BEING BLACK IN CHINA, I DID THIS TO SPEAK CHINESE FLUENTLY.....

Summary

In this video, a content creator shares their personal experience of learning Chinese fluently in about two years. They emphasize the importance of practicing with locals, engaging in daily conversations, and immersing oneself in the culture. While classroom learning is useful, real language fluency comes from consistent practice and interaction. For those not in China, they recommend leveraging online resources like Duolingo and connecting with native speakers via language exchange platforms. With determination and the right approach, anyone can become fluent in Chinese, regardless of their location.

Takeaways

• 😀 Speak with native speakers to improve fluency – real-world practice is crucial.
• 😀 School lessons help, but they’re not enough – you need to immerse yourself in the language outside of the classroom.
• 😀 Build a network of language partners, including both native speakers and fellow learners.
• 😀 Use language exchange – teach others your language while learning theirs.
• 😀 Don’t rely on formal classes alone – daily speaking and cultural immersion are essential.
• 😀 Language apps like Duolingo and other online tools can be very helpful, especially when you're not in a native-speaking environment.
• 😀 It’s important to find a personal motivation and drive to learn the language – it speeds up the process.
• 😀 Learning a language takes time – it could take 1 to 2 years to become conversational, depending on how much you practice.
• 😀 Surround yourself with people who speak the language, both in formal and informal settings, like school and music groups.
• 😀 If you’re not in a country where the language is spoken, leverage online resources and communities to practice speaking.

Q & A

How did you start learning Chinese?

I started learning Chinese when I arrived in China about seven years ago. I was fortunate to meet a friend, Amaya, who was fluent in Chinese and helped me by correcting my mistakes. This motivated me to speak with locals and immerse myself in the language.

What is the best way to improve your Chinese, according to your experience?

The best way to improve your Chinese is by speaking with locals. It's essential to practice speaking regularly, make friends who speak the language, and immerse yourself in real-life conversations. This is more effective than relying solely on classroom learning.

How important is school in learning Chinese?

School can help with the basics, but it's not enough on its own. While I did well in school, the real learning happens when you practice speaking with native speakers. The school setting can't provide the immersion needed for fluency.

How did you make Chinese friends to practice speaking?

I made Chinese friends both inside and outside of school. I met up with them in the evenings, and we practiced speaking Chinese together. This language exchange was a great way to improve my skills while helping them learn English.

What role did music play in your language learning journey?

As a musician, I also made friends through my involvement in music. I would play the trumpet and saxophone with friends outside of school. This allowed me to practice speaking Chinese in a different context, which further helped me improve my language skills.

Do you need any tricks or shortcuts to learn Chinese quickly?

No tricks or shortcuts—just consistent practice. The more you speak and make mistakes, the better you get. The key is to speak the language regularly and be persistent.

What advice do you have for people who aren’t in China but want to learn Chinese?

For those not in China, I recommend leveraging the internet. There are plenty of language apps like Duolingo, online communities, and platforms where you can find people to practice with. The internet makes it easier to connect with native speakers and learn the language.

How long did it take you to become fluent in Chinese?

It took me about 2 to 3 years to become fluent in Chinese. The timeline varies depending on your drive and how much time you spend practicing with locals and immersing yourself in the language.

Can anyone learn Chinese if they’re not in China?

Yes, anyone can learn Chinese even if they’re not in China. The key is to find resources like language apps, online exchanges, and communities that allow you to practice speaking with native speakers regularly.

What’s the minimum amount of time it takes to get conversational in Chinese?

If you're committed and practice regularly, you can become conversational in Chinese in about one to two years. It requires consistent effort and speaking with locals as much as possible.