5 easy ways to learn Chinese language as a foreigner

Is Chinese the most difficult language for the Westerners to learn? Absolutely not! Try to throw aside all your fears, excuses and imaginary obstacles and just get started, then you'll realize that Chinese is not as hard as you thought.

对西方人而言，汉语是最难学的语言吗？当然不是！请试着抛开所有的恐惧、借口和臆想的困难阻碍，重新出发，你会发现，汉语其实并没有想象中的那么难。

Now empty your mind. Just follow the five easy ways to learn Chinese language. 

现在，清空脑袋，跟着以下5种方法，轻松学汉语吧！

1. Practice with a native speaker

与母语为汉语的人一起练习

In learning a new language, the most direct and efficient approach is to practice speaking with a native speaker. Even a 5-minute conversation with simple greetings is better than nothing. They can easily correct any grammar or pronunciation mistakes you make and introduce you to more informal or colloquial expressions that you won't find in a textbook. If you don't have any Chinese-speaking friends nearby, don't be depressed. Try finding someone on Skype, Weibo (Chinese Twitter) or WeChat, the most popular social media in China. 

学习一门新语言，最直接有效的方式就是和以这种语言为母语的人练习口语。即使是5分钟简单的打招呼对话练习也是好的。他们很容易就能帮你纠正任何语法或发音错误，并教你一些更为口语化的日常表达，这些可是书本里没有的哦。如果你身边没有说中文的朋友，也不必沮丧。试试在skype, 微博或是微信上找些人，这些社交平台在中国很火的。

2. Order a meal at the local restaurants in Chinatown

在唐人街的餐厅点餐

As you may know, Chinatown is a place with menus all in Chinese. Most of the patrons there are Chinese too. You can not only learn the basic vocabulary about Chinese dishes, but also enjoy tastier, more authentic foods. What a good option, isn't it? 

如你所知，唐人街的菜单都是用中文写的，那里大部分的顾客也都是中国人。去那里，你不仅可以学到基本的中国菜肴词汇，还能品尝地道的中国美食，多好的选择啊！

3. Watch Chinese movies or TV shows

看中国电影或电视剧

Learning Chinese language can be also very relaxing and entertaining. Select some Chinese movies or TV shows to get a feel for the sound and structure of the Mandarin Chinese. During watching, you need to hear the tones and the language points in the storyline, in order to fully embrace the language. If you're feeling difficult to follow it, pause the video after hearing a simple sentence and repeat what has just been said. 

学习中文也可以是非常轻松、娱乐化的。为自己挑选几部中国电影或电视剧吧，这样对汉语的发音和结构才会有感觉。看的时候，要注意听正确的声调以及情节语境中的语言点，这样才能真正整体地掌握语言。如果你有点跟不上语速，也可以在听到一句简单句之后按暂停，并重复这句话的内容。

4. Listen to Chinese songs

听中文歌曲

Quite a few foreigners fall for the Chinese language through Chinese songs. Even if you fail to understand everything, you can try to pick out keywords to help you get some ideas about what's being said. If you are an outgoing person, try karaoke! Alternatively, download Chinese music apps or podcasts for listening when you're on the go. 

相信很多学中文的外国人是因为中文歌曲才喜欢上中文的。即使你不能明白所有内容，也可以通过辨认关键词来帮助理解整首歌的大意。如果你性格够外向，那就试试卡拉OK吧！或者，你也可以下载中国的音乐类手机应用软件或视频播客，以便忙碌的时候听。

5. Take a trip to China

去中国旅行

Taking a trip to China should be the best way to immerse yourself in the Chinese language. It is also an absolutely wonderful way to experience the country itself — magnificent scenery, delicious food, hospitable people and abundant culture. If you stay there for a period, say 6 months, and blend yourself in local people, you may get an authentic Chinese accent.  

想要让自己沉浸在汉语语言环境中的最好方式就是去中国旅行。这也是体验这个国家的绝佳方式—那里有壮丽河山、美味佳肴，还有淳朴民风和璀璨文化等等。假如你在中国待上一段时日，比如6个月，并且努力融入当地，到时你的中文口音就会很地道了。

With these five easy ways to learn Chinese language, do you still consider Chinese as the most difficult language in the world? Only if you want it to be!

有了以上5个学习汉语的简单窍门，你还觉得汉语是世界上最难的语言吗？除非你想让它变得很难！

The article is translated and editted by Chinlingo. Please indicate the source for any use, reproduction or transfer. 

本文由Chinlingo编译后发布，如需转载，请标明来源。