answersLogoWhite

0

go to classes to learn how to speak the language.

Answer:

There is no single "Chinese" language. You first have to determine which of the many dialects will be most useful to you. Most people will find Mandarin (used in Mainland China) or Cantonese (used in Hong Kong) most useful. However if your need is tied to certain region, the local dialect will be more useful.

You then have to find a teacher or school. This is essential as Chinese dialects are tonal languages. A sentence in Mandarin which transcribes into English as "Mah mah mah mah" (Isn't that mother horse mad) makes no sense to a Chinese listener unless the proper rising and falling tones are used. Even then you must ensure that the accents you are being taught will identify you as a educated person, not from the rural districts.

Schooling in the language will require some familiarity with the written language - not all texts are in phonetic English or Pinyin. Even then changes between the phonetic equivalents are obivous (Beijing used to be Peking)

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?