Learn to Speak Chinese - 5 Sensible Tips to Help You Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese

by Chili Consulting

Article by Stanley Hawkins

Learn to Speak Chinese

Many folks across the world want to learn to speak Chinese.

Since China is developing into an economic powerhouse, it is seen as the language of the future. Nearly one out of every five people on this planet speak Chinese.

The question is, how to learn such a complex language? Below are five quick tips which can be useful to learn to speak Chinese, or any other language.

1. Group or private lessons?

Some people learn to speak Chinese at a faster rate than others. Therefore, there is a disadvantage to learning in larger groups. If you learn quickly in a large group, it's difficult to advance, because the teacher needs to focus on teaching the entire group, versus one student. The same applies for slower learners.

If you can afford it, private lessons offer the fastest way to learn to speak Chinese. If you have an hour class, one hour is focused on you, and not divided between fifteen people. More corrections are given to the student, and the student learns at an accelerated pace.

2. One size fits all?

There is a false misconception that one teaching method, or one language textbook works for all learners.

Unfortunately, the way each of us learn best is probably as varied as our personalities.

Some learn to speak Chinese best by repetition. The more they repeat themselves, the more they remember. Other students learn better by seeing instructions in print, or looking at photos.

The Chinese use four different levels of tones when they speak. So, it's possible for one word to have four different meanings, depending on how your pronounce it.

If you want to learn to speak Chinese, it is important that you always get in the practice of speaking out loud.

Pronunciation is everything, and by practicing these different tones, you will be able to develop confidence in your speaking abilities.

3. Find a native Chinese speaker

As complex as Chinese is, it's difficu! lt to le arn to speak Chinese from a non-native Chinese speaker. I know that is probably hurting a few people's feelings, but the reality is, a qualified native Chinese speaker will help you speak the language much better than a non-native speaker.

I have taught English as a Second Language for almost twenty years, and I can tell you that it's difficult for people to teach English well when it isn't their native tongue. Does that mean that they can't be good teachers?

No. What it means is there are so many complexities within each language that a non-native speaker has a disadvantage because they cannot grasp these elements.

4. Have a good reason for learning Chinese

Remember, language learning requires dedication and persistence. It's difficult if you don't have any reasons for learning.

Do you want to learn to speak Chinese for traveling? Do you want to learn it for business, or education? These are all excellent reasons to learn a language. However, learning because a friend is learning and suggested you try, or your boss told you it is necessary for your job are not good reasons.

Fact is, if you're not interested, you're never going to learn.

5. Support groups

Finding a language club in your area helps motivate you to practice Chinese. The more you practice and face different situations, the more skilful you will become.

The Internet contains many great resources to strengthen your learning. Use a search engine like Google to query:

Chinese lessons, or learn to speak Chinese.

These are just a few tips on learning Chinese. Learning a language shouldn't be like a nine-to-five job, it should feel refreshing like a hobby.

In the end, the most important tip if you want to learn to speak Chinese, is to have fun!

About the Author

Stanley Hawkins is a freelance writer who has traveled to over 60 countries in the past 28 years.