Over the course of this page I'm going to show you how to learn Chinese easy and fast, without all the mind numbing effort usually associated with learning a second language.
See, learning to speak Mandarin Chinese isn't as difficult as you have been led to believe.
Yes, Mandarin is a tonal language and it takes some getting used to, but the grammar and structure of the language is very simple and straightforward, unlike most Western languages such as English or French.
Well enough already, let's get started!
Quick and Easy Chinese Lessons
The fastest, easiest and most accurate way to learn how to speak Chinese is to listen to native speakers in a structured audio course. After all, this is how you effortlessly learn the lyrics to your entire music cd collection, right?Well, Rocket Chinese are offering a six part course so that you can 'get your feet wet' and learn Chinese easy without having to spend any money. The lessons cover:
- Greetings
Discover how to greet friends and family in this first introduction to the language. - Basic Introductions
Once you have greetings under your belt it's time to tackle basic introductions. - Survival Skills
Get to grips with a few essential Chinese phrases.
So what are you waiting for? The sooner you download your six part course and get started, the sooner you will be speaking Chinese.
“Tip #1.
The BEST way to get started IS to get started!”
Speak Mandarin With Friends
Once you get started learning Chinese, you will want to practice as much as possible. Don't worry too much about making mistakes, the locals will be so shocked that you are attempting to learn the language that they will give you every support.
However, I feel that it's only fair that I warn you.
As we have already said, Chinese is a tonal language. Get the tone wrong and the word (and sentence) has a completely different meaning! So once people have gotten over the shock of you speaking Mandarin to them, expect them to pay very careful attention to every word you say...
...not because they are being polite, because they know that you WILL get the tones wrong and accidentally come out with some absolute howlers!
ENJOY making mistakes, it's all part of the fun.
“Tip #2.
Try to do a little EVERY day and it WILL stick between your ears!”
Pimsleur Mandarin Chinese
I have not found a better way to learn to hear and speak a foreign language than the Pimsleur series.The hard part about Chinese is that you don't run into any words that look even vaguely familiar. But the Pimsleur method is gradual. Each lesson begins with a brief conversation between two native speakers.
The first time you hear it, you have no idea what's being said, but by the end of the lesson you'll be able to understand it and participate in the same conversation. But I found there's a lot of value in going through each lesson several times.
The emphasis is all on listening to native speakers and responding to them in short conversations.
The method forces you to learn how the language really sounds, and you get lots of chances to practice getting the pronunciation right. It also has the advantage that you can do the course while driving or exercising.
Learn Chinese Easy With Pimsleur Mandarin
Pimsleur Mandarin Courses On Ebay
“Tip #3.
SPEAK UP and join in and you'll learn Chinese MUCH faster!”
Enjoy Chinese Culture
When you can speak even a little Mandarin you will begin to understand and enjoy the Chinese culture so much more. I hate to generalize but if you are willing to have a go you will find that they laugh WITH you, not AT you. And I have no problem with that.
In fact, as a Westerner, if you have proved willing to have a go in the past, you can rest assured that you will be "volunteered" to take part in every demonstration or exhibition you find yourself near. Trust me, trying to hide at the back doesn't work either.
For example, take a quick look at the image above and try to guess which is me! (*Clue - I'm the one with 2 left feet and pot belly!)
by MarkHeywood
Learn to speak Chinese for work or fun and enjoy Chinese culture, travel or just chat with friends.
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