Mandarin Study

**Teng** · 10-04-2005, 22:33

I am currently studying mandarin at my school and know a moderate amount but ive only been studying for about a year. Next summer I am going to china for an exchange but im really not sure if i know enough to live there. Anyone knows of any good computer programs/books that could help me learn more quickly.Also anyone by any chance know of any martial arts schools in Xi'an?Thanks a bunch

**Luebbers** · 10-05-2005, 19:51

I studied for a semester in China and I didn't speak a word before I left. A year is probably enough, but if you aren't leaving for another year, just keep up the studies. And don't worry - you WILL pick it up fast.

**Erik** · 10-06-2005, 11:27

I studied Mandarin for a year in college (I was trying to get out of taking another series of classes but it didn't work).

If you have a lot of Chinese restaraunts (or other businesses) then I'd suggest going in, trying to read the menu, try to order in Chinese, and don't worry if you sound like a goofball at first. You'll find that (assuming they speak Mandarin) you might make a lot of friends. 90% or more find it flattering that you're trying to learn their language and customs. You'll see people open up - it's really fun.

You're in LA so you should have lots of opportunity.

It worked great for me - imagine their surprise when a blonde guy started speaking in Chinese!

**Nin** · 10-06-2005, 14:16

Originally Posted by Teng

Anyone knows of any good computer programs/books that could help me learn more quickly.Also anyone by any chance know of any martial arts schools in Xi'an?

About computer or books I don't know if there are any good. The best is to learn and try it out on the spot with locals. Find a friend there who also speaks English. So he/she can learn your language as you learn his/her.
It's like shooting an assault rifle: the more you shoot at the training range the better your results will be.

And about Martial Arts schools there, try the Zhao Chang Jun Wushu Institute, it should be south in Xi'an. They accept foreign students and should be serious. But maybe someone will be able to correct me or give more information.

**Teng** · 10-06-2005, 15:09

Yeah i can't wait to go, ive heard that you learn as much in a couple months there as you learn in a year just taking a class.Thanks for the ideas and info.

**kozak** · 10-08-2005, 08:26

1 year is not bad. I went to China and Taiwan after 2 years study. Then went back after graduating U. The best is get an exchange partener.You'll pick up alot when your in China, since you already have a background. Most important is practice it, don't be shy in making mistakes, that's the way to learn anything. Have fun over there!

**KyokushinGuy** · 10-19-2005, 10:57

Don't worry about not knowing enough. I came to Taiwan in Jan. not knowing anything. Like nothing at all. I've learned more Chinese in these past months than I would have learned in years of study in the States.

When you get to China, LISTEN. When you take the bus, don't listen to you MP3 player. If somebody is translating for, listen to how they translate (dude, I've learned a ton this way!) Also, try to find a place you can go and speak only Chinese. I have a barber friend who speaks no English at all (other than "I'm fine" and "hello"). I go there once or twice a week and just hang out. We don't always understand each other, but it's really great to practice with somebody who doesn't speak English.

I'm sure you already know this but....TONES!!!!!!!!!!!!! You cannot focus too much tones!

**Margaret Lo** · 10-19-2005, 14:48

Originally Posted by Erik

I studied Mandarin for a year in college (I was trying to get out of taking another series of classes but it didn't work).

imagine their surprise when a blonde guy started speaking in Chinese!

I can only imagine their pain! ow ow blonde guy stop we give you extra noodles!

M

**Erik** · 10-19-2005, 19:40

Originally Posted by Margaret Lo

I can only imagine their pain! ow ow blonde guy stop we give you extra noodles!

M

But seriously, it opened a whole new world to me. Even with non-Chinese, they were impressed enough that a German looking surf dude would have such an interest and go explore it, it really changed things.

Also, where I live now, we're about 30% or more Chinese, anyway, so it's useful, even if all I can do is say polite inanities and get phrases wrong. Probably the best stuff I studied as an undergrad, as it turned out.