As the world has become more connected, learning new languages has also become a necessity. If you plan on learning a new language, know that Mandarin is an in-demand language and is the second most spoken language in the world. With the Chinese people excelling in every field and becoming a superpower with countless opportunities to excel, learning how to communicate with them will surely come in handy.
Here mentioned below are six super tips you need to know before you get started:
Learning Mandarin: 6 Super Tips to Help You Grasp a New Language
Set Achievable Goals
Starting to learn any language can prove to be hard, but it becomes harder when you set unachievable goals. Yes, you want to “learn Chinese”, but you can’t learn an entire language in a day right?
Thus, you need to set specific goals; for example, you should yourself a month to learn grammar, then tones, then phrases and words, etc. You need to set goals that can be measured, so you don’t lose hope, and please make sure to be realistic. Don’t set goals that can’t be met because that will only discourage you.
Utilize Hand Guide and Applications
Another thing that will help you learn mandarin is getting all the help you need. Keep pocket-sized Chinese learning books and Chinese learning apps with you at all times.
Granted that one does get excited when one starts learning another language. However, it is recommended to be sure when you’re talking to someone else. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in an awkward situation, or would you?
Learning Grammar will Make it Easier
While many people have a general assumption that Chinese is hard, it isn’t. The fact that it has a similar grammatical structure to English makes it easier for a lot of people to get a hang of it. The Chinese language follows the same subject/verb and subject/verb/object sentence patterns.
If you are an English speaker or someone who has command over the English language, focusing on the sentence structures will surely speed up your learning process.
Exposure to Chinese Media is Essential
No matter which language you plan on learning, exposure to their media is a tried and tested way to help with the learning process. Whether it’s watching new movies, TV shows, or comedy specials, seeing other people interact in certain situations and analyzing non-verbal cues that accompany verbal communication will help you a great deal.
Try Having a Wholesome Approach
Rather than just focusing on your listening, writing, or speaking skills individually, you should try and have a wholesome approach. With a wholesome approach, you will be ready to interact and communicate in no time.
Try incorporating fun activities that combine these skills in your learning process, such as reading out loud, using flashcards, listening to music, and reading the lyrics as well.
Be Patient
Know that learning any language is hard, but it’s doable. However, one thing you always need to keep in mind is that it’s a long process and it will take time. Granted that there isn’t a shortcut to learning mandarin, there are certain things that can speed up the process but you still have to be patient.
Mandarin has more than 50,000 characters but don’t let that scare you, you will only need to learn around 5000 to be as good as a native speaker. Just stay consistent and you’ll be good to go in less than no time.
Now that you have a better idea of what might help you in learning mandarin, make a plan and get started. Knowing that no one can do it for you, you will need to put in the time and effort in order to learn how to communicate in Mandarin. Good luck, my friends!
