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Mandarin Chinese: A list of things NOT to learn to say…courtesy of the Beijing Silk Alley



I recently "took up Mandarin."  Many of you may ask, "How does one just 'take up' one of the most difficult written and spoken languages in the world?" The story is unexpectedly short:

I went to China this Spring which endowed me with the passion I needed to put in the practice hours.  I received my inspiration from an education week teacher, John Hilton III.  He carried on a minute long conversation with one of my friends named Jenn.  I later learned that he learns from listening to tapes in his car and then eats out at Chinese twice a week to practice.  I acquired some learning tools online and have begun the long road myself this week.

So far I can say, "Excuse me; may I ask you a question?  Can you speak English/Mandarin?  I can speak a little English/Mandarin."

It's such a beautiful feeling to say that to random people and have them just look back at me with respect and awe.

Comments

  1. HeatherMon Sep 24, 12:01:00 PM MDT

    Good luck with that! A tricky language if ever I've heard one. I know you'll succeed at whatever you put your heart into.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Julie TTue Sep 25, 02:43:00 PM MDT

    Bryan, that is very interesting because I am holding a 2 cd-rom (pc and mac) Instant Immersion Mandarin set that I was saving to give you at Christmas! (bought it 6 weeks ago)
    Do you want me to send it down with the next visitors or to mail it at least?

    Remember, "Ma, ma, maa, ma, Maa, ma maa."

    ReplyDelete
  3. gwtWed Sep 26, 11:21:00 PM MDT

    Why is mom always the first one to post a comment on everyone's blog? Thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing your Mandarin when next we cross paths. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete

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