Learning The Mandarin Chinese Language
Mandarin Chinese is the main language in Mainland China and is used on a day to day basis by more than 50% of the population. While there are a number of dialects spoken throughout Chinese provinces, the number of users of Mandarin Chinese is constantly growing, along with the growing status that now recognizes Mandarin as China’s official national language.
People right across the world learn chinese lessons for a variety of reasons including to improve their chances of employment, to help them negotiate internal business agreements or to enhance their travel experiences. While in the past, you may have been concerned about which Chinese language to learn and master, take heart that Mandarin is the second language of over 40 million people of Chinese descent throughout the world and so it is the natural choice when it comes to deciding to learn Chinese.
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The mandarin language utilizes the Pinyin alphabet, which is Latin based and uses four different tones. There are many Web sites that allow you to hear these tones as you learn to speak Mandarin. The following are a few basic phrases that you can learn to help you to become acquainted with the Mandarin pronunciation.
1. Ni Hao - Pronounced like “Nee How.” Translates into “You Good” and can be used as a greeting.
2. Xie Xie - Pronounced like “Shi-e Shi-e” or “Zhi-Zhi.” It means “Thank you” in Mandarin.
3. Bu Ke Qi - Pronounced like “Boo Ker Chi” with the “r” in “Ker” being pronounced with a British accent. It means “You’re Welcome.”
4. Tai Hao Le - Pronounced like “Thai Hao Lah.” It means “Wonderful.”
5. Na Li Na Li - Pronounced “Nah Lee Nah Lee.” This phrase is the proper Chinese response when someone compliments you or your spouse. You should not use the term “Xie Xie” as this is not the way the Chinese respond to compliments.
These are just a few basic conversational phrases that you can use when you learn to speak Mandarin. There are a few helpful tips that you may want to keep in mind when using these phrases. You should always repeat them as this is the way the Chinese conduct themselves during a conversation. You should smile as this is part of the Chinese etiquette system and avoid shrugging, as this has no meaning in the Chinese culture.
Chinese is a truly fascinating language to study and it is relatively simple to learn to speak Chinese at the fundamental level. Chinese is based on a simple structure language and character structure, and it uses varying tones to give different meanings to a word. As soon as you start to learn Chinese, you will realize though, that it is so much more than just a language though.
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