Learning Mandarin is challenging. The tones, vocabulary, and sentence structure of Mandarin Chinese are very different from Western languages. There is a void when trying to find common reference points between Mandarin and Western languages, and this can make Mandarin seem overwhelming, slippery, and evasive.
If you persevere, however, the logic of the Mandarin language slowly unveils. You might begin to get a handle on Mandarin vocabulary, for example, by noticing which Chinese characters are used in compound words. And Mandarin sentence structure will become natural with practice.
Your success in learning Mandarin Chinese depends on finding materials and methods that suit your particular learning style. What works for Mary may not work for Maria, so take a bit of time to analyze your learning style.
Learning Styles
There are several ways to approach Mandarin. Finding the most effective method depends on analyzing your learning style and choosing appropriate materials for your particular style.
There are three basic learning styles:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Kinesthetic
Visual learners benefit from flashcards, note-taking, videos, and diagrams. Auditory learners like word associations, group discussions, and recorded materials. Kinesthetic learners prefer physical activities like role-playing, using interactive software, and memory games.
Grace Fleming, the About.com guide to Homework / Study Tips, has some tips for finding out your learning style. You can also take her learning style quiz to find out your learning style.
Learning Tips
Everyone has their own unique way to study, so you may not fit neatly into one of the three learning style categories. That’s OK – a mixture of methods can often help to reinforce newly learned material.
Here are a few tips divided into the three learning style categories. Feel free to mix and match, and be sure to let us know your own tips for learning Mandarin Chinese.
Visual Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
- Use textbooks, flashcards
- Make notes, lists and diagrams
- Watch Mandarin-language videos
- Use colored highlighters for various language functions like verbs, nouns, measure words etc.
Auditory Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
- Use audio materials like CDs and MP3 files
- For classroom study, ask if you can record the lessons
- Watch Mandarin-language videos and listen to Mandarin radio
- Record all your written notes
Kinesthetic Methods for Learning Mandarin Chinese
- Use flashcards and interactive software
- Play role-playing games and practice dialogs with a partner
- Study in the language lab and with other people
- Find a language-exchange partner
Now It’s Your Turn
Now tell us what works for you. If you’ve found a particular method that helps you learn Mandarin, please share your experiences.
