In 1968, I studied Chinese while working for the Canadian Government’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce’s Trade Commissioner Service. Due to Canada’s decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China, officials needed to be trained in Mandarin. I was sent to Hong Kong for my studies, as the Cultural Revolution in the People’s Republic made it impossible to study there, and going to Taiwan would have been unacceptable. Despite the challenges, I never regretted my choice of studying in Hong Kong.
Learning Mandarin may seem daunting to speakers of European languages, but I found it to be a fascinating and enriching experience. Chinese culture, once understood through the language, becomes natural and enjoyable. The process of learning Mandarin involves overcoming challenges like learning Chinese characters and tones. I recommend starting with listening and reading in Pinyin before tackling characters, as it provides a base for comprehension.
While learning characters may seem overwhelming, I found success in using flashcards and writing out characters repeatedly. I started with 10 characters a day and eventually increased to 30, knowing that forgetting is a natural part of the learning process. Consistent practice and dedication allowed me to eventually master the first 1,000 characters. From then on, I continued to learn new characters through reading and writing. I spent a lot of time reading and writing, which naturally increased my character count as I improved in the language. The components of characters can indicate meaning or sound, but they are not always obvious, reliable, or useful. With more exposure, I became more observant and noticed these components better, which helped me learn new characters.
The debate between learning traditional or simplified characters depends on your location. If you will be in mainland China, learn simplified characters as they are widely used. If you are in Hong Kong or Taiwan, traditional characters are necessary. I started with traditional characters and then learned simplified, which was an easy transition. Having knowledge of both systems is beneficial for understanding written Chinese in various regions.
Tones are used in Chinese to distinguish meanings of words, unlike in English where tones are used for emphasis. Initially, recognizing and using tones may be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier. Learning tones in groups of characters or phrases is more effective than trying to remember individual tones for each character. Improving tones requires being attuned to the overall intonation of the language and listening to native speakers for guidance.
Acquiring vocabulary in Chinese is relatively easy due to compound words consisting of two or three characters. This multiplier effect on vocabulary growth is advantageous as you acquire more characters. Chinese grammar is straightforward with rational structures and no verb conjugations or noun gender. Focus on learning question words and connector words, and understanding patterns rather than complex grammatical explanations.
Chinese language learners should pay attention to tones, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar structures to improve their proficiency in the language. With dedication and practice, mastering Chinese can be a rewarding experience. It is essential to become accustomed to that.
In summary, Chinese grammar is relatively straightforward, and building vocabulary becomes efficient once characters are mastered. The misconception of Chinese being exotic and inscrutable is false. The key is to start learning and not be intimidated by characters and tones.
Explore the Chinese world
Challenge yourself to delve into engaging reading and listening materials. During my Chinese studies, I read a lot of Chairman Mao and Communist literature due to the Cultural Revolution. However, I found the Chinese literature of the twenties and thirties most captivating. Witnessing the clash of traditional China with the Western world was truly remarkable.
I am eager to delve deeper into Chinese history, as Chinese people frequently reference stories and sayings from their rich past. Learning Mandarin opens the door to a fascinating world and the opportunity to immerse yourself in modern China’s evolution.
When I studied Chinese, mainland China was relatively closed off. Now, the country is more open, and making friends with locals is easier. China is rapidly developing, despite its challenges such as corruption and pollution. The Chinese are approachable and eager to engage with you in conversation.
Don’t hesitate any longer – start learning Mandarin today and explore the vibrant Chinese culture.
If you want to learn Mandarin through content you love, join LingQ today.
Source link
