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30 ways to learn Chinese faster

THINK CHINESE

1. Get a Chinese name;

2. Listen to Chinese music and get the lyrics for a bit of karaoke;

3. Dig deeper and try and find out why things (characters, words) are the way they are.

4. Install Chinese writing settings on your computer

5. Spend time in China if you can.

6. Order in chinese in Chinese restaurants;

7. Write all your emails to your Chinese speaking friends in Chinese, and to anyone capable of passing them through an online translator.

8. Learn some Chinese proverbs (and impress your friends)

FIND YOUR LEARNING STYLE

9. Experiment with different types of learning. A group class, private tuition, online learning, self learning etc.;

10. If chosing private tuition, find your perfect tutor. Mandamania will help you with that.

11. Stay safe! meet strangers in a public place even if they assure you they are very serious tutors;

12. Obviously, got through your notes inbetween lessons. One hour class a week will not do the trick

13. Try online tuition for extra training without breaking the bank

14. Set objectives before you start learning. It will keep you focussed;

15. Ask your teacher for homework. Some teachers do not automatically give some so remind them. Start the next lesson reviewing your homework.

16. Ask for exams. A mini-exams every 5 weeks or so will force you to go again over everything you have learned.

BE CHILDISH

17. Learn nursery rhymes and sing them to your kids if you have any. They are dead easy to remember.

18. Start reading children books in Chinese. A refreshing change from the usual textbook and loads of new vocabulary while easy to read.

GET EQUIPED

19. Invest in study cards and take a handfull with you everywhere you go.

20. Surf. The internet is stuffed with free learning resources.

21. Label your objects at home. So you know that you are sitting on a 椅子 and looking at your 电脑

22. Ask for learning material at Christmas and for your birthday.

23. Order some nice tea from China and read the labels while enjoying your cuppa.

FIND LIKEMINDED FRIENDS

24. Join a group or forum of Chinese learners to keep you motivated. Post on those forums (in Chinese)

25. Join a conversation class or group such as one organised by the Chopsticks Club in London . If you cannot find a conversation class where you leave, start one.

26. If private tuition is too expensive, try and find a learning buddy to learn with you and share the costs.

PERSEVERE

27. Do pronunciation drills. Dull but effective.

28. Practice writing and stroke orders. Again and again and again.

29. Never let your dictionnary go out of sight.

30. If you feel like giving up, don't. Remind yourself all the benefit of speaking Chinese.