Friday, March 20, 2015

A Simple Guide To Learn Mandarin In Los Angeles

By Lelia Hall


Learning a new language is difficult for most people. To learn Mandarin in Los Angeles is however even more difficult for most non-native speakers. Mandarin is comprised of about four tones and is spoken in Taiwan and mainland China. Most non-natives find it difficult to learn and those who attempt to give up or take many years to study. However, with dedication, lots of practice and interest, it is very easy to speak and write the language fluently.

Commitment and daily practice are the two virtues that should help you learn Mandarin. Secondly, know the learning style that favors you the most. Some people prefer textbooks while others, learn through speaking to natives and others in classes. The truth is there is no 100% guaranteed method, a combination of two or three learning styles is necessary.

Talk to your Chinese friends in the language and visit authentic Chinese restaurants. Textbooks too are helpful especially for beginners who are still getting to know syllables and other basics. In a school, you study the very basics of tones and diction to prepare you for textbook learning and also conversation with Chinese friends or waiters in Chinese restaurants.

Tones are one of the most important parts of the Mandarin language and, probably, the reason why many people find it difficult to grasp. There are four types of tone in this language-a lowering tone, a rising tone, a dipping tone and a high flat tone. Each of these tones differs depending on how the word means. Usually, there may be two or more words with similar pronunciation and spelling.

Its also imperative that you memorize as much simple vocabulary as possible. Think of any English word and look up its translation. You need to know how your everyday items such as pen, cat, book, food and so forth are referred in Mandarin. The more vocabulary you have, the higher the chances that you will actually form a sentence.

Counting also helps understand the language. The Chinese words for the numbers zero to nine do not vary much from the words for zero to ninety nine. Therefore, nine words can help you count to ninety nine without changing the vocabulary much. In addition, conversational phrases set the pace to learn to speak to Chinese speaking people. So, get to learn phrases like Thank you, good bye and how are you.

After mastering the tones in the right manner, conversational phrases and a few words to enrich your vocabulary, it is time to advance. While this is still a very basic stage and you probably have not learnt much yet, advancing helps generate and retain interest considering this is a class you have to be consistent with. The pin yin may help make sense of Chinese characters and words before making the move to write and read Chinese.

The truth is Mandarin is a little bit difficult for most people. This is not meant to discourage, but to encourage and put on the challenge mode. Remember to keep practicing, reading as well as speaking to others. It is a lot of work, sure, but you will be happy and fulfilled at the end.




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