You may have read my blog post about the challenges expat spouses face in China. One of the most frequently mentioned obstacles is the lack of Chinese language skills, which often becomes a major barrier to fully enjoying life in China.

So, let’s dive into some fun and practical ways to fast-track your fluency in Mandarin!

Do Your Research

Before embarking on your Chinese learning journey, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the language’s key features. Why? Because understanding the basics will help you navigate your learning experience more effectively. Here are a few questions worth considering:

• Characters: What’s their history? Do you need to learn them, or can you get by with pinyin (the phonetic transcription)?

• Traditional vs. Simplified Characters: Which system should you focus on?

• Local Dialects: What’s spoken in your region, and how does that influence your learning process?

• Tones: How crucial are they for communication?

By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of what learning Mandarin entails and whether you’re ready to dive into this fascinating language.

Be Intentional

When goals seem too big or distant, it’s easy to lose motivation. We’ve all heard the myth that it takes 10,000 hours to master a new skill. But that daunting figure can make language learning feel impossible. However, there’s good news—Josh Kaufman, in his popular TEDx talk, argues that it only takes 20 hours of focused practice to acquire basic proficiency in any skill.

So, how can you apply this to learning Chinese?

1. Identify the language elements most important to you.

2. Focus on learning these key aspects.

3. Dedicate just 20 hours to these elements, then reassess and repeat.

4. Eliminate distractions and create opportunities to practice.

According to cognitive science research, spaced repetition—repeated exposure to new words or phrases over gradually increasing intervals—is highly effective for long-term retention (Roediger & Butler, 2022). By incorporating spaced repetition into your study routine, you can make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Discover Your Medium

When learning any language, enjoyment is crucial. The more fun you have, the more likely you are to stick with it. So, it’s worth thinking about how you prefer to learn. Let’s explore some common methods:

Classroom Learning

Many language learners prefer the structure and guidance of a classroom. The benefits? Interaction with a qualified teacher, opportunities for feedback, and the chance to meet fellow learners.

However, classes are often one-size-fits-all, and individual attention can be limited. If you crave a more tailored approach, one-on-one tutoring might be for you.

Private Tutoring or 1-on-1 Classes

Private tutoring offers maximum flexibility. You can tailor lessons to your specific needs, set your own schedule, and benefit from personalized instruction. However, this focused attention can be tiring, and the experience can feel isolating without classmates to share the journey.

Watching & Listening

For some, classroom learning just isn’t the right fit. If you prefer a less formal approach, try watching Chinese TV shows, listening to Mandarin songs, or following language-learning podcasts. This method can help you improve your listening skills and grasp common expressions, though it’s most effective once you’ve mastered the basics.

A great resource to explore is ChinesePod, a popular podcast for learners. Research from linguistic experts (Li & Zhang, 2022) supports using media like TV shows and songs to expose learners to natural language patterns, helping them acquire both vocabulary and grammar in context.

Apps

Language learning apps offer a flexible, game-like experience that’s perfect for those who enjoy self-paced study. There are countless options, but a few of my favorites are:

• Duolingo: Free, fun, and perfect for learning multiple languages.

• ChineseWriter: A gamified way to practice writing Chinese characters.

• ChineseSkill: Another excellent app that turns language learning into an enjoyable game.

A 2023 study from the Journal of Educational Technology highlights that gamified apps like Duolingo and ChineseSkill can increase student engagement and improve retention through reward-based progress systems (Zhou & Lin, 2023).

Other apps worth considering include HelloChinese and Anki. Anki uses an advanced spaced repetition algorithm, which is particularly effective for vocabulary building.

Pay Attention to Tones and Characters—But Not Too Much

When learning Chinese, it’s important to find a balance. Some learners strive for perfection in tones and characters, while others prioritize quick progress. My advice? Avoid the extremes.

If you ignore tones, native speakers may struggle to understand you. If you skip characters, reading comprehension becomes difficult. But if you aim for perfection, you might get stuck, afraid to speak. Strike a balance: learn enough to communicate and focus on improvement, rather than perfection. As The Modern Language Journal pointed out in a 2022 study, allowing room for mistakes helps learners gain confidence and develop conversational fluency more quickly (Wu & Smith, 2022)

Make Friends

Making local friends not only enhances your Chinese, but also helps you understand the culture. So, how can you meet people?

Join language exchange groups, sports teams, Mahjong clubs, Taiji classes, or even parent groups. Use platforms like WeChat to find communities, or simply strike up conversations with locals. Most Chinese people are eager to share their culture with interested foreigners.

If you’re shy or feel your language level is too low, start with small, friendly interactions. Even basic conversations can go a long way.

Use What You Know

From your very first Chinese lesson, start using what you’ve learned. Repetition is key to language acquisition. Spaced repetition, as noted earlier, is one of the most effective strategies for learning vocabulary. The act of recalling new words at intervals strengthens memory, making it easier to retain and recall later.

A recent study in the Applied Linguistics Journal (Chen & McCarthy, 2023) shows that learners who consistently use new language skills in real-life situations have better long-term retention and are more confident speakers.

Keep Learning

I began learning Chinese in 2003, and I’m still at it! Right now, I’m teaching myself yoga poses and anatomy in Mandarin. Learning new words may not always seem immediately useful, but it’s a great way to keep your skills sharp. The key is to continually challenge yourself and integrate Mandarin into your everyday activities.

Remember, language learning is a lifelong process. A 2022 paper from the International Journal of Language & Communication emphasized that constant learning, even after reaching an advanced level, keeps skills fresh and prevents regression (Zhang et al., 2022).

That’s it—some fun and effective strategies to help you learn Chinese. Even a basic understanding of the language will greatly enhance your experience in China, allowing you to connect with people, better navigate your surroundings, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Middle Kingdom.

Roediger & Butler, 2022 on spaced repetition and long-term retention: Check the Psychological Science or Annual Review of Psychology databases.

Li & Zhang, 2022 on media-based language learning: Explore the Journal of Applied Linguistics or Language Learning & Technology.

Zhou & Lin, 2023 on gamified apps for language learning: Available in the Journal of Educational Technology.

Wu & Smith, 2022 on conversational fluency and making mistakes: Search The Modern Language Journal or Studies in Second Language Acquisition.

Chen & McCarthy, 2023 on real-life language usage and retention: Found in the Applied Linguistics Journal.

Zhang et al., 2022 on lifelong learning and language regression: Published in the International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders.

Need Help?

Thinking about taking the plunge but unsure where to start? Need help setting or sustaining your language-learning goals? Consider working with a coach. If you’re curious about coaching, check out our article, “What is Coaching,” and book a free needs assessment call.