Chinese is undoubtedly one of the most difficult languages to learn. It is so intricate that a single word can have several different meanings depending on the tones on how it is said. However, learning the Chinese language has become very important nowadays. China’s rise from a once reclusive country to being a giant today in the world economy has compelled many traders to learn China’s culture as well as its complex language. Aside from that, the Chinese people are one of the most numerous in the world. Not only are they found in neighboring Asian countries, but also in Europe and North America.
Nothing is impossible to learn, though. What is important is that the right techniques are employed. This means that one should learn it through an efficient approach; costing less time, money, and effort but effective – the Chinese way. Before jumping into a language school or any self-instruction guide, getting a brief preview of the Chinese culture is advantageous. Language and all its aspects are solidly based on the peculiarities of a national culture. Studying a bit the rich history and culture of the Chinese people definitely informs the language learner the origin and context of a word or phrase. This naturally makes learning Chinese interesting, easy, and fast for the learner.
Knowing what makes the Chinese language unique from the others is a ticket to fast learning. Its differences are the main features that the learner should take note are its sentence order, tones, and individual characters. The common tendency in language learning is to do it the dictionary way – memorizing the vocabulary. This may help but it will not guarantee speedy acquisition of a new language. However, to learn using the most commonly used individual characters in the Chinese language will lead to easier and faster expansion of the vocabulary.
Sentence order in the Chinese language is not at all tricky. Though it is simple, unlike the flexible English language, any mistake such as misplacing time adverbs surely confuses the native Chinese listener. In Chinese, tones are not mere pronunciations. The tone is its most essential feature. A learner may need to know the translation of every Chinese word but without learning the tone; he may never be able to use what he knows correctly. One word could mean lot in Chinese if said in different tones.
Since tones are very important in learning Chinese quickly, listening to it in actual conversation is, therefore, advisable. The best way of doing it without requiring lots of effort and time is with audio books in language learning such as those sold online by the Talking Book Store. These audio books in learning Chinese use the Pimsleur approach, a tried and tested method in learning a language easily and quickly. Audio books like Collins 40-Minute Mandarin, Dr. Blair’s Express Lane: Mandarin Chinese, and Pimsleur Chinese (Mandarin) Levels I and II are the learner’s best companions in learning Chinese the fast way.