8 important ideas when you learn Cantonese / Chinese

Learning Cantonese / Chinese as a foreigner can be a rewarding journey. To make the process more effective, consider the following steps and tips:

1. Set Clear Goals: Decide on your language learning objectives. If your aim is to speak Chinese fluently without focusing on writing, then prioritize functional grammar and listening skills. For those with limited time, allocate it to practicing listening.

2. Understand Language Training: Language learning involves two aspects - language elements and language skills. Language elements include phonetics, Chinese characters, grammar, and vocabulary. Language skills encompass listening, oral communication, reading, and writing. For each section, you can learn differently, tips listed below.

3. Emphasize Listening: Listening is crucial for beginners. Spend ample time listening to Chinese audio, watching movies, or even immersing yourself in a Chinese-speaking environment if possible. Speaking will come naturally with enough listening practice.

4. Tackling Phonetics: Chinese is tonal, but don't be overly concerned about tones at the beginner level. Focus on essential vocabulary and sentence structures first. Tonal accuracy becomes more important as you progress to the intermediate level.

5. Handling Chinese Characters: Recognize common characters rather than focusing on writing strokes. Chinese input software can help you write characters on a computer or mobile phone. Familiarity with characters is key, and traditional characters may become more recognizable with practice.

6. Grammar and Vocabulary: Opt for functional grammar that suits your communication needs. Build your vocabulary based on your interests or daily life activities. Creating a word bank using flashcards or apps can be beneficial.

7. Enjoy the Journey: Avoid setting too many barriers for yourself, especially in the beginner stage. Progress step by step, and don't expect perfection early on. Learning Chinese can be enjoyable when you explore songs, poems, calligraphy, and other cultural aspects.

8. Regular Revision: Consistent revision is essential for language retention. Make character recognition a priority and practice intensive vocabulary learning.

Remember, everyone's learning journey is unique, so tailor your approach to your goals and interests. Learning Chinese requires patience and dedication, but it can be a gratifying experience that opens doors to new cultural experiences and opportunities.

Citation: Mostly from Professor 江新, 周健 in China, and 謝錫金 in Hong Kong.

Further reading: http://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html (Language Learning from Psychology Perspectives - the process of scaffolding)

8點如何學習廣東話中文

作為外國人學習漢語可能是一次有益的旅程。 為了使該過程更加有效，請考慮以下步驟和提示：

1. 設定明確的目標：決定您的語言學習目標。 如果您的目標是說流利的中文而不是專注於寫作，那麼請優先考慮功能語法和聽力技能。 對於時間有限的人，可以將其分配給練習聽力。

2.了解語言訓練：語言學習涉及兩個方面——語言要素和語言技能。 語言要素包括語音、漢字、語法和詞彙。 語言技能包括聽力、口頭交流、閱讀和寫作。 對於每個部分，您可以學習不同的內容，下面列出了一些技巧。

3.強調聽力：聽力對於初學者來說至關重要。 花足夠的時間聽中文音頻、看電影，甚至如果可能的話，讓自己沉浸在中文環境中。 只要有足夠的聽力練習，口語就會自然而然地進行。

4. 解決語音問題：漢語是有聲調的，但初學者不要過分關心聲調。 首先關注基本詞彙和句子結構。 當您進入中級水平時，音調準確性變得更加重要。

5. 漢字處理：認識常用字，而不是專注於書寫筆劃。 中文輸入軟件可以幫助您在電腦或手機上書寫漢字。 熟悉漢字是關鍵，通過練習傳統漢字可能會變得更容易識別。

6. 語法和詞彙：選擇適合您溝通需求的功能語法。 根據您的興趣或日常生活活動建立您的詞彙量。 使用抽認卡或應用程序創建單詞庫可能會很有幫助。

7. 享受旅程：避免為自己設置太多障礙，尤其是在初學者階段。 一步一步進步，不要一開始就期望完美。 當你探索歌曲、詩歌、書法和其他文化方面時，學習中文會很有趣。

8. 定期復習：持續的複習對於保留語言至關重要。 將字符識別放在首位，並練習強化詞彙學習。

請記住，每個人的學習旅程都是獨一無二的，因此請根據您的目標和興趣定制您的方法。 學習中文需要耐心和奉獻精神，但它可以是一次令人欣喜的經歷，為新的文化體驗和機會打開大門。

引文：主要來自中國的江新教授、周健教授和香港的謝錫金教授。

進一步閱讀：http://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html（從心理學角度學習語言——腳手架的過程）

Tips for Foreigners Learning Cantonese / Chinese

When learning a language like Chinese as a foreigner, it's important to set clear goals and avoid obstacles that can hinder your progress. For instance, if your aim is to only speak Chinese and you don't need to write passages, you can focus on learning easy and practical grammar rules rather than spending too much time on advanced ones. If you have limited time, prioritize listening skills.

Language Elements:

- Start by mastering phonetics, especially tones, by listening to them more.

- Learn simple and functional grammar to construct sentences effectively.

- Acquire vocabulary that is relevant and important to you.

- If you want to learn to write Chinese characters. Focus on reading them, but not writing them, typing them using a computer, writing them in a basic form, and remembering radicals.

Language Skills:

1. Determine which language elements and skills you need to learn based on your motivations, such as family expectations, future work opportunities, work requirements, or personal interests. Different motivations may require different learning approaches and materials, such as integrated textbooks, visual aids, audio resources, or textbooks that prioritize oral skills.

2. To enjoy learning Chinese without getting frustrated early on, it's recommended not to overwhelm yourself with too many barriers at the beginner level. Here are some advice to help you progress gradually:

A true story: A friend from the US wanted to speak Chinese and chose to skip learning Chinese characters. After a few months of full-time study, she could converse with me in Mandarin. Although she focused on oral communication, some character recognition was still necessary. Relying solely on pinyin (romanization) can be uncomfortable when you can't read characters. However, using romanization is a helpful starting point to become familiar with the phonetic system.

In short, imagine yourself as "Super Mario" and strive to collect more flowers and stars to grow into "Super Mario" and run faster (earn more coins). Avoid obstacles that can hinder your progress. The key is to take steady steps forward.

How to Practice Language Skills:

- Focus on intensive language input, such as listening to audio materials or watching Mandarin and Cantonese movies. Consider immersing yourself in a Chinese-speaking environment, if possible. This will help you generate some level of output and gradually improve your speaking abilities.

- As a beginner, allocate more time to listening and relaxation. Don't rush into speaking immediately. Understand that you won't speak perfectly when you're just starting to learn a new sentence. Take it slow. When you comprehend what native speakers are saying, even if you can't respond instantly, you can still get by. Additionally, remember

Grammar and vocabulary

Mastering grammar and vocabulary in Chinese requires careful attention and effective strategies. Here are some tips to handle them:

1. Grammar Simplified: Chinese grammar can range from simple to complex, depending on how you approach it. Focus on functional grammar that makes sense for your language goals. Understanding commonly used sentence structures will greatly enhance your communication abilities.

2. Building Vocabulary: To expand your word power, prioritize listening and reading activities. Create a personal word bank by using tools like flashcards, Anki, or memorization apps. This method proved successful for one of my students who wanted to learn "housework" vocabulary to communicate with her Chinese in-laws. Find vocabulary relevant to your daily life and interests. For example, my husband is a big fan of Chinese dim sum, so he has a word bank specifically for ordering his favorite dishes. What vocabulary will you prioritize?

3. Importance of Vocabulary: Native speakers can often comprehend what you're saying even if you make grammatical mistakes. However, lacking sufficient vocabulary or struggling with tones can hinder understanding, even if your grammar is correct.

To summarize, set clear goals, remove obstacles, and focus on acquiring the language skills and elements you desire. Find efficient learning methods and engage in regular revision. Consider the following priorities:

- Character recognition is highly recommended but not writing them.

- Intensively expand your vocabulary.

- Emphasize functional grammar.

- Aim for tonal accuracy at the intermediate level.

Learning vocabulary can be enjoyable with tools like flashcards or mobile apps. Remember to read and listen extensively to enhance your word power and improve tonal accuracy.

This essay is a work in progress, so if you have any suggestions, corrections, or advice, please feel free to contact me at cantonesehome@gmail.com .

標題: 外國人學習粵語/中文的小貼士

當外國人學習漢語這樣的語言時，設定明確的目標並避免阻礙你進步的障礙很重要。 例如，如果您的目標是只說中文並且不需要寫文章，那麼您可以專注於學習簡單實用的語法規則，而不是花太多時間在高級語法上。 如果你的時間有限，請優先考慮傾聽技巧。

語言學習包括兩個主要方面：語言要素和語言技能。

語言要素：

- 首先通過多聽來掌握語音，尤其是音調。

- 學習簡單實用的語法以有效地構造句子。

- 獲取與您相關且重要的詞彙。

- 如果你想學習寫漢字。 專注於閱讀它們，而不是書寫它們，使用計算機輸入它們，以基本形式書寫它們，並記住偏旁部首。

語言能力：

1. 根據您的動機，例如家庭期望、未來工作機會、工作要求或個人興趣，確定您需要學習哪些語言元素和技能。 不同的動機可能需要不同的學習方法和材料，例如綜合教科書、視覺教具、音頻資源或優先考慮口語技能的教科書。

2. 為了享受學習漢語的樂趣而不在早期感到沮喪，建議在初級階段不要讓太多的障礙壓垮自己。 以下是一些可以幫助您逐步進步的建議：

一個真實的故事：一位來自美國的朋友想說中文，但選擇跳過學習漢字。 經過幾個月的全日制學習，她已經可以用普通話和我交談了。 雖然她注重口語交流，但一些字符識別仍然是必要的。 當您看不懂字符時，僅依靠拼音（羅馬拼音）可能會很不舒服。 然而，使用羅馬化是熟悉語音系統的一個有用的起點。

簡而言之，把自己想像成“超級馬里奧”，努力收集更多的花朵和星星，成長為“超級馬里奧”，跑得更快（賺更多金幣）。 避免阻礙你進步的障礙。 關鍵是要穩步前進。

如何練習語言技能：

- 專注於密集語言輸入，例如聽音頻材料或觀看普通話和粵語電影。 如果可能的話，考慮讓自己沉浸在中文環境中。 這將幫助您產生一定程度的輸出並逐漸提高您的口語能力。

- 作為初學者，分配更多的時間來聆聽和放鬆。 不要急於立即發言。 要明白，當您剛開始學習新句子時，您的發音不會很完美。 慢慢來。 當您理解母語人士在說什麼時，即使您無法立即做出回應，您仍然可以應付自如。 另外，請記住

語法和詞彙

掌握漢語語法和詞彙需要細心的關注和有效的策略。 以下是處理它們的一些技巧：

1. 語法簡化：中文語法可以從簡單到復雜，取決於你如何處理它。 專注於對您的語言目標有意義的功能語法。 了解常用的句子結構將大大提高你的溝通能力。

2. 建立詞彙量：要擴大詞彙能力，請優先考慮聽力和閱讀活動。 使用抽認卡、Anki 或記憶應用程序等工具創建個人單詞庫。 對於我的一位想要學習“家務”詞彙以與她的中國公婆溝通的學生來說，這種方法被證明是成功的。 查找與您的日常生活和興趣相關的詞彙。 例如，我丈夫非常喜歡中國點心，所以他有一個專門用於點他最喜歡的菜餚的詞庫。 您會優先考慮哪些詞彙？

3. 詞彙的重要性：即使你犯了語法錯誤，母語人士通常也能理解你在說什麼。 然而，即使你的語法是正確的，缺乏足夠的詞彙量或語氣困難也會阻礙理解。

總而言之，設定明確的目標，消除障礙，並專注於獲得你想要的語言技能和元素。 尋找有效的學習方法並定期復習。 考慮以下優先事項：

- 強烈推薦字符識別，但不要寫它們。

- 集中擴大你的詞彙量。

- 強調功能語法。

- 以中等水平的音調準確性為目標。

使用抽認卡或移動應用程序等工具學習詞彙可以很有趣。 請記住廣泛閱讀和聆聽，以增強您的文字力量並提高語調準確性。

This essay is a work in progress, so if you have any suggestions, corrections, or advice, please feel free to contact me at cantonesehome@gmail.com .

Tips : Simplifying Cantonese Tones and Romanizations for Beginner Learners

Summary : 

Learning Cantonese tones and romanizations can be overwhelming for beginners. In this passage, I emphasize the importance of practical language usage and minimizing confusion. By prioritizing real-life communication and actively using the language, learners can make faster progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. Romanization should be viewed as a tool, not a requirement, for understanding pronunciation. Immersion in daily phrases and relevant vocabulary allows learners to absorb the language naturally, even without extensive knowledge of romanization. The focus should be on enjoying the learning journey and making meaningful connections with Cantonese.

Introduction:

When it comes to learning Cantonese tones and romanizations, beginners often find themselves overwhelmed and confused by the various systems. In this passage, I aim to share my perspective on this topic, offering insights that can help learners enjoy the language rather than getting caught up in the complexities of different romanization systems. By avoiding confusion and focusing on practical language usage, learners can make faster progress and experience a sense of accomplishment.

1. Learn faster by minimizing confusion:

At the start of language learning, it's crucial to remove any major obstacles that could hinder progress. Instead of diving into complex romanization systems, prioritize building practical language skills that can be immediately used in everyday situations. By learning to form simple sentences and phrases for real-life communication, learners can stay motivated and develop a positive connection with the language.

2. The difference between using the language and knowing the language:

Rather than solely focusing on acquiring knowledge about the language, it is more beneficial to focus on actively using the language. By engaging in meaningful communication and completing tasks, learners can experience the true essence of language learning. This approach emphasizes practicality and enables learners to make immediate connections with the language, enhancing their motivation and understanding.

3. Romanization as a tool:

While romanization systems can be helpful, it is important to view them as tools rather than a prerequisite for language learning. Romanization aids in understanding pronunciation, particularly for sounds that are unfamiliar to learners. However, it is not necessary to fully grasp romanization in order to comprehend and produce accurate sounds. Learners can focus on mimicking sounds through listening and repetition, gradually developing pronunciation skills without relying solely on romanization.

4. Learning without romanization:

Even without in-depth knowledge of romanization, learners can still make progress in language acquisition. By immersing themselves in daily phrases, simple sentences, grammar, and vocabulary relevant to their needs, learners can absorb the language naturally. While romanization can provide additional support, learners can rely on their ability to memorize sounds and structures, similar to how babies acquire language skills.

Conclusion:

By prioritizing practical language usage and minimizing confusion, learners can accelerate their progress in learning Cantonese tones and romanizations. While romanization can serve as a helpful tool for understanding pronunciation, it is not a prerequisite for language acquisition. The focus should be on using the language actively and engaging in real-life communication. By adopting this approach, learners can enjoy the journey of learning Cantonese and make meaningful connections with the language.

標題： 為初學者簡化粵語聲調和拼音

簡介:

學習粵語聲調和拼音對於初學者來說可能會很困難。 在這篇文章中，我強調了實際語言使用和盡量減少混亂的重要性。 通過優先考慮現實生活中的交流並積極使用語言，學習者可以取得更快的進步並感受到成就感。 羅馬化應該被視為理解發音的工具，而不是必需的。 沉浸在日常短語和相關詞彙中可以讓學習者自然地吸收語言，即使沒有廣泛的羅馬化知識。 重點應該是享受學習之旅並與粵語建立有意義的聯繫。

介紹：

在學習粵語聲調和拼音時，初學者常常會被各種系統弄得不知所措和困惑。 在這篇文章中，我的目的是分享我對此主題的看法，提供可以幫助學習者享受語言而不是陷入不同羅馬化系統的複雜性的見解。 通過避免混亂並專注於實際的語言使用，學習者可以取得更快的進步並體驗到成就感。

1. 通過最大限度地減少混亂來更快地學習：

在語言學習之初，消除任何可能阻礙進步的主要障礙至關重要。 與其深入研究複雜的羅馬化系統，不如優先培養可立即在日常生活中使用的實用語言技能。 通過學習構建簡單的句子和短語進行現實生活中的交流，學習者可以保持積極性並與語言建立積極的聯繫。

2. 使用語言和了解語言的區別：

與其僅僅專注於獲取語言知識，不如專注於積極使用語言更有益。 通過進行有意義的交流和完成任務，學習者可以體驗語言學習的真正本質。 這種方法強調實用性，使學習者能夠立即與語言建立聯繫，從而增強他們的動機和理解。

3. 羅馬化作為工具：

雖然羅馬化系統可能很有幫助，但重要的是要將它們視為工具而不是語言學習的先決條件。 羅馬化有助於理解發音，特別是對於學習者不熟悉的聲音。 然而，為了理解和發出準確的聲音，並不需要完全掌握羅馬化。 學習者可以通過聆聽和重複來專注於模仿聲音，逐漸發展發音技巧，而不僅僅是依賴羅馬化。

4. 無需羅馬化即可學習：

即使沒有深入的羅馬化知識，學習者仍然可以在語言習得方面取得進步。 通過沉浸在與自己需要相關的日常短語、簡單句子、語法和詞彙中，學習者可以自然地吸收語言。 雖然羅馬化可以提供額外的支持，但學習者可以依靠他們記憶聲音和結構的能力，類似於嬰兒獲得語言技能的方式。

結論：

通過優先考慮實際語言使用並儘量減少混亂，學習者可以加快學習粵語聲調和羅馬拼音的進度。 雖然羅馬化可以作為理解發音的有用工具，但它並不是語言習得的先決條件。 重點應該是積極使用語言並參與現實生活中的交流。 通過採用這種方法，學習者可以享受學習粵語的旅程，並與語言建立有意義的聯繫。

注：正在進行的文章“如何學習粵語”為初學者提供粵語學習基本步驟和內容的進一步指導。