Learning to speak Chinese is a tough undertaking. There are a few things you can do to make it painless or nearly so. You could talk to Chinese people when you have the chance, in their native language. By doing this you can master your Chinese faster.
Steps
Step 1. Don't use CDs only
Find a native speaker and observe the movements of their mouth. See how they produce sounds that don't exist in our language.
Step 2. Don't think of sounds as music
Think of them as stressed syllables. Sometimes in Italian, the accents on the syllables change, and the same thing happens in Chinese.
Step 3. Pay attention to entire sentences instead of focusing on a single word
Practice with whole sentences. Both high and low tones flatten out, or become mids, in speed. So focus on the whole sentences.
Step 4. Learn to write characters
Write each character 10 times, pronouncing it correctly. This way you are both saying and seeing and doing, and you will be able to remember words much faster.
Step 5. If you have a friend or acquaintance who speaks Chinese, ask them to practice with you
You can also go to a random Asian-looking stranger and ask him if he speaks Chinese.
Step 6. Depending on the dialects there are from 5 to 9 tones
The first 4 or 5 tones are rather simple syllable accents. Again, it's not a musical sound. It is an stressed syllable.
Step 7. Rent Chinese movies often
Listen to the sounds of the sentences. Gradually you will hear some words that you are studying. Look at the subtitles, you can learn interesting things, for example the pronunciation of words, which the textbook does not teach you. Create opportunities for exposure to Chinese.
Step 8. Don't be afraid of making mistakes
Making mistakes is a great way to learn and say things right.
Step 9. Spend your time learning
The longer you take, the faster you will learn. Less time spent equates to slower learning.
Step 10. If you are under 16, you can try looking for a school
And you can surround yourself with Chinese by attending their spring festival (Chinese New Year).
Step 11. Practice for at least 15 minutes a day
Step 12. If you don't understand any of the words being said to you, just ask them to explain them to you
Advice
- Don't expect to learn fast. Many people have a hard time learning Chinese.
- Look for a website that offers you the pronunciation of Chinese words so you know how they sound and how they are pronounced.
