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Choosing Chinese - Mandarin as a Foreign Language

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Mandarin is becoming the new "must-learn" language for functioning in the business world...

Mandarin Chinese is a good option for foreign language learning -- with the way the international business is going and with all the influences of China over the past few years, Mandarin is almost essential for participating in the business world. And now there are many ways that folks can use to learn this fascinating language.

When I was a kid, I was taking karate classes and enjoyed watching Bruce Lee movies and James Bond movies--which got me more interested in China as well. Then, my family moved my sister and me to the Western Pacific Island of Guam.

I originally got interested in learning Chinese from my experiences in learning Japanese on Guam in high school -- The Japanese language writing system is based on Chinese characters. In fact, the earliest forms of Japanese used exclusively Chinese characters until they simplified some to form their "alphabetization" or "syllabulary" for uniquely Japanese pronunciations. I learned how to write Japanese "Chinese" characters (called "kanji" in Japanese and "hanzi" in Mandarin), and in so doing, learned Chinese on the side.

From Guam, after I had taken two years of Japanese, our family took a very long vacation in Asia--and among the countries we visited were Hong Kong and Taiwan---where I had a chance to practice reading the Chinese hanzi that I had learned in Japanese classes. I also had the chance to hear Chinese being spoken and used in its natural home--very educational.

Later, when we were homeschooling our own two kids, we continued our adventures with learning Chinese. Both of my kids enjoyed watching Jackie Chan movies (and later, James Bond movies) and they were taking Shaolin Kempo (a martial art that originated in China). Because we were martial arts enthusiasts, we enjoyed watching Jet Li and Zhang Zhiyi and Michelle Yeoh and Jackie Chan in movies such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Hero", "House of the Flying Daggers", "Curse of the Yellow Flower", "Supercop", and so on. We later traveled to Asia again on a vacation, and stayed a few days in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Lantau --where we again got some more experiences with direct exposure to Chinese!

This Squidoo lens will provide you with some ideas for teaching and learning Mandarin Chinese as well as give some other resources you may be able to use for your own learning adventure!

Contents at a Glance

Chinese Sign on a Bus - Lantau Island -...
Total Immersion May Be Tough to Do, But...
Mandarin Chinese in Action - On the Big...
Chinese Signs - In Kowloon (across the h...
Reading Chinese is the Biggest Challenge
Utility Building, Stanley Harbor, Hong K...

Chinese Sign on a Bus - Lantau Island - Hong Kong Territory

Total Immersion May Be Tough to Do, But You Can Come Close!

For learning any foreign language, it's critical to get the sounds right. So, learning a foreign language only from books is not the best way to learn.

However, by using a combination of books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, and exposure to native speakers you can more easily pick up authentic speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities--particularly if "total immersion" is not an option open to you.

With computers and DVDs and CD resources out there, you have it ever so much easier to learn a new language. Also, in many areas, you can find predominately Chinese communities--such as the "Chinatowns" of New York City, Sacramento, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and so on. Here, you can not only practice with reading the signs, but you can also find books, movies, music, and other resources to help with your learning.

Mandarin Chinese in Action - On the Big Screen

(Well, it depends on how big your screen is!)

Some of the following movies are in Chinese (Mandarin) only, English only, or a combination of both. Some of the movies have subtitles, and some of them don't. Also, be aware that these movies are found on Amazon -- and some, like "Big Bird Goes to China" are suitable for the whole family... and others, have some scenes that could be disturbing for young children or give the wrong images to young teens --some have scenes of drug use, violence, nudity, and sex scenes. So, be sure to read the movie description as well as the reviews--because those may give you an idea of what you'll be getting.

I have most of these movies and have watched the others that I haven't yet acquired. Sometimes I like to turn off the subtitles and just listen to the flow of the Chinese conversation--this is a great way to test your comprehension and listening ability. Which movies are your favorites?
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Choosing Chinese - Mandarin as a Foreign Language

Mandarin is becoming the new "must-learn" language for functioning in the business world...

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

Total Immersion May Be Tough to Do, But You Can Come Close!

Mandarin Chinese in Action - On the Big Screen

(Well, it depends on how big your screen is!)

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Reading Chinese is the Biggest Challenge

But if you compare them to Egyptian hieroglyphics, it makes reading them easier!

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Decorate With or Wear Some Chinese Characters!

Mandarin by the Bay.... eBay, That Is!

Links for Learning Chinese!

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Ni Hao! (Hello) -- Drop a Note While You Are Here!

Thanks for reading!

by EditorDave

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