In the modern Chinese writing system, each character is a form of its own, representing a particular sound and at least one meaning. Each Chinese symbol in other words is a unity of meaning, sound and form.
To learn Chinese writing you need to know each Chinese symbol or character individually. To understand 90% of what you read you will need a vocabulary of at least 3,000 characters.
To understand almost everything written in Chinese a vocabulary of 4-5,000 characters in the modern context allows you. Most of them are ancient symbols and no longer in use although there are more than 60,000 characters listed in the largest Chinese dictionaries.
Perhaps simple representations of natural objects consists of only a very small proportion of Chinese characters- some 300. All others are composite signs as in the Chinese language program shanghai.
How easy is it to learn Chinese?
However when it comes to mastering the language the going is not all that easy. Due to the large number of characters the script proves to be tough to recollect. There are over 50,000 characters According to estimates that have been used in the script; one reason why as compared to the spoken form the written form is more difficult.
The tonal system is another significant challenge. A bit difficult to grasp for English speakers a bit difficult to grasp for English speakers corresponding to the change in tone something words in the Chinese language change in meaning. 4 basic tones are recognized in the standard Mandarin Chinese language recognizes.
To pick the language quickly the Pinyin system of transcribing some of the basic Mandarin Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet helps the beginner student. However if one wishes to advance to the higher levels the student will need to take extra efforts. Grammar can be easily learnt by kids who are quite adept at learning new languages and is not as complicated as that of the European languages. Neither are there any about plurals, conjugations or tenses there are no complex rules about subject and verb agreement.
Where can I learn Chinese?
For aspiring students wishing to learn Chinese as a second language Learning Chinese is not that difficult as there are several ways. In providing the student with the required material for learning Language schools, self help textbooks and CDs all can help. Whether for speaking, listening, writing, reading or conversing to apply the knowledge learned in various ways the student would need to take the required efforts.
Online Chinese learning
Facilitating learning Chinese by way of web applications online language schools are a new option available for students. As it's quite convenient and effective the method is gaining popularity. Making the process more interactive and fun filled using innovative means of learning and aids like instant messaging, headphones, video and audio clips, whiteboard, webcams, students get to learn the language.
Courses for everyone
Variety of courses tailor made to suit the learning goals and requirements of students are offered by most online schools. They also offer 1 year Chinese language course in china. Online courses are designed for those who wish to study the art and culture of this ancient civilization, everyone, tourists, business people, kids, students who want to improve their writing or conversation skills students interested in learning Chinese as a career option and everyone.
