How to learn Chinese by yourself

I have been teaching Chinese for four years in different countries, so I know the problems Chinese language learners may face. Learning Chinese during the first year will take more time than you thought, especially if you want to determine the level you want to achieve and set specific personal goals.

As a second language learner, I have learned several languages, such as Japanese, German, and Italian. So, I understand that mastering a new language, like Chinese, can be fun if you have the primary keys to learning Chinese. I have found that the key to language learning is the environment.

Learning a new language can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, and Chinese is no exception. Whether you’re planning a trip to China, want to communicate with Chinese-speaking friends or colleagues, or simply have a fascination with the language, embarking on a journey to learn Chinese by yourself is a commendable endeavor, and you can succeed. Drawing from my experience as a Chinese language teacher and a language enthusiast, I’m here to guide you through creating a conducive environment to master this intricate language.

Here are some for beginners practicing Chinese by yourself:

The Role of Environment in Language Learning

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that the environment plays a pivotal role in language acquisition, especially when aiming to learn Chinese. Surrounding yourself with the target language, even when you’re not actively studying, can significantly expedite your progress, and you can achieve this by following these practical tips to help you build the ideal Chinese language environment.

Establish your “vocabulary” by Post-it notes

As a Chinese teacher with four years of experience, I’ve seen countless students struggle with vocabulary retention. This is where my secret weapon, self-study with Post-it notes, comes into play. I encourage my students to create a vocabulary-rich environment, and you can do the same to enhance your efforts to learn Chinese. Write down Chinese words with their English definitions and Pinyin transliterations, and plaster them on items around your house. This simple yet effective self-study technique helps students immerse themselves in the language and increases their exposure to new words daily, a valuable strategy as you strive to learn Chinese effectively.

What’s the “verb” we use for the nouns

In my years of teaching, I’ve noticed that verbs are often the missing piece in language learning puzzles. Without verbs, sentences lack action and substance. When I teach my students, I emphasize the importance of pairing verbs with nouns and other words and phrases. For instance, when you are encountering the Chinese word for “door” (門/门 mén), you can see that it’s equally essential to learn how to say “open (開/开 kāi)” and “close (關/关 guān).” This not only enriches your vocabulary but also equips you with the tools to construct meaningful sentences, allowing you to express yourself more effectively as you continue to learn Chinese.

Use the “grammar” you prefer to build a sentence

Chinese grammar, especially when you’re trying to start learning Chinese, is not like English grammar. We make a sentence in chunks, which is why you will learn time words, measure words, and so on to develop effective study habits for learning Chinese. We assume you will give advice, so focus on practicing the grammar related to advising for the whole week and use it in any situation you can. This approach will help you gain a deeper understanding of the language and improve your communication skills as you progress in your journey to learn Chinese.

For example, Grammar: …吧!

我們晚上去吃牛排吧!

我们晚上去吃牛排吧!

Wo men wan shang qu chi niupai ba.

The app helps you get more practice

In today’s digital age, language learning apps can be invaluable tools in your journey to master Chinese, and you can make the most of these resources. I recommend apps like Pleco for vocabulary, Skritter for writing practice, LingQ for reading, and HelloTalk to connect with language exchange partners. These apps offer convenient ways to practice and learn on the go, complementing traditional study methods.

Don’t translate to learn Chinese

Over the years, I’ve observed that students who rely too heavily on translation can encounter more significant challenges in the long run, but you can avoid this pitfall. While it may be acceptable to use translation in the early stages to grasp basic words, it’s essential to break this habit as you progress in learning the Chinese language. Using translation as a crutch can lead to frustration in later lessons. A great way to overcome this challenge, as I strongly advise my students, and you can do the same, is to immerse yourself in the language and aim to understand the Chinese language directly. This shift in approach will significantly enhance your language learning journey as you strive to master Chinese.

Give yourself a #Metime by writing Chinese characters

As your teacher, I encourage you to give yourself some “me time” by exploring the art of the Chinese calligraphy writing system, and you can certainly try it out. Writing Chinese characters can be a calming and meditative practice, and it’s the best way to reinforce your memory of these intricate characters. Taking a moment to engage in this traditional practice can not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your appreciation of Chinese culture as you continue your journey to master Chinese.

Execute your plan every day!

One of the most common challenges my students face is maintaining consistency in their language practice, particularly in learning Mandarin Chinese. To learn the Mandarin language effectively and overcome this hurdle, I urge you to dedicate a consistent amount of time each day, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, to Chinese practice. Daily engagement will solidify your language skills in Mandarin Chinese over time, ensuring that you make steady progress toward your language learning goals.

Learn the pronunciation from a teacher

Chinese is a tonal language, and there are four tones in Chinese. It’s not easy to pronounce the words accurately at the beginning. We need a teacher to help us open our ears!

Listening Resources for Beginners

To enhance your listening skills, you can explore various resources that suit your proficiency level and interests.

Peppa Pig Chinese Version

This beloved children’s show provides simple language and engaging visuals perfect for beginners.

我們這一家

This family-themed series offers a glimpse into everyday Chinese conversations.

Listening Resources for Cultural Differences

莫彩曦Hailey

Follow Hailey’s vlogs to gain insights into modern Chinese culture and lifestyle.

莎白Elizabeth

Elizabeth’s channel explores cross-cultural topics and offers a fresh perspective on Taiwan.

WTO TV Show

Dive into the world of Chinese politics and international relations through this informative TV program

Set Realistic Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals is crucial when learning Mandarin Chinese independently, and you can follow these steps. As your teacher, I often emphasize the importance of goal setting to my students. Determine what level of proficiency you want to reach, whether it’s basic conversational skills, intermediate fluency, or advanced proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. Having specific goals in mind will give you a sense of purpose and a lot of motivation throughout your language-learning journey.

Immerse Yourself in Chinese Media

To truly grasp the language and culture and enhance your efforts to learn Mandarin, immerse yourself in Chinese media. As a teacher, I recommend watching Chinese movies and TV dramas and listening to Chinese music or podcasts. These forms of media not only expose you to authentic language usage and offer valuable insights into Chinese culture, customs, and social dynamics. It’s like bringing a lot of China into your daily life, and by doing so, you’ll be able to deepen your understanding as you continue on your journey to learn Mandarin.

Join Online Language Communities

Learning Chinese can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor to start learning, but it doesn’t have to be, and you can avoid this isolation. Joining online language learning communities and forums is a fantastic way to connect with fellow learners and native speakers, and it can help you overcome a lot of this isolation. These communities offer a platform to ask questions, share resources, and engage in language exchange partnerships. Building a supportive network can make your journey to mastering Chinese more enjoyable and effective, and you can find valuable support and encouragement from like-minded individuals along the way.

Travel or Virtual Immersion

If possible, consider traveling to a Chinese-speaking region for a true immersion experience to learn Mandarin. Being surrounded by the language and culture firsthand can be incredibly beneficial for your language skills. However, if traveling is not an option, you can still achieve a virtual immersion by seeking out online language exchange partners, participating in virtual language immersion programs, or setting your devices and social media to Chinese. This virtual immersion approach can help bridge the gap when physical travel is not possible, allowing you to continue your journey to learn Mandarin effectively.

Conclusion

Learning Chinese yourself can be a rewarding adventure with the right strategies and mindset. As your teacher, I encourage you to embrace the journey, stay committed to your goals, and actively create a language-rich environment. Remember that progress may be gradual, but every step brings you closer to fluency. Share your experiences and challenges with fellow learners, seek guidance when needed, and enjoy the process of mastering this beautiful and intricate language. Learning Chinese is not just about acquiring a new skill; it’s a gateway to a rich and diverse culture that awaits your exploration.