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How to Learn Mandarin Chinese Part 4

Part 3 of 3: Immersing Yourself in the Language

Once you mastered the basics of Chinese language, there are a few ways for you to advance your Chinese language skills.

1. Find a native Chinese speaker

One of the best ways to improve your Chinese language skills is to practice speaking with a native speaker. They will easily be able to correct any grammar or pronunciation mistakes you make and can introduce you to more informal or colloquial forms of speech that you won't find in a textbook.

•If you have a Mandarin-speaking friend who is willing to help, that's great! Otherwise, you can place an ad in the local paper or online or investigate whether there are any pre-existing Mandarin conversation groups in the area.

•Maybe there's a Chinese restaurant down the road. If there are Chinese people there, go in and greet them in Chinese! You don't need to buy their food. They will be delighted that you are taking an interest in their culture.

•If you can't locate any Mandarin-speakers nearby, try finding someone on Skype. They might be willing to exchange 15 minutes of Mandarin conversation for 15 minutes of English.

2. Consider signing up for a Chinese language course

If you need some extra motivation or feel you would learn better in a more formal setting, try signing up for a Chinese language course.

•Look out for language courses advertised online or at local colleges, schools or language centers.

•If you're nervous about signing up for a class by yourself, drag a friend along. You'll have more fun and also someone to practice with between classes!

3. Watch Chinese films and cartoons

Get your hands on some Chinese DVDs (with subtitles) or watch Chinese cartoons online. This is an easy, entertaining way to get a feel for the sound and structure of the Mandarin Chinese language.

•If you're feeling particularly proactive, try pausing the video after a simple sentence and repeat what has just been said. This will lend your Chinese accent an air of authenticity!

•If you can't find any Chinese films to buy, try renting them from a movie rental store, which often have foreign language sections. Alternatively, see if your local library has any Chinese films or ask if they would be able to source some for you.

4. Listen to Chinese music and radio

Listening to Chinese music and/or radio is another good way to surround yourself in the language. Even if you can't understand everything, try to pick out keywords to help you get the gist of what's being said.

•Get a Mandarin Chinese radio app on your phone, so you can listen on the go.

•Try downloading Chinese podcasts to listen to while exercising or doing housework.

5. Consider taking a trip to China and immersing yourself in Mandarin Chinese

Once you feel comfortable with the basics of Mandarin Chinese speech, consider taking a trip to China, or even Taiwan. What better way to immerse yourself in the Mandarin language than a journey to its native land!

Don't be too harsh on yourself. Learning a language is a gradual process. You have to keep at it. So take your time.