How I’m Learning Mandarin Chinese
I just started learning my 4th language, Mandarin. It’s my very first language of a different orthography - something I’ve always wanted to learn & am finally up for the challenge to dive into.
Why I’m Learning Mandarin
Learning a new language is no small decision; it’s a life-long commitment with a serious time, money, & energy investment. I’ve thought long & hard about learning this language, & it’s very precious to me because it brings me closer to Karate & fills my desire of learning another orthography. It’s a way for me to integrate all aspects of my life: Karate, language, business, & travel (what better place to learn about Karate than the Shaolin Temple in China? - once travel restrictions are lifted, of course😉). I’ve also realized that it’s been quite a while since I’ve studied the basics of a language & feel like I can learn so much more about the process by beginning a new language which I can, in turn, integrate into my language learning & teaching business 😊
How I’m Getting Started
Okay, now for the challenging part. How do you start learning a brand new language from scratch?
Well, here’s what I’m currently doing. It’s by no means perfect, & I’m 100 percent sure I’ll be making improvements along the way, but you have to start somewhere, so. . .
I’m using 3 main sources for my Mandarin studies:
Duolingo
Since I found Duolingo to be extremely useful for my Spanish & French studies, I’m using it as the foundation of my basic vocabulary & grammar. It’s mainly a tool for memorization, but it’s also helpful that it’s heavy in listening & speaking. Although, there’s kind of some writing practice, I think the most valuable aspect of this app is the repetition of foundational vocabulary & grammar with the listening component.
Skritter
I’ve only just began using this app, but my first impression of it is that it is an amazing resources for practicing writing Mandarin characters. I’m currently making my way through the free lessons, but I intend to subscribe once I finish those for the full curriculum. While it’s not quite the same as writing on paper, it does provide something that textbooks do not: it corrects me as I write & shows me step-by-step how to write characters correctly.
Textbooks
I actually originally started with a couple of beginner textbooks; however, I quickly discovered that this was not going to work for me without some form of instruction. Since I’m not ready to work with a Mandarin teacher or take a class yet, I’ve found that instruction in the form of the apps above. With that in mind, I’m also using these books as my main grammar source & “real” writing practice; I’m using the apps to learn the basic vocabulary & grammar, then reinforcing it with my books, and so far this seems to be working pretty well 🥰
In case you’re curious, these are the 2 books I’m currently using:
The first one’s a children’s book just for writing & learning basic vocabulary. The second one more of an actual text book that goes into the basic grammar, as well as vocabulary & writing 🥰
How I’m Integrating & Adjusting
I’m using my language learning to create content for by business, like this post😉, & as a way to learn more about the Chinese culture that Shaolin Kempo Karate originates from. Right now, I’m in the memorization stage of this language, & while I am integrating some speaking & listening into my reading & writing, my focus is more on acquiring vocabulary & understanding the structure of the language. I’m planning to adjust as I go by adding some speaking practice with a tutor & take some college classes, but for right now, I’m just so happy to be independently exploring this beautiful language!
