What techniques will make it easier to learn spoken Chinese?
Try to increase opportunities for hearing the spoken language in your leisure time. A good way of doing this is to watch videos and movies with a Mandarin soundtrack. Try to select titles which you personally find interesting and enjoyable otherwise you will tend to “switch off”. Involve yourself with aspects of Chinese culture which particularly appeal to you. These will provide you with talking points when you spend time with Chinese friends and provide you with positive incentives to increase your knowledge of the language. Exchange greetings in Chinese with Mandarin-speaking friends. Take note of any hints they might give you to improve your speaking skills. Don’t be impatient with yourself. Concentrate on listening to and imitating the model phrases and words rather than criticising your own efforts. Learning a language is an ongoing process and you should feel confident that the more time you spend listening and practising the more progress you will make. Gradually build an aware
