Perhaps you’re eager and willing to learn Chinese, but you’re uncertain how and where to start the learning process.
Let’s take a look at several steps that you can take as a beginner.
1. Enrol in Chinese Online Courses
A good course or textbook is important for unlocking the potential of a new language. And to find one you don’t have to search for…
You can learn Chinese with the power of story, with the support of a professional speaker, in many Uncovered Chinese online courses such as Multibhashi. You will receive a comprehensive online Chinese learning programme that teaches you Chinese using fun and natural ways that are fun to learn and brisk to grammar!
Chinese may sound challenging, but compare it to a language like Finnish, which does not appear to be particularly difficult until you realise it is one of the most grammatically complex languages on the planet! Involving with an online course you will certainly be able to identify the dos and don’ts during the process of learning a language.
2. Learn Chinese Fundamentals First
Before attempting more difficult stuff, it’s important to have a solid base in the language’s fundamentals.
Tones are probably the most important aspect of mastering the Chinese language. If you are a native English speaker, you are unlikely to have encountered tones before, so it will take some time for you to get used to them.
First of all, you can concentrate on tones and master each one. The best way to achieve this is to be exposed to vocabulary in combination with practice.
Chinese is truly different from English, so you just have to listen and read for tonnes of time to get used to the language.
Give yourself a few months of widespread language exposure, so that the Chinese sounds and structures can get acquainted with your brain.
3. Memorise Key Chinese Phrases
Building your vocabulary is another essential language building. The more words and phrases you know, the easier the language to interpret, including key communication elements.
Learning key phrases involves mastering such daily constructs like ‘Hello’ ‘goodbye’ and ‘How are you?’ You should learn key phrases.
These phrases are the key to opening up new conversations with potential language partners as they enable you to make simple observations. You will start dragging these phrases together into longer sentences as you understand more about them, allowing you to engage in discussions with other speakers you encounter.
4. Focus on Building Your Vocabulary Above All Else
During your early attempts to speak the language, focusing too much on grammar or studying characters will paralyse you. This is why many native speakers recommend concentrating on acquiring useful vocabulary and putting what you’ve learned into practice in conversation.
By prioritising vocabulary development above all else, you will learn to express yourself as clearly as possible and will be less self-conscious about making mistakes.
5. Find Chinese People to Speak With
The most significant and final step in learning every language is to practise using it.
This is vital for improving your spoken Chinese, but it’s also crucial for improving your pronunciation and listening skills.
You should look for language meet-ups online or find conversation partners on social media sites. Joining a local language exchange group or attending cultural events can also help you find native Chinese speakers in your region. If you choose, you can always hire a private Chinese tutor for an affordable language course through a platform like Multibhashi.