Help
In this article, we will develop 4 tips to help you optimize your study.
1. Chinese tones
The Chinese language is a musical language in which hundreds of syllables are distinguished by a system of intonations.
This article will not teach you how to pronounce the 4 tones in Mandarin but will show you that one essential element in this language is to master the tones. There are songs melodies that we never forget. Therefore, we must consider the learning of each Chinese characters as a melody to remember.
Think to exaggerate! To distinguish more clearly the differences in Chinese tones, it sometimes helps to amplify the intonation (it did not mean to speak louder!). Feel free to repeat this exercise as many times as needed and more! Once the music system is assimilated, learning new character becomes increasingly easy and quick.
You can listen to a few Chinese Mandarin videos here
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2. Survive without Pinyin
Pinyin (literally "spell sounds") is the official phonetic system. So, that being said, an example will certainly be much more clear to you. For example, if I write: "法" you have no way to guess how to say this character if not otherwise specified. Pinyin allows to give an idea of the sound to pronounce for this character, in this case "FA" (third tone).
3. Record yourself
The best way to check the accuracy of Mandarin tones is by recording yourself and comparing your recording with the audio support that you use. Sometimes you will be surprised because often there is a clear difference between what you said and what you thought you said.
The experience is really useful and enables faster progress.
4. Speak to Chinese native speakers
This advice seems so simple and obvious ... And yet, few learners follow it because two questions come to mind: "Where to find Chinese people?" And "How could I disucss exactly?".
You can create a new language exchange event here on the PolyglotClub.com website.
There is a great difference of level between students who only follow Chinese classes and those who regularly attend language exchange events.
Use the PolyglotClub.com website to Find a Chinese friend or attend language exchange meetings near your place.
Bonus tip...
Karaoke evenings is a good way to improve quickly in the assimilation of new characters and therefore vocabulary. Learn Chinese songs by heart is an original and fun idea. Tell us what you think...
- FAQ Author: vincentJanuary 2015
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