Why should you learn Chinese online? Why not? To learn Chinese, you need to listen to it and practice it, and if you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you don’t have Chinese parents who speak the language naturally at home. Learning Mandarin Chinese online, both with auditory and visual aids, may be the best solution available to you.
Why is listening to speak Chinese so essential to learning it? In English, words are made up of consonants and vowels. Gato means cat, no matter how you pronounce it. But in Chinese, saying “ma” in one tone of voice means “mother”; in another tone of voice, it means “horse”. By learning online, you can hear native speakers pronounce sentences accurately, and you get a chance to match your pitch to theirs.
How do you start learning Chinese online? Here are five strategies to help you get started.
1. Let your mouse do the shopping! Research as many different Chinese courses as you can find. Be sure to choose one where the speakers speak Chinese as their native language. And choose a program that offers several approaches to online learning, such as computer games or incentives.
2. Find out the best time to learn Chinese online and stick to it! It doesn’t matter if you study first thing in the morning or late at night, as long as you choose a time when you can work without interruptions and stay alert.
3. Listen carefully to conversations and match your accent to the native speaker on your show. Accent is vitally important in Chinese, as a fluctuation in pitch can change the entire meaning of a word or phrase. Don’t worry about being heard by your friends or family – to learn Mandarin Chinese online, you need to speak out loud.
4. Try each different learning approach that comes with your online program. Some packages include member forums to answer specific questions or computer games to develop specific skill areas. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “gaming” or “social media” person, every feature is designed to help you learn Chinese online and you’ll be surprised how well they work for you.
5. Now that you are learning Chinese online, practice offline! Unless you live in a very isolated area, there are likely to be some Chinese speakers living within a reasonable distance. Find them and talk to them! They will be delighted to hear your sincere attempts at speaking their language, and it will do wonders for your conversational skills.
Are you ready to start? Learning Chinese online can be not only rewarding but also fun if you follow these simple tips. Just make sure you pick the perfect program for you, and then stick with it. In no time, you’ll be well on your way to learning Mandarin Chinese online!