Learning Another Language Can be Tough... But Chinese?
I've been practicing learning Mandarin for a few days now. It's after my lovely wife got me this surprise teaching course which is supposed to get you up and conversing in around 40 days of so. I simply think that statement is pure lies, but I'm trying to give it a go anyway.
And lemme tell you, it's hard as hell! Remembering all those "Chinese Characters" is one thing (there are literally thousands to learn) but the inflections in voice tonations and pronunciation is a whole 'nother ball game. I mean, I've been at it for almost a week now and already close to giving up! I'm getting more and more convinced that a language as polarized from English as this one is, needs to be tackled in a completely different manner.
In other words, living in the country itself instead of learning everything using the old "parrot fashion" technique. I mean, I love the Chinese culture. So many great movies and books I've heard about, but will never get a chance to read or watch because quite simply I... can't! So the motivation to learn is most certainly there (not forgetting that my wife is also Chinese too, lol). When I think I'm getting somewhere and speak "my" version of Mandarin to @rea, she looks at me like I've just puked up all over the floor. Suffice to say, it doesn't do anything for my confidence levels.
However, I'll keep going for as long as it takes. It is so structurally opposite to English that I must give the Chinese maximum respect to knowing both, as well as anyone else from that part of the globe. Though persist I must. I'll keep you informed on how my progress unfolds, but at the moment, not too great, it must be said.
I think she hasn't tell you one thing yet so let me.
Mandarin has 4 tones and Cantonese has 9 tones.
So, be glad you are not learning Cantonese for now.
Dang! I might be giving Cantonese a miss then, lol. :)
Yes, learn Python instead. :-)
Hehehe. Chinese are probably a pain in the ass. But speaking of difficulty...check my language too. Greek are probably equally difficult if not more.
But as you said mate. The best way to learn a foreign language is to live in that country. Life there...will force you to speak it. Now...reading is a whole different thing...
That's the way forward, my bro. Would love to learn Greek too though. :)
To me learning Chinese will be more difficult than learning any languages such as French or German because you also need to learn how to move your tongue to pronounce some words. Chinese language is a complete opposite to western languages like English and the rest, for you to learn Chinese properly you need to stay and live in China and also associate yourself with the people, that will makes it easier for you to learn better @ezzy
It'll help with speaking to the in-laws too, lol! :)
I have heard this many times from co-workers and have not even tried to consider it, however my daughter has approached me with wanting to learn which excited me because that is a great potential given that youngsters probably have more capacity than ourselves.
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Nicely said. Also, Mandarin is "the" most spoken language in the world. It's gotta have some benefits, right? :)
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Learning a new language is so hard. I faced this suituation when I am 8 year old. I moved to Aunt home away from parents different state different language.
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