When people ask me if there was one language I would absolutely love to learn and have under my belt the answer would probably be Mandarin. Not only is the whole Chinese culture fascinating and how the characters can be traced right back to the Han Dynasty in 206 BC but also the amount of subfamilies within the language family that it encompasses from Tibetan to Karen. This language is ever expanding and evolving and is beautiful to listen to and to speak moreover that is why I would love to learn Mandarin, speaking it confidently.
So then, you want to learn Mandarin? Well let me tell you something that you will be very glad to hear. That is Mandarin has one of the easiest and basic tone systems which consist of four basic tones. So before you become intimidated on how difficult this language can be, think of the positives and how beneficial it will be if you can master this language and complete your learn Mandarin course.
So how then can you learn Mandarin in an interactive way as maybe you are a kinesthetic learner so need your lessons to be more practical orientated? Let’s go through a few steps that you can put into your learning timeline on a website you choose to join up to.
Firstly, if you own an iPod, you can sign up to receive free podcasts from iTunes. You can also download lessons on the website in a video or audio form to your computer representing you with a tutor who trains you on how to say things. Also when you start to learn Mandarin make sure you look at the course outline so that you can see exactly what is taught in what stage of the learning process so that you do not start at a level which you are not ready for.
Secondly, you can go back on and assess new characters when you learn Mandarin or words and sentences you have learnt in an audio form. Also videos are great for this part. Make a mind map or take down notes, whichever you prefer, as you watch and listen to these helpful resources.
Finally, there are a few games and exercises when you learn Mandarin online. This is a practical way where you can dive into what you’re learning by challenging your growing knowledge with missing sentences or flashcards which put your understanding of new words, phrases and tones to the test. This is a learning process so enjoy it and don’t get to snowed under with heaps of learning but utilize the online resources, making the most out of your learning experience when you learn Mandarin for the first time.
Another great way to learn Mandarin is through attending a school or college that offers the course, maybe starting an evening class which will give you the key to accessing valuable books and materials that will give you effective guidance and help when you learn Mandarin.