1) I have interest in learning Cantonese, I know how to speak Chinese quite fluent. The thing is that all the words in cantonse is the same, it's just the way they pronounce it is different. Anyone ever tried to learn cantonese before? Any suggestion like which website to go? (i believe they dont have the book) and how long will it take to be able to communicate with people for daily conversation?
2) Korean. Totally new, learned japanese before but then totally forgot. Now since Korean is a truly difficult language to learn, any suggestion on how to learn it faster?
PS. Set aside the idea of taking course or having language partner.
2007-01-15 14:54:14 · 7 answers · asked by williams 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I'm fluent in Mandarin. Cantonese isn't too hard to pick up if you're already fluent in another Chinese language. But they have more tones than Mandarin and are hard to pronounce. It took me a while to get the Cantonese word for "me" down. In Mandarin it's "wo" but in Cantonese there's this weird "ngo" sound that's hard for me to make.
I learned Cantonese by watching Cantonese television shows and learning through friends. I can communicate on a basic to intermediate level now I think and I can understand even more. It's been a few months.
Korean's difficult. The only way is to really learn is to practice.
Here are a few tips you could use for any language though. I used them to become fluent in Mandarin. I'm studying Arabic now and these are the same strategies I use.
1. I usually review vocabulary and grammar right before I go to sleep and right after I wake up (like, looking at a textbook while I eat breakfast or brush my teeth). It really works (for any subject).
2. Repetition. Keep looking at the book :/.
3. Listening to things in that language. For example, I listen to Arabic and Chinese music and I watch Chinese television shows and as much Arab ones as I can. Even though I don't understand the Arabic songs at all (except for the ocassional word), it gets me used to the language.
I know there are a few Chinese television shows that teach Chinese that's geared towards English-speakers. I'm sure there are Korean ones like that as well.
Korean music, television shows, and movies are pretty easy to find in the US (I'm assuming you're in the US).
4. Labelling. I label things I've learned in Arabic (bookself, bathroom, table, etc.). I first start off with the romanization and then once I get that down, I move on to actual Arabic script.
5. Make new Arabic-speaking friends :). And speak to them of course! Plus, it also gets you a little closer to the culture. Aaand who can say no to more friends?
6. Children's books. Find children's books with really basic Korean and read them. It's definitely far better to enjoy reading something. It also gets you more exposed to the culture. Children's books are definitely really interesting to analyze. And it gets you in touch with your inner child ^_^!
7. If you've achieved a certain level, try to find good translations of your favorite books. It's a great way to learn and getting through an entire chapter feels like a huge accomplishment. Plus, it makes understanding a little bit easier because you'll know the story already. Helps with getting used to the grammar, etc.
8. I respond to my mother and close friends in Arabic when I can even though they don't understand a word.
I hope that helped!
2007-01-16 04:12:05 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How long did it take you to speak English + 1 more year because your not in the right enviornment for that language. Example I learned Italian in 8 months because I was living in Italy; but I forgot I lot of english and spanish because I was not in the right enviornment. Go to Asia to study it will 10X FASTER.
2007-01-16 10:45:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, what's your question?
In answer to your original question, it depends on how proficient you are in the new language, of course. It depends on how many hours you spend on the language, but many people take more than three years, even in an immersion environment.
2007-01-15 23:02:47 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
marry a korean girl and take a hongkie girl as a mistress, lol..
no, it's not easy to learn language, so you cant determine how long you will be able to master them. it takes time and motivation for sure!
2007-01-17 19:32:24 · answer #4 · answered by fivecuk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would take like about 2-4 months or so
2007-01-15 22:59:08 · answer #5 · answered by holywar 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think about a year if you really want to get deep into it
2007-01-15 23:02:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the hole lauguage it takes years,to learn it corretly
2007-01-15 23:21:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋