For centuries, China has been considered the land of infinite possibilities when it comes to foreign languages. With nearly 500 million native speakers, it is easy to see why. The challenge, however, is teaching Chinese to non-native speakers. It is difficult for a non-native speaker to master a different writing system. It also requires an investment of time and patience which many may not have available.
Traditional Methods
Despite the challenges, there still exist many traditional ways of teaching Chinese to children. The most popular method is through children’s books. The stories and poems in the books can be explained and new words can be pointed out to the children. They can also practice their pronunciation by speaking the words out loud as they read. There are numerous titles out there that focus on this approach and it can be a great introduction to the language for young children. However, it can also be extremely inefficient use of time for adults who want to learn quickly.
The E-learning Approach
Thanks to the internet, there now exist many different methods of teaching Chinese to children. An electronic learning (e-learning) platform like Rosetta Stone can be extremely beneficial. With thousands of vocabulary and phrases across all the major characters, it is possible to cover a broad range of topics in a short amount of time. Plus, with interactive games, videos, and animations, children can truly understand and experience the language before their eyes.
The Live Conversation Approach
In the same way that reading text-based material is useful for learning a language, so too can having a live conversation be extremely useful. With an interactive language assistant like Babbel being able to converse with children in their native tongue and even understand and repeat back complex sentences and phrases, it is possible to introduce the language while also helping them practice their speaking skills. Plus, by the end of the conversation, the child will have gained a new friend in the form of a robot!
Which Method Should You Use?
Each method of learning Chinese has its perks and quirks. If you are looking to learn quickly and efficiently, perhaps the e-learning method is the best for you. It is a great way to build up a vocabulum and get some practice speaking the language. However, if you are looking to introduce the language to your children, a traditional method like storybooks may be the way to go. For those who are just getting started, consider using one of the above-mentioned methods and finding your own rhythm.