Tips - Getting the most out of your time in China (learning mandarin-wise)

Being in China is the best opportunity we have to learn or improve our Mandarin skills. We are surrounded by Chinese language and culture, however, I've found, especially at BLCU where there are so many foreigners and English speaking people (which are some of the attractions I have for this uni), it's easy to fall back and just speak mostly English. Of course, it's a lot of fun, but our mandarin won't improve a whole lot.

 

Here are some tips – not in any particular order, just what comes to mind first.

 

1. Practice, practice, practice – Try to speak as much as possible. Some people even have language pledges and will only speak mandarin during their time in China. This will be very hard for beginners, but try to speak as much as possible. Make some Chinese friends, get language partners, or get a tutor (they are not expensive – usually around RMB 30 per hour). Chat to vendors, fuwuyuans in restaurants and pubs, or even those annoying post card sellers at tourist sites – they love to chat to foreigners. Don't just hang around people who can speak your own language – the temptation is too high! You can also make Korean, Japanese, or people from any other country who doesn't speak your language. Last year I had an Italian friend who doesn't speak English, so I am forced to speak only Mandarin with her – my Chinese improved a lot. Just keep in mind though they are also learning and may not necessarily be saying things correctly themselves, and their tones, etc may also be wrong.

2. Ask Chinese people for help – I've found the Chinese really friendly (even if they sometimes initially look grumpy) and happy to help if you ask them how to call this thing or how to say something. They are sometimes not willing to correct you, so tell them to tell you if you say something incorrectly.

3. Master the basics – pinyin and tones! – Yes, I know it's very boring and difficult – our class spent a week or so on it when we first started - but it's really important to get the tones right. Even Chinese children learn pinyin at school. Once you master pinyin and tones, you'll be able to pronounce words (even the ones you don't know) correctly and people will know what you're talking about! Furthermore, you can SMS your Chinese friends in pinyin and they are likely to understand.

4. Listen a lot – My listening teacher told me that it's important to listen to Chinese as much as possible, and not to worry if you don't understand. She gave an example of young infants – they listen first then they learn to speak. I think by listening a lot you can also pick up sentence structures (if you hear it often enough, it will sink in!) and the tones, making it easier for you to pronounce words correctly. Good excuse to watch lots of movies…and, don't skip the listening classes!  : )

5. What was that word again? – Always carry a notebook with you and write down new words or phrases. I always think I can remember them when I repeat the words a couple of times, but I never do. If it's written down, at least we can refer to them later.

6. Bring your student cards when you visit tourist sites – you'll be able to get a discount – usually half price.

7. Get a phrasebook- It'll help when you need to get around or do something and you don't know how to say it in Chinese.

8. You get out what you put in – yes, unfortunately, the only way to get the most out of your time is to make the effort.

9. Keep at it and don't give up – It gets frustrating when you spend a long time studying certain characters only to forget them the next day. Keep going – it gets easier as you go along.

All this sounds quite serious, but the good thing is, you can do all this while having fun! In fact, I think "Having fun" is the most important point of all!