Every week has a theme. An example on some words on the module on money are 开销Kāixiāo (expense), 贷款Dàikuǎn (loan), 财力Cáilì (financial resources), 房贷Fángdài (mortgage). And there are words that don’t really relate to money but are useful when talking about money, such as ‘平均Píngjūn’ (on average).We will often watch a video in which a Chinese person introduces a topic. In, for instance, the module about money, it’s 兰卡, a thirty-something Chinese lady in Shanghai who talks about her life and how she saves and spends money. The speed at which she talks is incredibly high at first, but the teacher will pause, rewind, let the students talk — and in the end you can watch the video and understand it.

You could technically do this on your own, but the problem is:

• You need to find the right materials, which have about 90% of the words you already know. You also need to know if the new 10% is actually useful for daily life. Plus the speed and pronunciation need to be challenging but doable.
• The teacher in class will help you pronounce the words correctly and how to use them right. She’s creating many opportunities to speak, to use the words in your situation (such as talking about whether you have a mortgage or not, which expenses you make). This makes you memorize the words better.

Chinese in the wild

The biggest benefit of real-life Chinese materials is that it’s a more honest reality of learning Chinese. As said above, the speed of the videos is very high, and this course trains you to hear this. People also talk with some slight accents, and there are some distractions like background noises. All this helps you to understand Chinese out of the classroom (and ironically, this perfectly prepares you for the new HSK levels, because high speaking speed, accents & distractions are a requirement of higher levels).

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of linguistic mastery? Picture this: you’re standing in the midst of a bustling Chinese market, confidently conversing with locals, effortlessly ordering your favorite dishes, and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture. The power of spoken Chinese is undeniable, opening doors to captivating conversations, career advancements, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re eager to take your spoken Chinese to new heights, then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with proven strategies, practical tips, and personal anecdotes to transform your spoken Chinese abilities. Say goodbye to stumbling over words and hello to captivating fluency! Let’s dive in and unlock your true potential in the mesmerizing world of spoken Chinese.

Lay the Foundation for Success

Before we dive into the intricacies of spoken Chinese, let’s lay a solid foundation for success. Perfecting pronunciation and mastering tones are vital. Pay close attention to the subtle nuances and unique sounds that define the Chinese language. To practice pronunciation effectively, consider using platforms like GoEast, which provide interactive exercises and instant feedback. Additionally, embrace the power of Pinyin, the phonetic system used to represent Chinese characters. Pinyin will guide your pronunciation and boost your confidence as you tackle new words and phrases.

Expand Your Lexicon

To become a fluent speaker, building an extensive vocabulary is crucial. Make it a daily habit to learn new words and phrases. Flashcards are a powerful tool for memorization. Incorporate mnemonic techniques or create associations to help words stick in your mind. Don’t forget to explore commonly used idioms and expressions, as they add depth and richness to your spoken Chinese. One practical way to incorporate them into your vocabulary is by reading books, blogs, or listening to podcasts specifically designed for language learners.

Sharpen Your Listening Skills

Listening comprehension is the cornerstone of effective communication. Enhance your skills by immersing yourself in Chinese audio content. Seek out Chinese movies, TV shows, and podcasts to expose yourself to different accents and dialects. For a targeted approach, try listening to Chinese lessons or audio exercises designed to improve your comprehension. Actively engage in the content, take notes, and reflect on what you hear. Over time, you’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your ability to understand and respond to spoken Chinese.

Embrace Regular Speaking Practice

Speaking regularly is the key to developing fluency. Seek out language partners, conversation groups, or language exchange programs to practice speaking with native Chinese speakers. Online platforms like iTalki or Tandem connect language learners worldwide. Engage in meaningful conversations, share cultural experiences, and receive real-time feedback. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—embracing them as stepping stones to improvement is a fundamental part of the language learning journey. To further enhance your progress, record yourself speaking and analyze areas for improvement. Celebrate your progress along the way and never underestimate the power of consistent practice.

Refine Your Pronunciation

To truly excel in spoken Chinese, refining your pronunciation is essential. Tackle challenging sounds and tones head-on. For example, focus on the infamous “r” sound by practicing tongue twisters like “四是四，十是十” (sì shì sì, shí shì shí). Repeating common phrases and tongue twisters helps train your mouth and tongue to produce accurate sounds. Seek feedback from native speakers or language teachers who can provide valuable insights and guide you towards clearer and more authentic pronunciation.

Chinese tongue twisters to challenge and improve your pronunciation skills