How I started learning "中文"?

So, first I'm taking you back to 2017, 'cause it was after I graduated from high school that the adventure began. To pursue my higher education in the Middle Kingdom, I started learning mandarin. At the beginning of the journey, I spent two months in Côte d'Ivoire, at the Confucius Institute of the Félix Houphouët Boigny University. For me, it was quite boring because being in a French-speaking country after leaving school, we didn't really have the opportunity to practice.

This problem was quickly solved when I arrived in China. I started the classes in March 2018 in the language department of the University of International Business and Economics. They directed me in 111 level class, where I spent my first semester. My learning was easier and faster than in Côte d'Ivoire, because being in the country itself offers much more facilities, whether it's regarding documents and practice. Then I spent a second semester at the same university in class 132. I spent my last year of learning at Capital Normal University (Beijing). Since then, I have reached the HSK5 level and I've been taking my university courses in mandarin for 2 years now.

For me, beyond all the languages I've learned so far, it's true that Mandarin was one of the most difficult. Not only because of the characters, but also because of the different intonations that can easily lead to confusion when they are misused. For example, the difference between the character 问 (wèn) and the character 吻 (wěn). Seen like this, it's true that it's easy to see the difference. But when listening, they can often be confusing.

• 我想问你 wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ (I want to ask you..)

• 我想吻你 wǒ xiǎng wěn nǐ (I want to kiss you..)

Got it? Haha. So, for you who are interested in learning Chinese language, here are some tips that I can give you from my experience:

1. First, know that no language is easy to learn. It's true that Mandarin is one of the most complicated languages, but many people have learned it and with perseverance and willpower, you too can do it!

2. Practice, practice, practice: Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because that's also how you will learn. If someone makes fun of you, don't be distressed. It's not your mother tongue, anyway.

3. Be interested in Chinese culture: Understanding culture is like having a context that allows you to give the right meaning to each new word you learn. The more you know about the sociocultural background, the easier it is to get involved and learn new words, expressions and ways of speaking. It's allows you to use the right word, depending on the context. This way, there's less room for misunderstandings and confusion.

4. Never stop learning: If you have set a goal and you reach it, congratulations to you, but don't stop there, keep learning, maybe not at the same pace as before, but from time to time, look for new words, or new expressions. It will only take you a few minutes, or even seconds, but it will keep you on track.

5. If you have the opportunity to do so, travel to China for a few months, it will make your learning much easier. But if you can't, try to register in a language center such as the Confucius Institute. This will allow you to have a setting in which you can practice what you are learning, listen to others, and so develop your listening and speaking skills. You can also start learning on your own through apps such as HelloChinese or ChineseSkill and or sites such as Chinese Class 101 or Yoyo Chinese.

Sources:

http://clearwordstranslations.com/language/de/learning-a-language/ https://www.chineseclass101.com/chinese-vocabulary-lists/top-10-quotes-about-language-learning https://www.fluentu.com/blog/chinese/best-website-to-learn-chinese/

There is a Chinese proverb that says:

你每会说一门新的语言，你就会过一种新的生活。如果你仅仅知道一种语言，那你只有一种生活。(Nǐ měi huì shuō yī mén xīn de yǔyán, nǐ jiù huì guò yī zhǒngxīn de shēnghuó. Rúguǒ nǐ jǐnjǐn zhīdào yī zhǒng yǔyán, nà nǐ zhǐ yǒu yī zhǒng shēnghuó.)

Translation: "You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once." So dear, how many "lives" would you like to live? Are you interested in learning or are you currently learning mandarin? What are your motivation in doing so and what tips can you share with us to efficiently learn a new language? Comment below! May God bless you, take care!