7 Steps to Mastering Mandarin Chinese in a Language Immersion Program
Studying Chinese in an immersion program can be an amazing time and can take your Chinese abilities to whole new levels of proficiency. Here are some steps that we've figured out from studying and living in Chinese speaking countries for several years. There is a lot you can do that just show up to class to help your Chinese. Being immersed in a Mandarin Chinese speaking environment presents a million different ways to make studying and learning Chinese easy, fun and productive. Equally important, the door of opportunity awaits you. Master Mandarin Chinese with these methods below and watch as new opportunities begin to pop up all around you. Without further ado, why don't you get out and try....
1. Getting a Language Partner
The most common and super effective thing to do. While in an environment with so many Chinese speakers eager to help you learn Chinese and learn your native language, finding a language partner is easy and smart! A language partner is just a friend whom you swap languages with in a meeting every week (or day/whenever you set up the time). They teach you more Chinese, while in turn you spend some time teaching them some of your native tongue. Language exchanges are a great way to help you get over your fear of speaking and also meet a new friend!
2. Read EVERYTHING
With a national language of Mandarin Chinese, no wonder all the signage is written in it! Take advantage of being in the environment that is covered in Chinese characters like a pizza is in cheese. Read the signs as you drive by on the bus. Read the menus searching for new characters and unique cuisine names even after you've already ordered. Pay attention to all of the safety labels and signs posted to get a feel of how to warn others of dangers in Chinese. Signage is a great way to improve you Chinese and its EVERYWHERE! Read it out loud or just to yourself, but make use of it while you can!
3. Dare to Speak
A big fear for most people when learning a new language is actually speaking it. When this fear starts to build in you, the best thing to do to conquer it is the same as any other fear: TAKE ACTION. Start speaking more to your teachers and answer more questions. Don't be shy on the street and try to work through your newly learned vocabulary and grammar to explain what it is you need. You will be amazed when your Chinese starts flowing out more and more naturally when you are sincerely trying to communicate something rather than just thinking of the words themselves. The best part is, you almost never will be met with someone laughing at you because you've already shown bravery and confidence in talking with them. People in general are very friendly and open; don't be scared and head out for a conversation with a stranger today!
4. Find Local Friends
This one may end up being a product of your previously found language partner. If not, even better! When you're in the immersion country one of the best things you can do to take your Chinese to the next level is find some local friends. Search through your college bulletin boards; join interest groups and clubs, participate in local events, and most importantly put on a smile and introduce yourself to people. Meeting and keeping some close local friends will be beneficial in more ways than you can imagine. Not only will they teach you colloquial phrases and help you learn more of the Chinese language, but they will also help you with any other problems you may have while learning in their country!
5. Don't Ask for the English Version
One thing you need to avoid is cheating yourself. Commonly waiters at restaurants will try to hand you the English version of the menu once they have an idea you may not understand the normal Chinese version. If this happens, refuse it and ask for the regular Mandarin Chinese menu. Many times not only is this a missed opportunity for some reading practice, but a lot of information gets lost in translation many times. This 'English' service may be helpful those only here on vacation, however to master the language you should be pushing your self into it as much as possible. This may come with the consequence of some weird dishes showing up on the table here and again, but hey, all in the name of progress!
6. Do What Your Mom Said Not To, Watch TV!
Obviously this one is to be exercised with caution. A better point is to get out and interact with real people in real time with real conversation. Obviously. However, watching television in Mandarin is really a great way to practice your listening AND reading skills. Most shows have Chinese character subtitles along the bottom, so you can listen to what's being said as well as see it. This is great for association of sound and sight, and will have you recognizing more and more characters with each episode. Find something that interests you and tune in every once and a while. Be careful not to over due it though, watching TV is a great relaxing down time study habit. However it is no match for being engaged and involved in the real Chinese-speaking world outside.
7. Make Every Experience a Learning Experience
The world is your Chinese classroom while you're in the immersion country!. Try and make each day and activity and adventure and learning experience. For instance, when you need some things from the grocery store, grab some new vocabulary from your dictionary you can use at the super market. Or perhaps you've got a cold and need some medicine. Grab some new words and run down to the pharmacy or local clinic to explain what your symptoms are to the doctor. Every time you go out into the world there is an opportunity for you to use new words and ways to communicate your wants and needs. Take full advantage and make studying Chinese in a Chinese speaking nation. Its usually much more fun than just sitting in the classroom!
Remembering all of these tips, the most important thing to remember while in studying in the Chinese immersion program is to have fun. Studying Chinese doesn't have to be cramming new characters into your brain. Living in Taiwan, speaking to the locals, and enjoying your time are simple and excellent ways to ensure you have positive memories and associations with Chinese Learning. Plus, once you are able to understand the language of the world that surrounds you, you will be amazed at how many doors of opportunity begin to open up all around you.
This article was written by Christopher Collins, Program Director for Mandarin Taiwan Study Abroad. For more information visit http://www.mandarintaiwan.com/.
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