How to Learn Chinese (Mandarin) On Your Own for FREE

Summary

In this video, Brian Wilds shares an effective strategy for self-learning Mandarin, emphasizing the creation of a daily routine covering tones, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. He recommends free resources like Mandarin Corner and HSK textbooks, and tools like Anki for vocabulary building. For speaking practice, he suggests language exchanges or tutoring platforms like Preply. Listening skills are honed through podcasts and TV shows, while reading skills are developed with graded readers and apps like Du Chinese. Writing practice is optional, but apps like Daily Mandarin and Scrito can be helpful. The video concludes with a suggested daily routine tailored to different HSK levels.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start with a core understanding of Mandarin using free resources like Mandarin Corner and HSK curriculum.
• 🎓 Use official HSK textbooks for structured self-study and gauge proficiency with standardized tests.
• 📈 Master tones early with the help of videos and practice, as they are fundamental to Mandarin pronunciation.
• 🗣️ Improve speaking skills by interacting with native speakers, either locally or through online language exchanges.
• 💬 Utilize platforms like Preply for one-on-one tutoring to refine pronunciation and conversational skills.
• 📝 Build vocabulary with flashcards, especially those aligned with the HSK curriculum, using tools like Anki.
• 🔍 Use Pleco dictionary with live OCR for quick definitions of new words encountered during learning.
• 📖 Keep grammar study minimal; focus on practical usage, but refer to resources like Chinese Zero to Hero for clarity.
• 👂 Develop listening skills with podcasts like Learning Chinese through Stories, starting post-HSK level one.
• 📺 Incorporate Mandarin TV shows and movies at an advanced level, ensuring to use only Chinese subtitles.
• 📚 For reading practice, use graded readers and apps like do Chinese and The Chairman's Bao, focusing on HSK levels.
• ✍️ Writing by hand is not necessary for fluency; learn to type in Pinyin for practical communication.

Q & A

What is the recommended approach to learn Mandarin according to Brian Wilds?

Brian Wilds recommends creating a daily learning routine that covers tones, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and using free resources based on the HSK curriculum.

What is the HSK curriculum mentioned in the script?

The HSK curriculum is a program based on six standardized tests that help learners gauge their proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

How many standard tones does Mandarin have, and what is the neutral tone?

Mandarin has four standard tones, and there is one neutral tone that is spoken with less emphasis.

What are pinions and how are they used in Mandarin?

Pinions are marks used to notate the tones in Mandarin, which is a tonal language.

What platform does Brian Wilds recommend for language tutoring?

Brian Wilds recommends using Preply as his favorite language tutoring platform.

What is the recommended tool for building vocabulary in Mandarin?

Brian Wilds suggests using flashcards, specifically through a program called Anki, to build a wide vocabulary of Mandarin words and phrases.

What is the role of grammar in learning Mandarin according to the script?

The script suggests that grammar is relatively straightforward in Mandarin and that learning it is not necessarily a part of the daily routine. Instead, using other resources will intuitively build an understanding of Mandarin grammar.

How does Brian Wilds suggest improving listening skills in Mandarin?

Brian Wilds recommends starting with podcasts like 'Learning Chinese through Stories' after completing HSK level one, and using voice-to-text features to understand new words or phrases.

What are graded readers and how do they help in learning Mandarin?

Graded readers are short books and stories designed for students at various levels. They help in learning Mandarin by providing reading material that matches the student's proficiency level.

Why does Brian Wilds suggest not learning to write Chinese characters by hand?

Brian Wilds suggests not learning to write Chinese characters by hand because it is a daunting task and not necessary for becoming fluent in speaking and reading Mandarin. Typing using Pinyin is sufficient.

What daily routine does Brian Wilds recommend for a beginner learning Mandarin?

For a beginner, Brian Wilds recommends setting aside at least 1 hour daily to study Mandarin, focusing on HSK level one resources, and potentially having one lesson per week with an online tutor.