Hi! I agree, but I would say that the degree to which you comprehend the input you expose yourself too will have an influence on how quickly you progress in the language. On that note, how about some intermediate/advanced level Chinese lessons? They should require less preparation since all you would really need would be to talk about your day in Chinese. And, if you wanted to be an angel, provide a transcript or vocabulary list.
There is a university in the United Kingdom called the University of Dundee. It's in Scotland. I would very strongly urge Chinese students who're thinking of coming to the UK to undertake undergrad or postgraduate studies to NOT enrol at the University of Dundee. Many Chinese students at this university have been racially abused (either verbally, and in some cases physically.) Some lecturers at this university are very racist towards Chinese students and the city of Dundee is also VERY racist.
I like what you said about not getting nervous-I never thought about why children can learn another language quicker than adults, but once you said that they are always learning something new-it seemed like something that I always knew, but did not grasp. This probably is confusing!!!
Dear Diane: I have been practicing English for 54 years, because I am 54! I am going to China in August to teach English; I am an English teacher in Hawaii. You are so right! Learning a language is like learning anything else: massed practice on a regular basis. Even after 54 years of practice, I still ponder how to say something in just the right way. Your pronounciation is excellent! Did you learn English as a child? You rock!!
I agree. I'm absolutely in love with China and learning Chinese, so the minute I learn something new it stays with me the first time I encounter it. It's really amazing how the brain works.
You're right, immersion is key. I watch so many Taiwanese dramas and movies, as well as some from the Mainland. It's so fun and so amazing!
The key to learning any language is the vocabulary. If you have the words in your mind then it is easy to form sentences, because, sentences come to us through memorization. You do not need a knowledge of grammar, nor tones to begin.
This is how kids learn, and, we know from our experience with YT comments that even the least brightest of us kids can pick up a language (English).
Make an effort to grasp the basic words, and with help from a native, use them in daily phrases.
yep, good advice. Immersion immersion immersion. Just knowing that will take away alot of the frustration from learners. Immersion is hard when you're not in the country of the language however. But it's possible to make some headway if you work hard enough. Listening to DVD's is good. Note: imo listening to music is not very helpful for beginners in Chinese because of the importance of tones in learning to talk. Chinese music doesn't always reflect those.
hi plz plz plz i wud lyk to learn to speak chineese plz suggest me rght now i saw ur vdo and plz the basic and the complete words including vocabulary and much more iam indian.
我的中文老师告诉我 the same thing at my last class. She did just as you said when she moved to Ireland and that's how she really improved her English. Good video. 谢谢你。
I thought you were american instead of a native chinese. The way you learned a second language, your experience is very similiar with the way I learned portuguese, not at school because i didn't have the money for language courses but at home, not with drills but by listening to music (nacao zumbi), writing friends, reading their messages, watching cult movies, reading comic books and cartoons. Well, you say it all actually and better. Thank you!
gee!! your accent in engish is just perfect, well at least to me it appears to be quite perfect, since im from the UK i cant really distinguish all the sorts of american accents but i can tell you sound very very american, congratulations.
you videos are great, i just started and everything i learn is from you :) I use the sentences with my chinese and Malaysian friend and they can understand me! yay :):) I listen to Angela and Elva all the time to help during the day time :P
I gotta question. How do you say Colombia in Mandarin? "I am Colombian? And How do you say "I speak spanish" in Mandarin? Muchas Gracias por responder mi comentario. TUS CLASES SON MUY MOTIVADORAS!!! VIVA!!
I think people shut their mind and complicate things. This applies to anything. For example, I've seen people say math is impossible but thats only because they put it in their mind.
I like this video...I like the information you gave...I think what you said applies to anything we try to learn...not just Chinese...so it's very good! I learn Chinese by singing...cause I like to sing. haha
straight up immersion!- i dig that its just im in school- and well that wont work!! i acually want to learn japanese- more than chinese but hey i am highly interested in foreign language- cause america seems to be so closed off to the world.. anyway-- thats cool.. nihow"- im trying to say hello in chinese -
Bravo! You said a lot of intelligent things about learning languages..I also made a video about this subject, and I find this video of yours surprisingly similar to mine. I am learning Chinese as my ninth language, it's different from any language I've learned till now, and I found your videos excellent. Keep up the good work girl! PS: your american English is just great:D
right now I'm watching devil beside me but I finsihed it started with a kiss a loooooooooong time ago. I actually cried at the ending. It was just that sweet ;)
This video is simply further confirmation of something I've become increasingly certain of: fluency doesn't come through classes, but through constant exposure to the language, and constant exposure to the language is only possible if you're having fun with it.
With that in mind, when I'm not actively studying Mandarin, I'm either watching a Mandarin-language film or playing the Mandarin version of a Chinese game or something similiar. Unrelenting input is the way to victory.
i watch chinese dramas the whole day and it helps alot!!! ive learned alot of words/phrases and i listen to chinese/taiwanese music just cuhz of watching.....now that ive learned some words, i watch mandarin lesson vids in youtube to learn more....=D i recommend watching dramas....it's interesting and u cud learn a new language too!
This is an EXCELLENT POINT!!!! i totally agree! I watch chinese movies, news and game shows...i try to surround my self...to break myself down!...i'm glad glad glad you pointed this out!!!
A question: Should you surround yourself with the language even if you have absolutely no idea what it means? I don't speak anything but English, but I'm interested in learning whatever anyone throws at me, so I'm curious. You've got me hooked on Mandarin now :)
So, even if I have no idea what the video is saying, I should still watch it just to be immersed in Mandarin?
Anyway, you're awesome and thanks for all the videos!
i am not answering for her but in my experience...i started listening to ppl talk...just listening...not trying to comprehend or figure ANYTHING...just plain ole keeping my ears open. Spanish was the first language i learned and that started with listening...I did the same thing with Japanese...and now
i'm trying out mandarin...just listen first...to anything and everything in that language you want...and you'll pick up on accents, dialects,pronunciation,intonation,connotation...even if you don't know what the words mean...you can see and hear ppl's reactions and emotions thru the sounds...then the "sounds" become a cohesive language...hope that's not to confusing. much success in your studies.
It's a good way to get used to the sound of the language and maybe when you get more into learning it, you'll be able to pick out what it means and catch on the pronunciation of things.
It really helps me - I listen to Chinese music even though I have no idea what it means.
& Watching dramas REALLY helps. They're fun to watch and I've picked up a lot of basic words and phrases just by watching them.
Thanks for the advices. In July i will go to Beijing and stay a few months to learn Chinese. Actually my knowledge of Chinese is pretty poor, but i hope that interacting in an atmosphere that operates in that language i can adapt faster to it.
Good analysis. Like you said, you aren't a trained (academic) linguist or educator, but your personal experience and insight are probably as very valueable.
She's not saying that at all, she is simply saying that you shouldn't get overwhelmed everytime you experience something completely foreign to you. For example, my one friend took one look at how to write "you" in Chinese and he said he was never going to learn the language.
Diana is very good in speaking English.I love her vocabulary.Actually chinese people are very weak in speaking English.But it seems that Diana is very good in it.Keep up the good work.
As you said, maybe some thing you said are not really new... but sometimes people need to be reminded ^^ (as me ;) )
And there are things I didn't really think about before... I like this part with feeling comfortable with the language and seeing it as a part of yourself :)
Keep on! I really like your lessons and it had already been a big help :D
What's the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese or other codes that are spoken in China?
Cantonese could be considered a dialect close related to Mandarin or it is a highly different language?
Could you compare it with any European case? For instance, Latin languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Romanian, etc) They are all very similar but they are not considered dialects of the same language. They are autonomous languages.
I've only head that Spanish and Portuguese is very similar but I've only had beginer knowlege of Spanish so I'm not sure I can make the best comparison here. From what I know - Cantonese although has the bones of Chinese (monosylabic, same syntax, etc.) it's so different I can hardly guess any meaning from neither spoken or writen Cantonese.
I tried to read a Cantonese newspaper once and was completely befuddled! Cantonese has a whole set of written characters that I can neither understand or pronounce. I had much more luck reading a Japanese newspaper because of the Kanji characters. They say it's a dialect but as far as I know the other dialects of Chinese at least write like Mandarin. ;-)
Thanks for your explanation. If your not able to read it, to pronounce it or to understand it, it would be clearly a different language.
I had heard also that high frequency and traditional words in Japanese used Chinese characters ;)
In Spain there are four official languages (Spanish, Galician, Catalan and Basque) and six bilingual provinces. There, in China, do you use Mandarin as a vehicular language? that is, Cantonese people know how to speak Mandarin (are they bilinguals?) or not? :)
Lots of people speak multiple dialects. My mom can handle quite a few. She picked up Cantonese from her stint at a Hong Kong Co. (sort of like the Macy's of HK) but I only know "hey-ah hey-ah" which I believe means good/great... ;-)
I will keep on watching your videos but I think you should write subtitles or something in pin yin to make sure how words are pronounced in Mandarin :P
Mmm... Could you make a new video teaching how to say the name of countries, nationalities and languages?
wô bù shì zhong guó rén! wô shì xi bán yá rén! lol
wow! amazing speech! Your piece of advice about the process of learning one given language are also possible for the process of learning anything! Open your mind and be receptive.
I'm subscribed to your videos and I would love to learn Mandarin because it's highly different from European languages.
You spoke so well that I'm going to add this video to my favourites.
Hi! I agree, but I would say that the degree to which you comprehend the input you expose yourself too will have an influence on how quickly you progress in the language. On that note, how about some intermediate/advanced level Chinese lessons? They should require less preparation since all you would really need would be to talk about your day in Chinese. And, if you wanted to be an angel, provide a transcript or vocabulary list.
americaninkorea 1 month ago
just study....and study
schpoogie 1 month ago
ENGLISH IS YOUR SECOND LANGUAGE?? You sound like a native! beautiful accent!
liyhbtjnfetlol 1 month ago
This has been flagged as spam show
There is a university in the United Kingdom called the University of Dundee. It's in Scotland. I would very strongly urge Chinese students who're thinking of coming to the UK to undertake undergrad or postgraduate studies to NOT enrol at the University of Dundee. Many Chinese students at this university have been racially abused (either verbally, and in some cases physically.) Some lecturers at this university are very racist towards Chinese students and the city of Dundee is also VERY racist.
hujintao3 5 months ago
You are fantastic! Thankyou for the encouragement!
kabelcar1000 6 months ago
Hey this is a really good idea. I think I will convince my wife to only speak with me using Chinese.
enantiomer2000 6 months ago
how do you say messy room in chinese?
99djc88 8 months ago
Good job!
apapp92 8 months ago
I like what you said about not getting nervous-I never thought about why children can learn another language quicker than adults, but once you said that they are always learning something new-it seemed like something that I always knew, but did not grasp. This probably is confusing!!!
-Thank you!!!
P.S. i wish that I did not get nervous!
rlouisehakim18 1 year ago
喜羊羊与灰太狼是最好的中国节目！
Fishydick 1 year ago
this was so stupid!
tawan20082008 1 year ago
yeah you boyfriend should proud because you're too talent and smart also very purely the beautiful of chinese girl wonderful
paopaowellwell 1 year ago
Thanks, your a big help.
MrHuoche 1 year ago
What do you think of the Pimsleur chinese audio instruction?
thewun1 1 year ago
Dear Diane: I have been practicing English for 54 years, because I am 54! I am going to China in August to teach English; I am an English teacher in Hawaii. You are so right! Learning a language is like learning anything else: massed practice on a regular basis. Even after 54 years of practice, I still ponder how to say something in just the right way. Your pronounciation is excellent! Did you learn English as a child? You rock!!
BernieM19051 1 year ago
I agree. I'm absolutely in love with China and learning Chinese, so the minute I learn something new it stays with me the first time I encounter it. It's really amazing how the brain works.
You're right, immersion is key. I watch so many Taiwanese dramas and movies, as well as some from the Mainland. It's so fun and so amazing!
I completely agree with you!!! :DDD!
Rikuphi 1 year ago
I showed this to my Mandarin class...they love you!
boulderzen 1 year ago
what is "MPR" that you listened to? I didn't get that.
GuitarGare 1 year ago
what a beautiful person and authentic wisdom.
flowersonhorseback 1 year ago
what a beautiful person and authentic wisdom.
flowersonhorseback 1 year ago
She tries to explain so hardly :) so nice
roxterat 1 year ago
You seem to be a very interesting person, I wish to have your mail adress, lol:)
OZwizard64 2 years ago
The key to learning any language is the vocabulary. If you have the words in your mind then it is easy to form sentences, because, sentences come to us through memorization. You do not need a knowledge of grammar, nor tones to begin.
This is how kids learn, and, we know from our experience with YT comments that even the least brightest of us kids can pick up a language (English).
Make an effort to grasp the basic words, and with help from a native, use them in daily phrases.
Cheers.
fernandesfran 2 years ago
Not for any language maybe just for Chinese and other SVO languages.
For Japanese, just learning the vocabulary would not help at all.
arpee9216 1 year ago
@fernandesfran
the "least brightest"?
zensorship 1 year ago
you speak so well and reasonably!
robertgenito 2 years ago
Diana, you have a lovely English accent.
jimmylimmo 2 years ago 10
@jimmylimmo thats an American accent fuck-tard
TehCacti 1 year ago
@TehCacti
he was being sarcastic.
MEGIDIOT 10 months ago
Another great technique to learning the language.......get yourself a chinese girlfriend/boyfriend!
XXsardarXX 2 years ago 14
@XXsardarXX I did, and she never helps me practice unless I bug her about it.
So that doesn't always work...
anonamatron 6 months ago
wow.. that is a good advice...
I want to learn chinese but i dind't find a chinese teacher yet...
:)
vamp5aia 2 years ago
Thank you very much for your advice.I'm feeling more confident to speak Mandarin to other people.Thank you :)
lurveforever21 2 years ago
yep, good advice. Immersion immersion immersion. Just knowing that will take away alot of the frustration from learners. Immersion is hard when you're not in the country of the language however. But it's possible to make some headway if you work hard enough. Listening to DVD's is good. Note: imo listening to music is not very helpful for beginners in Chinese because of the importance of tones in learning to talk. Chinese music doesn't always reflect those.
tunein 2 years ago
very helpful advice. Thank you :)
dethlin 2 years ago
most excellent advice, thank you
Conjurbiscut 2 years ago
You are the best teacher! Your advice is so wise and you also are so beautiful and young. I wish to have a Chinese teacher like you in my class now.
Xie xie, Lao shi
leon7034 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I have nothing against you... but I just hate you cuz u look like my 9 year old cousin. She annoys the shit outta me and so I hate you as well.
ForeverFading212 2 years ago
Your english is awesome! You are really hardworking :D Xie Xie for the tip, sensei :)
tutorialconr 2 years ago
hi plz plz plz i wud lyk to learn to speak chineese plz suggest me rght now i saw ur vdo and plz the basic and the complete words including vocabulary and much more iam indian.
abdurehman299 2 years ago
我的中文老师告诉我 the same thing at my last class. She did just as you said when she moved to Ireland and that's how she really improved her English. Good video. 谢谢你。
WhiteEaglePerry 2 years ago
Your english is very impressive.
I thought you were american instead of a native chinese. The way you learned a second language, your experience is very similiar with the way I learned portuguese, not at school because i didn't have the money for language courses but at home, not with drills but by listening to music (nacao zumbi), writing friends, reading their messages, watching cult movies, reading comic books and cartoons. Well, you say it all actually and better. Thank you!
miranda125 2 years ago
Its nice advice thanks !
hownowbrowncow987 2 years ago
hey goldfishes is there transparent water in ur room it a miracle you can breath for 5min 41sec holy my goldfish last 4sec and dies
Aznboiirule 2 years ago
I think that you are A teacher, my teacher. you make it easy'er to understand. something that is concrete to hold on too. love and peace mik
m6996j 2 years ago
No offense, but that's not why kids can learn Chinese easily.
dartz000 2 years ago
If there is a secret to learning Chinese, then it shouldn't be a secret.
dartz000 2 years ago
gee!! your accent in engish is just perfect, well at least to me it appears to be quite perfect, since im from the UK i cant really distinguish all the sorts of american accents but i can tell you sound very very american, congratulations.
Oncologosocial 2 years ago
does she teach mandarin?? or Cantonese (or whatever it's called...x))
SnusMumrikkenLovesRG 2 years ago
you videos are great, i just started and everything i learn is from you :) I use the sentences with my chinese and Malaysian friend and they can understand me! yay :):) I listen to Angela and Elva all the time to help during the day time :P
hecticryry 2 years ago
Good advice. I learned a lot of from this video series.
kyo717 2 years ago
Well, today I found your videos on utube, that made my day!!! :)
Kudos and keep it up, awesome job!
WorldKit 2 years ago
truly encouraging...:)
addicted4694 2 years ago
你英文说得很好！
LaMasChevere22 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
you talk like a FOB with a thick chinawoman accent.
kendow11 2 years ago
She said, "It's a very brave and monumental task to take on."
She has better English skills than most of the native English speakers I know.
AppleSouffle 2 years ago 2
你好小姐! 谢谢! 你很漂亮，我是墨西哥人我很喜欢汉语! 你会说西班牙语吗？ 我会说西班牙语! 谢谢 我老师!
For91 2 years ago
你好朋友！
LaMasChevere22 2 years ago
what if you dont know what the word means? and you listen to music?
aznshorties 2 years ago
I gotta question. How do you say Colombia in Mandarin? "I am Colombian? And How do you say "I speak spanish" in Mandarin? Muchas Gracias por responder mi comentario. TUS CLASES SON MUY MOTIVADORAS!!! VIVA!!
Williamjey 2 years ago
It makes sense! All of what you've said :)Muchas gracias por ayudarme a aprender chino mandarin. Saludos desde Colombia
Williamjey 2 years ago
de nada william :-)
buen dia
carpediem4utube 2 years ago
sooooo true!
I agree!
Thanks a lot!
LaMasChevere22 3 years ago
very good !
catchafire221 3 years ago
i wish for a chinese tounge...
Dictador1995 3 years ago
I think people shut their mind and complicate things. This applies to anything. For example, I've seen people say math is impossible but thats only because they put it in their mind.
bawad 3 years ago
i think this could be very usefull
bayandsl 3 years ago
I like this video...I like the information you gave...I think what you said applies to anything we try to learn...not just Chinese...so it's very good! I learn Chinese by singing...cause I like to sing. haha
theknowledgeseeker 3 years ago
well I tried playing japanese radio while sleeping, but I couldnt fall asleep... I had a lot of nightmares the same night lol
MeesteurT 3 years ago
i don't want to sound like an internet jocker BUT with all do respect, you look really pretty.
Sceno1 3 years ago 3
straight up immersion!- i dig that its just im in school- and well that wont work!! i acually want to learn japanese- more than chinese but hey i am highly interested in foreign language- cause america seems to be so closed off to the world.. anyway-- thats cool.. nihow"- im trying to say hello in chinese -
herrerajnonce 3 years ago
Bravo! You said a lot of intelligent things about learning languages..I also made a video about this subject, and I find this video of yours surprisingly similar to mine. I am learning Chinese as my ninth language, it's different from any language I've learned till now, and I found your videos excellent. Keep up the good work girl! PS: your american English is just great:D
poliglotta80 3 years ago
right now I'm watching devil beside me but I finsihed it started with a kiss a loooooooooong time ago. I actually cried at the ending. It was just that sweet ;)
Bubbles1234567890 3 years ago
This video is simply further confirmation of something I've become increasingly certain of: fluency doesn't come through classes, but through constant exposure to the language, and constant exposure to the language is only possible if you're having fun with it.
With that in mind, when I'm not actively studying Mandarin, I'm either watching a Mandarin-language film or playing the Mandarin version of a Chinese game or something similiar. Unrelenting input is the way to victory.
IvanGroznyIV 3 years ago
i watch chinese dramas the whole day and it helps alot!!! ive learned alot of words/phrases and i listen to chinese/taiwanese music just cuhz of watching.....now that ive learned some words, i watch mandarin lesson vids in youtube to learn more....=D i recommend watching dramas....it's interesting and u cud learn a new language too!
behlat 3 years ago
Can u tell me some tittle of dramas in chinese i can get on internet, xiè xie
jt0045 3 years ago
Hana Kimi <333333333333333333
and
It Started with a Kiss :)
BEST EVERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
and they are all on youtube just write it in and put english subs and start with the 1 out 10 or w.e and move on!!!!!! wooott!!!!
breezybabe319 3 years ago
Devil Beside Me is really good too. Kinda funny though. They keep playing the same song at all the corny moments! I'ts funny. You'll like it lol
Bubbles1234567890 3 years ago
lol me too ;D
Bubbles1234567890 3 years ago
Hana Kimi and it Started with a Kiss is really really good.. .
Hana Kimi, make sure its the chinese one not the japanese one, is soooo good!!!!!!!!
and its on youtube!
breezybabe319 3 years ago
This is an EXCELLENT POINT!!!! i totally agree! I watch chinese movies, news and game shows...i try to surround my self...to break myself down!...i'm glad glad glad you pointed this out!!!
ArtistNikkiJ 3 years ago
you should learn 6 horuse per day.
I do so.
Ilovemengzi 3 years ago
Help Help! Our planet is in deep trouble. Please watch NASA warning and let everyone know. This is the best I can do to help. watch?v=VWewg_5pdfo
Peacegiver7 3 years ago
wut?
breezybabe319 3 years ago
Your English is great! I can't believe it's not your first language.
kbrunet 3 years ago
i like Chinese kites:)
psoiyanimation 3 years ago
That's great advice.
A question: Should you surround yourself with the language even if you have absolutely no idea what it means? I don't speak anything but English, but I'm interested in learning whatever anyone throws at me, so I'm curious. You've got me hooked on Mandarin now :)
So, even if I have no idea what the video is saying, I should still watch it just to be immersed in Mandarin?
Anyway, you're awesome and thanks for all the videos!
Bookworm695 3 years ago
i am not answering for her but in my experience...i started listening to ppl talk...just listening...not trying to comprehend or figure ANYTHING...just plain ole keeping my ears open. Spanish was the first language i learned and that started with listening...I did the same thing with Japanese...and now
ArtistNikkiJ 3 years ago
i'm trying out mandarin...just listen first...to anything and everything in that language you want...and you'll pick up on accents, dialects,pronunciation,intonation,connotation...even if you don't know what the words mean...you can see and hear ppl's reactions and emotions thru the sounds...then the "sounds" become a cohesive language...hope that's not to confusing. much success in your studies.
ArtistNikkiJ 3 years ago
It's a good way to get used to the sound of the language and maybe when you get more into learning it, you'll be able to pick out what it means and catch on the pronunciation of things.
It really helps me - I listen to Chinese music even though I have no idea what it means.
& Watching dramas REALLY helps. They're fun to watch and I've picked up a lot of basic words and phrases just by watching them.
dollparade 2 years ago 2
Thanks for the advices. In July i will go to Beijing and stay a few months to learn Chinese. Actually my knowledge of Chinese is pretty poor, but i hope that interacting in an atmosphere that operates in that language i can adapt faster to it.
Cheers from Argentina.
TicoXXX 3 years ago
Good luck! :-)
carpediem4utube 3 years ago
beautiful girl, kiss
esa china ésta bellisima, un beso
mtuliod 3 years ago
Good analysis. Like you said, you aren't a trained (academic) linguist or educator, but your personal experience and insight are probably as very valueable.
I agree 100% with everything
carbonlaminate 3 years ago
Diana I have a question.If you are trying to learn one language and you are comfortable with it will you suddenly know how to speak that language?
dumbjervin15 3 years ago
She's not saying that at all, she is simply saying that you shouldn't get overwhelmed everytime you experience something completely foreign to you. For example, my one friend took one look at how to write "you" in Chinese and he said he was never going to learn the language.
undeadeath 3 years ago
大山from Beijing has good videos to learn from.Just type Mark Rosewell in google or youtube search.Good Luck people.
steve91803 4 years ago
oh yeah, I remember him - he's quite good and made tons of money doing commercials. ;-)
carpediem4utube 4 years ago
Thank you for your pointers on how to learn Chinese. The immersion technique is excellent. Xie xie again Diana.
leeks5229 4 years ago
Thanks for the advice, I'll get some more chinese movies right away.
KameWaOni 4 years ago
Wow I can't belive english is your second language, you speak so flawlessly.
KameWaOni 4 years ago
yeah, she's fluent! She speaks better than me, and I've been speaking it for 12 years (English that is)
acirak 3 years ago
Diana is very good in speaking English.I love her vocabulary.Actually chinese people are very weak in speaking English.But it seems that Diana is very good in it.Keep up the good work.
dumbjervin15 3 years ago
I thought Diana's second language is Filipino.
dumbjervin15 3 years ago
ive been speaking Mandarin for 4 years
its difficult but very fun also.
you have to WANT to learn Chinese.
NOT because you have to.
Raymasaki 4 years ago
Hi Diana, thanks for sharing your secrets :)
As you said, maybe some thing you said are not really new... but sometimes people need to be reminded ^^ (as me ;) )
And there are things I didn't really think about before... I like this part with feeling comfortable with the language and seeing it as a part of yourself :)
Keep on! I really like your lessons and it had already been a big help :D
Spiculum2008 4 years ago
Such good advice. Thanks for giving your time to provide these lessons.
packard12 4 years ago
Ni Hao. I agree with what you have said here. ...and welcome back.
Danglore 4 years ago
Cheers! It's good to be back - my brain's on hyper drive thinking of good topics! Suggestions are most welcomed! :-)
carpediem4utube 4 years ago
May I ask you something Diana?
What's the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese or other codes that are spoken in China?
Cantonese could be considered a dialect close related to Mandarin or it is a highly different language?
Could you compare it with any European case? For instance, Latin languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Romanian, etc) They are all very similar but they are not considered dialects of the same language. They are autonomous languages.
Xie xie!!
gonzalitto1984 4 years ago
I've only head that Spanish and Portuguese is very similar but I've only had beginer knowlege of Spanish so I'm not sure I can make the best comparison here. From what I know - Cantonese although has the bones of Chinese (monosylabic, same syntax, etc.) it's so different I can hardly guess any meaning from neither spoken or writen Cantonese.
carpediem4utube 4 years ago
I tried to read a Cantonese newspaper once and was completely befuddled! Cantonese has a whole set of written characters that I can neither understand or pronounce. I had much more luck reading a Japanese newspaper because of the Kanji characters. They say it's a dialect but as far as I know the other dialects of Chinese at least write like Mandarin. ;-)
carpediem4utube 4 years ago
Thanks for your explanation. If your not able to read it, to pronounce it or to understand it, it would be clearly a different language.
I had heard also that high frequency and traditional words in Japanese used Chinese characters ;)
In Spain there are four official languages (Spanish, Galician, Catalan and Basque) and six bilingual provinces. There, in China, do you use Mandarin as a vehicular language? that is, Cantonese people know how to speak Mandarin (are they bilinguals?) or not? :)
gonzalitto1984 4 years ago
Lots of people speak multiple dialects. My mom can handle quite a few. She picked up Cantonese from her stint at a Hong Kong Co. (sort of like the Macy's of HK) but I only know "hey-ah hey-ah" which I believe means good/great... ;-)
carpediem4utube 4 years ago
wow that's fantastic! multilingual people!
I will keep on watching your videos but I think you should write subtitles or something in pin yin to make sure how words are pronounced in Mandarin :P
Mmm... Could you make a new video teaching how to say the name of countries, nationalities and languages?
wô bù shì zhong guó rén! wô shì xi bán yá rén! lol
gonzalitto1984 4 years ago
Welcome back, too!
IAmBecoming 4 years ago
For some reason I can't really find any Mandarin movies or CDs. The things I have have found are all in Cantonese. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.
IAmBecoming 4 years ago
wow! amazing speech! Your piece of advice about the process of learning one given language are also possible for the process of learning anything! Open your mind and be receptive.
I'm subscribed to your videos and I would love to learn Mandarin because it's highly different from European languages.
You spoke so well that I'm going to add this video to my favourites.
gonzalitto1984 4 years ago
you said you're not a teacher, i think you're a very good teacher.
AtomicCreep 4 years ago