(WA) Advice for Learning Mandarin (Beginner).

Zavala on 18/04/2021 - 17:14

Hi all,

Wanting to learn Mandarin and don't really have much of an idea where is best to start. I've done some research but there does seem to be concerns that some learning centres have a few ethical issues, but I would prefer the structured learning they provide? rather than solely relying on a private tutor and the like. Quite confused what/where to choose with me being a complete beginner to the language and all.

Anyway was just wondering about peoples thoughts and recommendations on what direction to head in for learning and so on, along with any other advice you'd be able to offer.

Cheers

Education & Work

Comments

  • brokenglish on 18/04/2021 - 19:41

    What is your goal for learning Mandarin?
    If for fun, any language app is a good start.
    If you have cash, private tutor or learning centre.
    If you want to be fluent straight away, fly yourself to China and you will be forced to learn the language to survive (not easy at the moment).

    • SF3 on 18/04/2021 - 19:51

      OP is in WA…

      • brokenglish on 18/04/2021 - 19:52
        -5

        LOL I haven’t been to WA. From your response, it looks like it’s Chinatown over there.

    • andrek on 19/04/2021 - 06:20

      fly yourself to China

      That, plus Chinese-speaking girlfriend so Chinese is the only way to communicate. Worked for me 🤣

      To be fair though, I did spend one year in a uni in Beijing learning the language. But nothing beats practicing it with locals, or at least with Chinese speaking foreigners.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 18/04/2021 - 20:22

    I have spent about 15 years learning mandarin. Best thing I can recommend.. Immersion. Do as much as possible in Chinese. I was fortunate to be living in China at the time so didn't have a choice. For you, find out where the Chinese hot spots are in Perth and hang around there. As you get better lots of doors will open.

    A great app I have used in Memrise. But, you will need a teacher. Places like Preply etc can be hit or miss. If you get a great tutor, try to keep hold of them.

  • Loachie R on 18/04/2021 - 22:52

    My uni used these textbooks https://www.amazon.com.au/Chinese-Made-Easy-Simplified-Textb…
    Try get your tones right as it can be hard to correct later on. You can youtube Chinese anime, it might help a little.

  • Bandicute on 19/04/2021 - 08:26

    I've had a tutor for around a year now and I thoroughly enjoy it! Obviously everyone is different, but ask them questions about their teaching background etc. She used to teach English to mandarin speakers back in Beijing. Her lessons are both enjoyable and structured… Unfortunately I'm in NSW.

  • mini2 on 21/04/2021 - 12:32

    Don't know if they teach adults but getting reasonably good results for a teenager:
    https://en.wukongsch.com/

    It's all done online.

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