Learning a new language is difficult for most people. To learn Mandarin in Los Angeles is however even more difficult for most non-native speakers. Mandarin is comprised of about four tones and is spoken in Taiwan and mainland China. Most non-natives find it difficult to learn and those who attempt to give up or take many years to study. However, with dedication, lots of practice and interest, it is very easy to speak and write the language fluently.
Commitment and daily practice are the two virtues that should help you learn Mandarin. Secondly, know the learning style that favors you the most. Some people prefer textbooks while others, learn through speaking to natives and others in classes. The truth is there is no 100% guaranteed method, a combination of two or three learning styles is necessary.
Talk to your Chinese friends in the language and visit authentic Chinese restaurants. Textbooks too are helpful especially for beginners who are still getting to know syllables and other basics. In a school, you study the very basics of tones and diction to prepare you for textbook learning and also conversation with Chinese friends or waiters in Chinese restaurants.
One of the reasons why Mandarin is a difficult language is because of its tones. It has four tones, namely a high flat, a rising, a dipping and a lower tone. Tones are the most important part of the language because it puts meaning into words that sometimes have the same spelling or pronunciation. No one can speak Mandarin unless they master the proper tones and learn how and when to use them in a sentence.
Its also imperative that you memorize as much simple vocabulary as possible. Think of any English word and look up its translation. You need to know how your everyday items such as pen, cat, book, food and so forth are referred in Mandarin. The more vocabulary you have, the higher the chances that you will actually form a sentence.
Another way to enlarge the Chinese vocabulary is through counting. Counting in Chinese is really easy because all you have to do is master the first nine digits. To count from zero to ninety nine, one does not have to study new vocabulary. This is because 0 to 9 characters for 0 to 99 with just an additional letter to show how many ten. In addition, one may learn conversational phrases such as Hello and how are you to make simple conversation.
After you have learned basic vocabulary and a few conversational words, you may feel confident about trying out the pin yin also the translation to Roman alphabet to advance your vocabulary. You may also start practicing reading and writing Chinese characters. This may take even years to master because the language has very many characters. However, practicing on a daily basis is a sure way to be good at both spoken and written.
Mandarin is not easy to study, however, do not give up too early. Non natives learn the language all the time and most can write, speak and read it fluently. Why cannot you? Sure, it is a lot of work, but the reward and the feeling of accomplishment make it totally worth it.
Commitment and daily practice are the two virtues that should help you learn Mandarin. Secondly, know the learning style that favors you the most. Some people prefer textbooks while others, learn through speaking to natives and others in classes. The truth is there is no 100% guaranteed method, a combination of two or three learning styles is necessary.
Talk to your Chinese friends in the language and visit authentic Chinese restaurants. Textbooks too are helpful especially for beginners who are still getting to know syllables and other basics. In a school, you study the very basics of tones and diction to prepare you for textbook learning and also conversation with Chinese friends or waiters in Chinese restaurants.
One of the reasons why Mandarin is a difficult language is because of its tones. It has four tones, namely a high flat, a rising, a dipping and a lower tone. Tones are the most important part of the language because it puts meaning into words that sometimes have the same spelling or pronunciation. No one can speak Mandarin unless they master the proper tones and learn how and when to use them in a sentence.
Its also imperative that you memorize as much simple vocabulary as possible. Think of any English word and look up its translation. You need to know how your everyday items such as pen, cat, book, food and so forth are referred in Mandarin. The more vocabulary you have, the higher the chances that you will actually form a sentence.
Another way to enlarge the Chinese vocabulary is through counting. Counting in Chinese is really easy because all you have to do is master the first nine digits. To count from zero to ninety nine, one does not have to study new vocabulary. This is because 0 to 9 characters for 0 to 99 with just an additional letter to show how many ten. In addition, one may learn conversational phrases such as Hello and how are you to make simple conversation.
After you have learned basic vocabulary and a few conversational words, you may feel confident about trying out the pin yin also the translation to Roman alphabet to advance your vocabulary. You may also start practicing reading and writing Chinese characters. This may take even years to master because the language has very many characters. However, practicing on a daily basis is a sure way to be good at both spoken and written.
Mandarin is not easy to study, however, do not give up too early. Non natives learn the language all the time and most can write, speak and read it fluently. Why cannot you? Sure, it is a lot of work, but the reward and the feeling of accomplishment make it totally worth it.
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