Ways To Learn Chinese Fast

By Gregory Murphy

I know, I know. You´re wondering whether it´s even possible to learn Chinese fast. Well, it depends on whether you expect to read the language like a Chinese college student, or merely carry on a simple conversation in Chinese. If you just want to be able to tell a Chinese guest you´ve had a lovely time, or ask directions to a Beijing hotel, then yes, you can learn Chinese fast in much less time than you think!

You see, reading Chinese is one thing and we won´t even tackle that in this article. Speaking Chinese is another thing altogether. The consonants used in Chinese are quite simple. What makes the language sound so, well Chinese, to the English speaker is its tonal quality. When we say the word 'horse' it doesn´t matter whether we say it in a rising or falling tone it´s still a horse. In Chinese, though, that´s not the case, and in fact, if you say many Chinese words in the wrong tone, they mean something else altogether! To learn Chinese fast, you need to become very sensitive to the varying tones used in the language.

And for that, you need an audio-based course one that not only teaches you the words but allows you to hear the pitch and tone in which they´re spoken. Either take a conversational class in person, or choose an online or DVD-based course in which the emphasis is placed on speaking rather than reading, and the instructors are native Chinese speakers themselves. This method will give you a solid foundation in the structure of the language itself while sensitizing you to the nuances of its sound, and it is the best way to learn Chinese fast.

But there is one more essential step in your Chinese instructional method. To learn Chinese fast, make Chinese friends! While this is a good idea when learning any language, it is absolutely essential when learning Chinese because you need the feedback that only other speakers can provide. Pay extremely careful attention to the way your companions shape their lips and tongue as they form their words. You´ll find that as you listen to Chinese speakers, you´ll be able to understand them relatively quickly. But when you start trying to talk back, you´ll get some pained looks, and probably laughter. It´s very easy for a rookie to say embarrassing things in Chinese! Before you take that trip to China or entertain any Chinese dignitaries, you´ll want to have practiced your conversational skills with people you trust.

And where do you find these Chinese friends? You may be able to strike up a friendship with the owners of your local Chinese restaurant, just make sure they speak the same version of Chinese you´re studying (residents of Hong Kong and Taiwan generally speak Cantonese, while residents of the People´s Republic of China speak Mandarin). Alternatively, try your local Civic Association. If you live near a university, see if they have an Asian students´ group. Any of these outlets should put you in touch with people who will help you learn Chinese fast. Just be friendly, and you´re well on your way to learning a new language!

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