Introduction
Mandarin Chinese-speaking people occupy one-fifth of the global populace, and it is one of the leading languages in global academia and business. However, many parents wonder how to get their children well-versed in Mandarin Chinese. Worry not, as Mandarin Chinese audiobooks and visual aid tools are imperative in fast learning, especially for children. This article throws light on the top Mandarin Chinese audiobooks and podcasts that can help children learn one of the most important languages of all spheres.
The Importance of Audio Books in Fast Learning Chinese
Not all podcasts or audiobooks meet the purpose of using audio as a mode of learning, but some can be helpful. Here is how an audiobook or podcast can become a fast learning mode.
Podcasts that feature native speakers: Listening to podcasts featuring native speakers can help your child understand the pronunciation and correct way of speaking.
Auditory mediums: Audio tools have been proven more useful in coaching children towards the language learning goal. Instructions heard are easier to remember than instructions that are read. The key here is repetition. When a child listens to Mandarin Chinese audiobooks or podcasts for educational purposes, it should be repetitive to facilitate learning. Yet, it shouldn't feel like a drag.
Interaction: This is a more fun, playful, and effective way of learning. Some audiobooks and podcasts use interactive measures to ensure your child is actively learning. These podcasts are where parents have to actively check whether the child is learning properly.
Some things can improve the auditory learning process. Children will only improve if they hear their mistakes. Parents can record their child's voice and then make the child compare the Mandarin Chinese spoken in the podcast with their own.
One important thing to point out is that some parents may think it will be easier to make children learn through pure entertainment. But, children have a very short attention span, their lack of attention is likely to filter the learning out and focus on the fun. The mode mustn't be too entertaining to help children concentrate on the educational content.
Top 5 Chinese Podcasts to Learn Mandarin Chinese
Podcasts have been the biggest trend of the previous decade and are still one of the most common forms of content on the internet. There are a lot of free podcasts, but for obvious reasons, if you use these or free versions, your child's learning will get interrupted with advertisements. Here are some of the podcasts that will certainly benefit your child.
1. Mandarin Bean
Mandarin Bean is a podcast that features Mandarin Chinese lessons for every level. Although the categories in it may seem a little advanced at first – lifestyle, travel, food, fun, business, economics, culture – they are actually a really great way to give your child Mandarin Chinese lessons. This podcast has to be recommended because of the vocabulary table it provides. This changes at every level. Mandarin Bean also provides translations in English and transcriptions of the podcast in three different levels of difficulty. The one thing that is not recommended for children is the absence of a host or a teacher. If your child is independent enough and studies by themselves, this podcast would be great for them.
2. ChineseClass101
ChineseClass101 is one of the most popular and accessible Chinese-learning podcasts. Like Mandarin Bean, it also has lessons for all levels. It determines your level and provides lessons accordingly once you sign up. This podcast is exactly what your child needs. It is dialogic, repetitive, and focuses on the pronunciation so that your child gets it right. ChineseClass101 also provides you with a lesson library. This podcast can be accessed on Androids, iOS, desktops, kindles, and any device that has internet access. This podcast has premium plans as well that range from $8 to $14.
3. Talk Chineasy
Talk Chineasy publishes podcasts that are short and interesting. Their podcasts are in line with the daily routines you and your child may have; therefore, it is relatable. It is also repetitive, but never gets too boring. This is one of those podcasts that feature native Mandarin Chinese speakers. So, the pronunciation and accent of the guests help you understand the underlying connotations of each word clearly.
The problem with this podcast is that it is not a full course. They provide you with scattered lessons that are actually very useful. If your child has been learning Mandarin Chinese for quite some time, this can be a fun change.
4. BearTalk Podcast
This podcast is also run by a native Mandarin Chinese speaker. But this podcast may be a little too advanced if your child is just starting to learn Mandarin. Many have praised this podcast very highly as it does not appropriate Chinese culture. BearTalk podcast helps you understand that only speaking the language is not going to be enough when it comes to Mandarin Chinese.
5. I Love Learning Chinese
I Love learning Chinese is also a podcast with short and insightful episodes. If your child is busy with school, projects, and volunteering, this is the best podcast for them. Each lesson can be 10 to 15 minutes long and repetitive in nature. They have a lot of useful study materials on their website as well.
Top 5 Chinese Audiobooks for Children to Learn Chinese
Here are some free audiobooks to help your child learn Mandarin Chinese. All of them are very basic except for Audible, which is an anthology of audiobooks.
1. 9 bedtime stories for little kids in Mandarin Chinese
This audiobook comprises 9 of the best stories for kids (fairy tales, folktales and myths) in Mandarin Chinese. The stories are written by Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, and narrated by Lucie Teng Duvert. The total time period of this audiobook is 2 hrs and 5 minutes.
2. Best short stories with morals for kids in Mandarin Chinese
This audiobook includes some warm and lively short stories that can be easy and engaging for your child. The stories are written by Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm and two others.
The stories include:
Little Red Riding Hood
The Emperor's New Clothes
The Story of a Mother
Cinderella
The Little Match Girl
The Snowman
3. Cinderella - 灰姑娘
Brothers Grimm (Author), Lucie Teng Duvert (Narrator), Astorg China (Publisher)
This is a 22-minute story of Cinderella. The story is narrated in Mandarin Chinese, with clear pronunciations. Both morals and powerful imagery are portrayed in this audiobook.
4. The Little Match Girl - 卖火柴的小女孩
Brothers Grimm (Author), Lucie Teng Duvert (Narrator), Astorg China (Publisher)
This is a simple 10-minute audiobook that tells the story of a little girl. The powerful imagery portrayed through the audio is as effective as reading a book.
5. The Flying Trunk -飞箱
Hans Christian Andersen (author), and Lucie Teng Duvert (Narrator).
The Flying Trunk is an 18-minute audiobook narrated in Mandarin Chinese. The story is narrated in a warm, lively way to keep children engaged.
We hope the listed top 10 high-quality podcasts and apps containing Mandarin Chinese audiobooks help your children learn Mandarin Chinese with ease. While podcasts can be more valuable for educational purposes, audiobooks have the entertaining quality that keeps a child hooked.
Learning Mandarin Chinese through podcasts and audiobooks is fun and engaging for your children. To create the most interesting and successful learning experiences, LingoAce combines technology, small class sizes, genuine content, artistic visuals, gamification, interaction, and highly qualified native-speaking teachers. Sign up for a free trial lesson for your kids at LingoAce now!
