Learning Chinese is Not as Hard as You Think!

Have you just arrived in Taiwan or are you interested in Asian culture and want to learn Chinese? Learning a new language is always a challenge, especially when it is deeply intertwined with culture. However, many foreigners find that learning Chinese is not as overwhelming as it seems.

Understanding the Challenges

Chinese presents unique challenges, including its complex writing system and the 37 phonetic symbols that correspond to sounds in the language. Additionally, the five tones can change the meaning of a syllable entirely. For example:

• 迷路 (mí lù) - 'lost'
• 麋鹿 (mí lù) - 'deer'

Another common hurdle is the presence of homophones, which can confuse beginners.

Grammar Differences

Chinese grammar differs significantly from English, but understanding these differences can simplify your learning process. Here are some key contrasts:

• Word Order:

  • English: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
    Example: She (S) loves (V) bananas (O).
  • Chinese: Also SVO, but modifiers like time and place may vary.
    Example: 我 (S) 昨天 (time) 在家 (place) 看 (V) 書 (O).

• Existential Sentences:

  • English: "There is" or "there are."
    Example: There is a mug on the table.
  • Chinese: Uses "有" to indicate existence.
    Example: 桌子上有一個馬克杯。

• Passive Voice:

  • English: Formed with "be" + past participle.
    Example: The book was read by him.
  • Chinese: Uses "被," "给," or "讓."
    Example: 這本書被他讀了。

• Questions:

  • English: Alters word order or uses auxiliary verbs.
    Example: Is she coming?
  • Chinese: Often adds "嗎" at the end.
    Example: 她會來嗎？

• Adjectives:

  • English: Adjectives precede nouns.
    Example: a red apple.
  • Chinese: Adjectives also precede nouns.
    Example: 紅色的蘋果。

• Tenses:

  • English: Uses various tenses to indicate time.
    Example: She is reading.
  • Chinese: Relies on context and temporal words.
    Example: 她正在讀書。

Practical Learning Strategies

To make your learning experience more effective, consider these strategies:

• Visual Aids and Storytelling: Use visual tools to enhance memory retention for new vocabulary.
• Apps and Online Resources: Leverage language-learning apps to practice pronunciation and characters.
• Cultural Immersion: Watch Taiwanese news, soap operas, and food vlogs on YouTube to familiarize yourself with commonly used phrases and local culture.

Examples of useful phrases include:

• 我想要點餐 (Wǒ xiǎng yào diǎn cān) - I would like to order.
• 請問這道菜裡面有什麼 (Qǐng wèn zhè dào cài lǐ miàn yǒu shén me) - What are the ingredients in this dish?
• 請問有推薦的菜色嗎？(Qǐng wèn yǒu tuī jiàn de cài sè ma?) - What do you recommend?
• 可以給我一杯水嗎？(Kěyǐ gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ ma?) - Can I have a glass of water, please?
• 請問有純素食的食物嗎？(Qǐng wèn yǒu chún sù shí wù ma?) - Do you have vegan food?

Learn with Berlitz Taiwan

The most effective way to learn Chinese is with professional teachers at Berlitz Taiwan. Our experienced instructors provide tailored lessons that allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations, enhancing your memory and understanding. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and language nuances.

Learning Chinese may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and resources, it can be an enjoyable journey. Embrace the challenge, utilize effective strategies, and consider learning with Berlitz Taiwan to make your experience both rewarding and fun!