Tips when learning a second language?

Question

To make a long story short, I am half Chinese and I'm trying to learn Chinese from my mother...I'm fairly young so I'm sure that will help, but most people say it's harder to learn a second language once past the age of 12. Is this true? Basic words I'm learning, but Chinese is a very complicated language, and I'm not even THINKING about trying to read or write it...anyone have tips on how to remember words/pronunciations easier? :D a little help from the teachers on here would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, I started learning English in elementary school, so I was younger than 12, but to tell you the truth, we only learned songs, fairy tales and other simple stories from children books, the numbers, easy stuff. My native language is Italian and I lived in Italy back then, so I didn't even practise English at home. I started to learn it seriously in middle and especially high school, and after that in college (translation school). I'm practically bilingual now -- I'm currently in college in the USA and I get straight As in my English Composition and other classes. I also learned all the other languages I know when I was older than 12, and I'm virtually bilingual in Spanish and very fluent in French. I really don't know if exposure to a second language when I was a kid has to do with it. It might, but I believe I also have a natural gift for languages (like some people have a natural gift for maths or science). So, if you are half Chinese and you have the opportunity to practise with your mother, go for it and don't worry. Chinese is complicated, but if you and your mother are going to practise every day, you'll pick it up quickly.

I'm sorry I can't help you any further, but I can't speak Chinese, so I have no idea about its pronunciation or vocabulary. Anyway I can tell you that constant practice, watching foreign movies, reading a lot of books and magazines, traveling to the countries were the languages I was studying were spoken, and even having penpals helped me with my languages.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes and no. I started to learn a second language at age 18. I noticed that the reason why I had such difficulty is because I was comparing it to my native language. And the reason why children learn faster is because they just accept the way the new language is. My suggestion is to have an open mind and always remember that not only you are learning a new language, but also a new way of thinking and a new culture. Just try to imagine yourself as Chinese and try to think like one. Another suggestion is to find a language exchange partner. In this case, this person must be chinese and try to tape record his/hers speech while reading out loud and imitate it at home. In exchange, you teach this person English.
That's how I did it! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I'm near 50 years old and I too am learning Mandarin Chinese. Remember the 4 "tones" used. That's the hardest part. I learned all of my secondary languages after the age of 30; Spanish, Yiddish, sign & now Maderian. It keeps the brain sharp.
If you're learning from a family member, you will learn phrases, but not the langauge. Take a class and refine your speaking with your family.

Answer 5

It can be harder for people who have never been exposed to a 2nd language to start after puberty. it sounds liek you had some exposure at home, so I doubt this would really apply to you.

As far as tips, it helps to use many different parts of your brain when you are learning. So it's good to listen, to speak (and yes, to read and write!!)
Then you aren't just passively listening, you are actively using diff parts of the brain.

Even if you write them in english, just do something. Try to use it during the day even if it's under your breath. Rent a movie with Chinese, listen to your relatives as they speak to each other even if you don't understand, it helps when later u need to hear and be able to separate the words.

Answer 6

The #1 way of learning it is practicing. I've been to countries where I didn't know one word of the language, but after a few weeks, with a simple guide, and lots of mingling, you learn way more than you ever could have in a structured class.

At least you have a family member who speaks the language. Make them speak in only Chinese to you, so you'll be forced to practice, just as if you were in the country itself.

Answer 7

go take post it notes, and write the words for things you see everyday - fridge, door, window, wall, stove, counter, etc - and stick a post it note on them with the word, and pronounce each word each time you see it!

also, get on chinese news websites. Read any books, even those meant for 2 year olds, in mandarin. have your mom speak to you first in mandarin, repeating in english when absolutely necessary!

Answer 8

Please take a look at this 10 minutes video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08uhRgBmhCE
Thank you.