Friday, August 22, 2008

Helpful Techniques To Learn Chinese Makes Life Easier

When you learning Chinese or anything, it is best to learn many variations or different techniques. This creates a better understanding and a solid foundation for success.

Here are some tips and techniques to help you to master the Chinese language. Note: Using multiple tips will maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of learning. Always remember to have as much fun when learning.

Step 1

The first thing anyone should do is learn Chinese Pinyin. This is the Chinese phonetic alphabet used to pronounce Chinese characters and helps you to distinguish the 4 different tones used.

(Unlike in European languages, initials (simplified Chinese: 声母; traditional Chinese: 聲母) and finals (simplified Chinese: 韵母; traditional Chinese: 韻母, or rhyming sounds) - and not consonants and vowels - are the fundamental elements in Pinyin)

Step 2

Take the time to listen, as well as practice, both simple Chinese sentences and vocabulary, to memorize it.

Here are tips to achieve the above two steps:

a. Take a local community Chinese class to carry out practice drills with a study partner. The more you are able to speak the language, the easier it will be.

b. Buy a good dictionary, with the right phonetic spellings of each word.

c. Find a native Chinese speaking person and spend time conversing in their language. (There are a lot of Chinese/US exchange programs; Exchange language lessons.)

d. Barrow or purchase audios/software programs where you listen to and then repeat out loud what you ahve heard. Finding Chinese Newspapers and magazines can be a big help!

e. Sing Chinese songs. Go to your local library, or purchase online some tapes and CD's, and then listen to them. Emmerse yourself in the culture so you can speak the words and the sentences on your own.

f. It is important to review all your "learned" words regularly to keep them fresh in your mind.

Step 3

Spend time writing Chinese. You will not only understand the strokes and rules relating to each Chinese character, but it will provide a sound foundation of how each character is formed.
Below are some tips:

a. To memorize each character, write them until you remembered them. Start with the easiest ones, then build up the difficulty level.

b. Write a character once or twice. Once you have a list of words in front of you, go through this list writing each word once or twice, then start from the beginning and go through it again. Do this for as many times as you need to; It will ensure that the words you have learned are more firmly planted in your memory.

c. Whenever possible, watch Chinese movies, videos, and TV programs that have subtitles. It is one of the best and easiest ways for a person to learn Chinese, through both the spoken and written word. http://chinat0wn.blogspot.com/2008/03/learn-chinese-pinyin-in-6-minutes.html

d. Get some post-it's and write down characters you are about to learn. Stick them to the objects they relate to.

After time, you'll notice many characters have elements in common. They may be related to each other through the meaning or pronunciation of the word. By noting common elements, it will help you to remember much easier.

Step 4

The grammar of the Chinese language, is almost identical to all other languages. The only difference you may find between Chinese and English grammar is the sequence of words. Therefore, pay close attention to these differences and practice them as much as possible.

The most important thing to remember is not to be afraid of mistakes. Most people have difficulty learning a language...mostly because they are extremely self conscious and are worried too worried to make mistakes.

The Best way to learn anything, especially something tough is to break it down and do it a little at a time, each day. Consistency is King so, add it to your daily schedule. You'll be amazed at your progress.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Great Places To Start Learning Chinese To Make Your Life Better


One of the most interesting ways to learn Chinese is by finding an online course or software you can use on your computer. More and more people are becoming interested in learning this language because of the growth in China within the economic markets.

Currently, over 1.2 billion (1 in 5) people speak this language. In fact, it is the most commonly spoken language throughout the world today. That number is only expected to climb.

When it comes to learning Chinese, your level of learning doesn't matter - courses are available for all stages. These courses will help you to learn to write characters, understand grammar as well as using the right tones and the proper way to pronounce the words.

So, if you don't have the resources to visit China for an extended period of time or to take classes at a local college, these options are powerful! I recommend finding some great softeware programs like Rosetta Stone and Fluenz Manderin. Then, use Skyp to practice with live available teachers over the internet Skype (a free form of voice over Internet Protocol). This is an easy way to carry out conversational Chinese on a regular basis.

Because of the growth in internet connections, as well as the advancements in voice over internet protocol (VOIP) software, it has made it extremely easy for people to find a tutor and polish up on what you have already learned.

Skype can not only connect you to freelance tutors, but also language schools who use this form of technology to help their students with their lessons. Some are even located in China. This can make learning Chinese so much easier because it is in the comfort of your home, but keep in mind the time difference (about 12 hours from the East Coast).

Some other helpful ways to start learning Chinese is to buy mp3, cd's, videos of familiar music/shows translaeted in Chinese so you can start emersing yourself in the language. You will be surprised at what you will find!