r/ChineseLanguage • u/HennaSea21 • Sep 01 '22
Studying Self-study progress. Approximately 100 000 lines of 汉字 practice.
People always curious how long it takes to learn Chinese.After about 5 years self-study, 200+ hours iTalki and 400+ hours casual language exchange. My level is LOWER intermediate!
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u/howyesnoxyz Sep 02 '22
what motivates you?
if no chinese friends, in what way are you immersed in that world that keeps you learning?
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 02 '22
I just think it’s a good hobby that engages my brain. Although it’s slow, gradually progressing is motivating in itself. One day, I hope to go to China, but fear this may not be possible. Will see,…
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u/SimplyChineseChannel Sep 02 '22 edited Sep 02 '22
There are 620K Chinese in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) according to the latest census (2021). So, you just need to pay a visit to Markham/Richmond Hill, and you'll be able to immerse yourself in Chinese. Save the $$$$$ air tickets for later.
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u/Little-Karl Sep 02 '22 edited Sep 02 '22
Don't worry, I've been using Chinese in my entire life. I'm still at basic level. Before u ask, I'm 18
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u/SimplyChineseChannel Sep 02 '22
Salute to you, man! That's a lot of practice! I'm sure your reading comprehension is pretty good now.
However, if you want to improve your listening and speaking, I would highly highly recommend to watch & listen more native contents (YouTube videos, podcasts, Netflix, etc.)
That's how I'm learning Spanish right now. 0 writing or speaking practice. 95% listening, and 5% reading (Google News in Spanish & etc.) I've spent 600 - 1000 hours listening attentively and in the background. And I'm considering myself B1 or B2 for listening and reading.
This is the mothod I'm using https://www.dreamingspanish.com/method and it would apply to any language as long as you can find comprehensible video/audio for your current level.
And if you are in GTA, I don't mind to do crosstalk with you to let you experience my language in real life. https://www.dreamingspanish.com/blog/crosstalk
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 02 '22
You are right. I have adhd so it’s hard to watch content tbh, but I’m definitely trying to increase my listening comprehension. I think I would agree podcasts and YouTube are some of the best methods. Just started 都挺好 series on YouTube and I really like it. Also recommend 家有儿女。 Dashu Mandarin Chinese Podcast (on YouTube) is my new favorite podcast.
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u/thatsabigwave Sep 02 '22
HSK 5书旁边的书是什么
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 03 '22
Just some graded readers / collection of articles from Purple Culture Chinese.
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u/_Gloominary_ Sep 02 '22
What's your favorite app/website for grammar?
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 03 '22
Grammar I just use HSK books, or website Yabla Chinese. But I actually am terrible at grammar and sentence structure in Chinese. I have always heard it is easy, but I find it tough to construct natural sounding Chinese sentences on my own.
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Sep 02 '22
Wife is chinese, 3 kids fluent and I just started HSK1. I probably know more than most starters, but I hope to be lower intermediate by year 5 like you.
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 02 '22
You hit the jackpot with a Chinese wife. You will progress wayyyyy faster than I.
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Sep 02 '22
Are these books good for beginners too?
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 02 '22
Yes you can buy “graded readers” online, starting around HSK 3. They are super helpful. If you don’t mind waiting for shipping, Purple Culture in Hong Kong has a ton of good options on their website.
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u/jaapgrolleman Sep 02 '22
OP, super well done!!!!!! Proud of you! And somehow it makes me proud I'm learning Chinese as well.
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u/Curious_Maze_14 Sep 02 '22
It’s so motivating! Please post other pics like this one. I’d loved it! I’m happy for you that you archived your goal. I hope you keep going.
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u/HennaSea21 Sep 01 '22
People always curious how long it takes for foreigners to learn Chinese. I am self-study Canadian with no real Chinese friends. Currently at HSK 5 level. I consider myself pretty well-rounded with speaking, listening and writing. I spend about 1-3 hours a day doing some form of studying. And I consider myself lower-intermediate. Just to put things in prospective for newbies and the curious.