Real life thread

[56860]

Any tips for an ABC who is looking to self-learn Chinese? How should I get started? What resources should I utilize?

I've watched many Chinese movies/TV series but I think a more effective method would be attempting to learn the language directly. As of now, I recognize around 750 characters. I've never taken the HSK.

I'll be graduating from college in a week's time and intend on learning Chinese full-time for a year or two before finding a job.

 

[tygyg1111]

Any tips for an ABC who is looking to self-learn Chinese? How should I get started? What resources should I utilize?

I've watched many Chinese movies/TV series but I think a more effective method would be attempting to learn the language directly. As of now, I recognize around 750 characters. I've never taken the HSK.

I'll be graduating from college in a week's time and intend on learning Chinese full-time for a year or two before finding a job.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a reasonably fluent speaker (but can't read/write)?

I would suggest face to face classes (can be online delivery) via HSK - the coursework is well structured, and also help build up cultural foundations to understand chengyu, common fables, and other general knowledge. I wouldn't bother taking the exams, unless you are looking to work in China and the employers require proof of language proficiency (although with a Chinese name / face and visible Chinese proficiency in your job application documents, they probably would not question your language ability).

I would also suggest downloading a translator app to look up unknown / forgotten characters, I use Pleco (can manually write or copy paste a character to look up, or enter english word for translation) but there are a range of alternatives out there.

Once you reach HSK5 level (or earlier if you want, it will just be a bit harder), I encourage you to get an account on Chinese social media, e.g. xiaohongshu 小红书, where you should be able to read, comprehend and interact at a basic level. This will help you attain 'self sufficiency' at a street level (if you aren't there already).
News and technical reports will still be a bit tough at this stage, however the latter half of HSK6 will introduce you to more technical language.

As always, fluency only comes with practice, so I would encourage you to use what you've learned as much as possible (e.g. at shops, restaurants, takeaway stores etc.).

FYI - HSK1-3 can be self taught within a year full time if you can speak at a basic level, HSK4-6 will take increasingly more time due to the denser content.
So 2 years can be doable if you're diligent.

 

[ficker22]

Any tips for an ABC who is looking to self-learn Chinese? How should I get started? What resources should I utilize?

I've watched many Chinese movies/TV series but I think a more effective method would be attempting to learn the language directly. As of now, I recognize around 750 characters. I've never taken the HSK.

I'll be graduating from college in a week's time and intend on learning Chinese full-time for a year or two before finding a job.

What about ABC peers or family, maybe they can help with the speaking part.

Reading and writing, ugh...
I always lost interest in HSK courses because, to be frank they are very blank and I am a lazy shit

 

[tygyg1111]

For those members that both understand 中文 & 日本话:

Is 東煌/东煌 read in Go-on as Tokō or Tonkō? And is this a fitting girl baby name?

Is someone expecting?

 

[ficker22]

Is someone expecting?

I was thinking of adopting a child, but that is still 5+ years in the future, first have to get my uni degree.


I have been thinking of using an east asian name since my fiance is half japanese (sadly not able to speak or read since grweing up in germany and her parents didnt bother)

Most of the time Children in orphanages already have given names but if the occasion arises where the kid does not have a new or doesnt like their name, giving a new name is an idea.

 

[tygyg1111]

What about ABC peers or family, maybe they can help with the speaking part.

Reading and writing, ugh...
I always lost interest in HSK courses because, to be frank they are very blank and I am a lazy shit

ABC peers and family will get you to a certain (lowish) level, but they won't go out of their way to correct you unless you make a point about it (family), or they don't know either (ABC peers).

Chinese (FOB) friends are better, as in these cases you learn by osmosis, but again it is sort of awkward for them to correct you.

 

[Dolcevita]

For those members that both understand 中文 & 日本话:

Is 東煌/东煌 read in Go-on as Tokō or Tonkō? And is this a fitting girl baby name?

東煌 would normally be read as Tonkou in 日本话 as in the name for this Ramen restaurant.

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[56860]

If you don't mind me asking, are you a reasonably fluent speaker (but can't read/write)?

My speaking/listening is definitely above my recognition of 汉字. There's a lot of words I understand that I can't write. I would say I am ok with simple, conversational topics like weather, hobbies, ordering food, etc. But once things start to get more technical I struggle.

I would also suggest downloading a translator app to look up unknown / forgotten characters, I use Pleco (can manually write or copy paste a character to look up, or enter english word for translation) but there are a range of alternatives out there.

This is more what I want. Using a translator app to read topics I have an interest on. Basically just a shitload of reading, combined with speaking Chinese with my family. Would that be a feasible strategy? After 4 years of college I am sick of classes.

 

[ficker22]

東煌 would normally be read as Tonkou in 日本话 as in the name for this Ramen restaurant.

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Okay thank you, is there a rule where 东 is read ton and when tō?

 

[tygyg1111]

My speaking/listening is definitely above my recognition of 汉字. There's a lot of words I understand that I can't write. I would say I am ok with simple, conversational topics like weather, hobbies, ordering food, etc. But once things start to get more technical I struggle.

This is more what I want. Using a translator app to read topics I have an interest on. Basically just a shitload of reading, combined with speaking Chinese with my family. Would that be a feasible strategy? After 4 years of college I am sick of classes.

Personally I would recommend a structured course, as without a structure where you are relying on what you learned yesterday as the foundation for today's learning, it is very easy to just forget earlier content and end up with a 'three day memory' (context: character retention).

Although if you are just totally sick of classes, I think what you've said is a good place to start - you can find the right articles (non-technical, e.g. tech entertainment) to start with and progressively move into the more meaty stuff as you're ready, and if you run into any walls you can check in with your parents as the first step.

You can also try writing a daily journal in Chinese, this will 'quiz' you on your progress and highlight any gaps, although at some point you may need a third pair of eyes to point out any blind spots, esp. with grammar and colloquial phrases.