse”, and “to scold”, which are quite unrelated meanings. Ignoring this would make your Chinese sound confusing or awkward. Practicing your tones is key to becoming fluent in Chinese. If possible, practice with some native speakers.
Find appropriate textbooks
While there are plenty of resources all over the Internet, it is also distracting. How many times have you opened a web browser (or smartphone) to look at one thing, but ended up in a YouTube rabbit hole? A textbook can help you decrease your screen time and study with more focus. Besides, a good textbook can provide a systematic overview and presentation that presents the big picture, compared to pieces of knowledge in short video clips, blogs, or apps.
Be sure to look for an appropriate textbook that fits you, considering your age and interests. The right textbook should appear fresh to you but not too difficult. Its theme and topics should look interesting and emphasis on conversation or grammar should be at your cognitive level. It should also have practice and recycling. When searching for textbooks, consult with a professional Chinese teacher, tell them your proficiency level and interest, and get a list of recommended books.
Make friends with fellow learners
You are not alone in the world. You learn a language to communicate, and communicating will improve your language skills. Don’t be shy. Tell your families, friends, and the world that you are learning Chinese. By telling others about your goals, they will help push you forward. In addition, you should also find a learning partner. Share information and progress with each other. Positive peer pressure is a great motivator.
There are billions of Chinese-speaking people around the world, and millions want to learn English just like you want to learn Chinese. Use the Internet and social media to find language exchange partners to practice with. Schedule your zoom meetings with him/her, make a study plan, and have fun.
Take advantage of pieces of time
Learning Chinese does not require big chunks of continuous time. You should take advantage of small breaks. When you are waiting for someone or something – before school, dinner, or a game, on the playground- study everywhere, anytime. Download smartphone apps, audiobooks, video instruction, and vocabulary and grammar flashcards. Also, remember the forgetting curve. Repetition is the secret to memorizing.
Sustainable learning
It is very common for people to jump-start learning Chinese and then quickly fizzle out. Sustainable learning is challenging but not impossible. Don’t be afraid of speaking out aloud and using Chinese publicly, we learn better from responses and feedback. Don’t hesitate to show off the new words or expressions you have learned. Watch Chinese movies, listen to Chinese songs or poems, don’t worry if you cannot understand (subtitles can help), and appreciate the profound beauty of the Chinese language and culture. This will help boost your interest. Eventually routine becomes a habit, and before long, you will be proficient in Chinese.
Still, find the Chinese difficult to conquer? Well, if you learn under the expert guidance of well-trained instructors, you will find yourself making great progress over time.
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