Learning a new language is not the easiest thing to do, and Mandarin is deemed one of the hardest languages to learn. It is also among most spoken languages in the world, so it can be very useful to you. Already taking the first step to learning the language? Here are some tips for you.
Conquer the basics
Learn to count in Mandarin and make your way through the basic vocabulary of the language, such as the time of day, vehicles, occupations, furniture, greetings, etc. Also, learn simple phrases in daily conversations such as in a restaurant, at the hospital or the cinema, etc.
These are the first steps you need to take no matter what language you want to learn because they are your easiest introduction to any language.
Identify the tones
In the Mandarin dialect there are a few characters with the same sounds so learn to pronounce the words with the correct tones to distinguish the words from one another. There are four tones in Mandarin Chinese:
1) The first tone; high and flat;
2) The second tone; rising, starting from a low pitch, and ending with a higher pitch;
3) The third tone; falling-rising, starting with a flat tone before falling to a lower pitch and then ending with a high pitch;
4) The fourth tone; falling, starting with a slightly high pitch and then dropping to a lower pitch.
To help yourself master the tones, try out some listening exercises that can help you differentiate all the tones.
The Mandarin Chinese tone contours
Practise with Pinyin
Pinyin is a romanized system of the traditional Mandarin Chinese writing. It was designed to help pronunciation.
HOWEVER, learners should exercise care when learning with Pinyin because specific Roman pronunciation does not parallel the actual Mandarin pronunciation. For example, "c" in Pinyin is pronounced "ts" as in "pits", "e" is pronounced "er" as in "her" and "q" is pronounced "ch" as in "chair".
Practise with a buddy
To be fluent in a language, you need to practice. You can do this yourself, but it would be better to do it with a partner. Find a native speaker who can correct the language mistakes you are bound to make.
You could also find a fellow student who is a non-native speaker but is at an advanced stage in his/her proficiency of the language.
As an MSUrian, you can join the Chinese Cultural Society and practise your Mandarin with fellow members, and of course learn more about the Chinese culture, too! In fact, learning a language in its cultural context is always the best way!
Members of CCS performing at CNY celebration
Immerse yourself in the language
How do you do that, you ask? Easy! Start thinking in Mandarin, watch Mandarin shows, read Mandarin and write in it, listen to songs with Mandarin lyrics, and most importantly, start speaking the language.
We are lucky to have native speakers in Malaysia, so you don’t have to go all the way to China to find one!
You are lucky if you are an MSUrian, because MSU CEDEC is offering a Mandarin Language short course! Enquire with them!
There you have it, five basic tips for you to apply to start you off with Mandarin Chinese.
Interested in more than the language? Check out MSU’s Diploma and Bachelor in Traditional Chinese Medicine!
Learning a new language is not the easiest thing to do, and Mandarin is deemed one of the hardest languages to learn. It is also among most spoken languages in the world, so it can be very useful to you. Already taking the first step to learning the language? Here are some tips for you.
Conquer the basics
Learn to count in Mandarin and make your way through the basic vocabulary of the language, such as the time of day, vehicles, occupations, furniture, greetings, etc. Also, learn simple phrases in daily conversations such as in a restaurant, at the hospital or the cinema, etc.
These are the first steps you need to take no matter what language you want to learn because they are your easiest introduction to any language.
Identify the tones
In the Mandarin dialect there are a few characters with the same sounds so learn to pronounce the words with the correct tones to distinguish the words from one another. There are four tones in Mandarin Chinese:
1) The first tone; high and flat;
2) The second tone; rising, starting from a low pitch, and ending with a higher pitch;
3) The third tone; falling-rising, starting with a flat tone before falling to a lower pitch and then ending with a high pitch;
4) The fourth tone; falling, starting with a slightly high pitch and then dropping to a lower pitch.
To help yourself master the tones, try out some listening exercises that can help you differentiate all the tones.
The Mandarin Chinese tone contours
Practise with Pinyin
Pinyin is a romanized system of the traditional Mandarin Chinese writing. It was designed to help pronunciation.
HOWEVER, learners should exercise care when learning with Pinyin because specific Roman pronunciation does not parallel the actual Mandarin pronunciation. For example, "c" in Pinyin is pronounced "ts" as in "pits", "e" is pronounced "er" as in "her" and "q" is pronounced "ch" as in "chair".
Practise with a buddy
To be fluent in a language, you need to practice. You can do this yourself, but it would be better to do it with a partner. Find a native speaker who can correct the language mistakes you are bound to make.
You could also find a fellow student who is a non-native speaker but is at an advanced stage in his/her proficiency of the language.
As an MSUrian, you can join the Chinese Cultural Society and practise your Mandarin with fellow members, and of course learn more about the Chinese culture, too! In fact, learning a language in its cultural context is always the best way!
Members of CCS performing at CNY celebration
Immerse yourself in the language
How do you do that, you ask? Easy! Start thinking in Mandarin, watch Mandarin shows, read Mandarin and write in it, listen to songs with Mandarin lyrics, and most importantly, start speaking the language.
We are lucky to have native speakers in Malaysia, so you don’t have to go all the way to China to find one!
You are lucky if you are an MSUrian, because MSU CEDEC is offering a Mandarin Language short course! Enquire with them!
There you have it, five basic tips for you to apply to start you off with Mandarin Chinese.
Interested in more than the language? Check out MSU’s Diploma and Bachelor in Traditional Chinese Medicine!